Veteran Fast Launch Initiative
Every year, over 180,000 dedicated men and women exit our nation's armed services after their loyal service to our nation. For over 45 years, SCORE has been a leader in providing mentoring and training to entrepreneurs through its network of 13,000 volunteer mentors and trainers. SCORE stands ready to answer the call of helping our veterans to transition into life as entrepreneurs.
The SCORE Foundation, in partnership with Facebook, is pleased to offer the "Veteran Fast Launch" initiative. This program is a combined package of free software and services combined with SCORE's mentoring program in order to help accelerate the ability of veterans and their families to start and succeed as small business owners.
Success Stories
ChristyAl Plaques & EngravingChristy & Al Kroell - Squaw Valley, CA After 20 years of service in the Navy and an accident while serving that left him disabled, Al Kroell found it difficult to find employment. His wife, Christy, was disabled too and the pair struggled to earn income to support themselves. Luckily Al’s hobby of woodworking, combined with new technology turned out to be a lucrative business opportunity. Al tried other programs aimed at helping veterans but none were as helpful as SCORE. He says, “SCORE has been there for us. If it wasn’t for SCORE I wouldn’t be where I am today.” |
Patriot TaxiwayKevin McDermott & Steven Smits - Lomira, WI Kevin McDermott & Steven Smits, a service-disabled veteran, had more than 20 years experience in the Air Force National Guard. They intended to operate a small company producing aviation lighting systems and 20 months into operations, they were awarded a $7.7 million contract from the Air Force to supply lighting at 28 bases. Kevin and Steve made a conscious decision to hire veterans and decided to use SCORE to help navigate the treacherous waters of being a new small business with a very large order.
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