Program encourages entrepreneurs and provides training
robert cloud
Jesse Cuffe, director of the Waupaca County Veterans Services Office, said his office is currently recruiting veterans for a $5,000 business grant.
Cuff spoke at the November 29th meeting of the Economic Development Commission in New London.
He said the Waupaca County Board of Directors has designated $150,000 of U.S. Relief Plan Act funds for grants to businesses owned by veterans and their spouses.
Participants accepted into the program will receive a $5,000 business grant upon completion of the Entrepreneurship Training Program (ETP) administered by the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.
To complete the program, veterans must spend nine weeks three hours a week learning the basics of running a business.
SBDC will offer four training programs over the next two years. Each class will be its own cohort.
According to Patrick Gatterman, SBDC Director at UW-Stevens Point, “Joining a cohort with other veteran and veteran spouse entrepreneurs for the ETP program will be a very unique opportunity for participants. “Surrounding yourself with people who have gone through similar experiences allows us to add even more value to the already very valuable content we have in our programs.”
Classes held on Zoom
Classes will be delivered via Zoom, giving participants the opportunity to interact and network with other members of the cohort.
Cuff said participants have different levels of business experience that they can share with each other during the class.
“After successfully completing the program, you will be awarded a $5,000 grant to start or expand your business,” Cuff said.
The first cohort will start in February 2023.
Eligible applicants must be current military personnel, honorably discharged veterans, or current/living spouses of veterans. Be a current resident or owner of a business located in Waupaca County. Complete the online application.
For program details and to apply, please visit bit.ly/WaupacaVET-GP online.
Cuff said the form will help veterans who need help.
New London mayor Mark Harter said he checked the form and found it easy to fill out.
The county VSO manages the program along with the Waupaca County Economic Development Corporation and SBDC.
