Veterans Entrepreneurship Initiative Named the Top Partner for Small Business in Florida

Economic development organization recognized by the United States Small Business Administration
 
Orlando, Fla. (April 3, 2024) – As the Veterans Entrepreneurship Initiative looks to celebrate its 10^th anniversary of helping veterans at the May 9 Veterans Business Summit, it received a significant recognition for its work helping those who served.
 
Last week, the United States Small Business Administration named the organization as the 2024 North Florida and State of Florida Community Partner of the Year.
 
“Our goal has always been to help build our economy by giving veterans the tools they need to start and grow businesses throughout the state, creating thousands of jobs,” says Rafael Caamano, executive director, of Veterans Entrepreneurship Initiative. “We are so honored to have this organization recognize the work our team has been doing for so many years.”
 
The Veterans Entrepreneurship Initiative started as a product of the University of Central Florida in 2013 but became an independent organization five years later. The group focuses on providing one-on-one coaching, short seminars and intensive and immersive cohorts focused on key skills for entrepreneurs.
 
The organization recently completed a study of its impact and for the fiscal year ending in 2022, the organization created 504 direct, indirect and induced jobs with combined wages $34.6 million and a total economic impact of $106.3 million.
 
“This year, we’ve seen an incredibly competitive field of nominees, each demonstrating the vital role small businesses play in job creation and economic growth in our region,’ SBA North Florida District Director Jonel Hein said in a release. ‘Our winners exemplify not just entrepreneurial excellence but also a deep commitment to strengthening our community through significant employment opportunities.”
All winners will be recognized at The 2024 Small Business Week Award Winners and lenders will be recognized at the 32nd annual Small Business Week Celebration on May 10, 2024.
Anyone interested in attending the Veterans Business Summit can find more information here.
 
About Veterans Entrepreneurship Initiative: Since 2013, the Veterans Entrepreneurship Initiative has helped veterans realize and leverage those skills in an entrepreneurial setting. Whether you’re a veteran looking to explore an idea for a potential business or need help scaling your existing company, our mission is to empower and support veteran entrepreneurs through business guidance, education and mentorship. VEI currently offers three different programs that cater to various stages of business. From just having that great idea, to launching your start-up or scaling your current business, our programs are designed to meet your specific needs. In each program, VEI works with you to establish where you are, where you want to go, and how you can get there. For more information, please visit VEI.Center.