Veteran-Owned Businesses Find Support at VETCON 2024
Returning Home: A Challenge for Service Members
Returning home is always a challenging experience for those who have served our country. An annual event in Albany, New York, is working to alleviate a specific challenge for veterans: starting a business.
A Focus on Support
"I was in the Navy. I served over in the Middle East and stationed in Georgia for a little bit as well," said Tim Wakefield, a veteran who attended VETCON 2024. The event was held at the Crowne Plaza Desmond Hotel, where veterans gathered to access state grants, resources, and networking opportunities to launch their businesses.
A State Law with a Goal
In 2014, New York State passed a law aiming to award 6% of state business contracts to service-disabled veteran-owned businesses. VETCON 2024 is working to ensure New York reaches this goal by providing support to service-disabled veterans.
Matchmaking and Resources
"10 years ago there was no set aside for disabled veteran-owned businesses in New York State," recalled Greg Rinckey, a veteran and sponsor of the event. "The magic happens in the matchmaking room where service-disabled veteran-owned businesses sit down with state representatives to match and land state contracts."
Overcoming Challenges
For John Hopka, who left the Air Force in 1984, the process can be daunting. "It narrows the field down, but you still have to be on your game," he said.
Cultural Adjustment
Wakefield, who runs a commercial diving business, understands the unique challenges people like him face. "It’s a huge culture change because you’re going from having this camaraderie and brotherhood and sisterhood where you feel like as soon as you get out, you have nothing. So finding something where you’re starting a business and feel like you’re absolutely alone, I think that’s a huge difficulty," he said.
Conclusion
Rinckey hopes to see the number of state contracts issued to veterans surpass the 6% goal and wants the program to remain in Albany to maintain its intimate size.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is VETCON?
A: VETCON is an annual event in Albany, New York, that aims to support service-disabled veteran-owned businesses by providing state grants, resources, and networking opportunities.
Q: What is the goal of VETCON?
A: The goal of VETCON is to help service-disabled veteran-owned businesses access state contracts and reach the 6% goal set by New York State.
Q: How does VETCON support veterans?
A: VETCON provides veterans with state grants, resources, and networking opportunities to help them launch and grow their businesses.
Q: What is the culture change that veterans face when transitioning to civilian life?
A: Veterans often face a significant culture change when transitioning from military to civilian life, where they may feel isolated and alone.
