Veterans Entrepreneurship Initiative Receives One of 10 VyStar Foundation Military Grants

Non-profit organization supporting veteran startups in Central

Florida recognized

Orlando, Fla. (June 22, 2023) – Thanks to the generosity of VyStar Foundation, even more veteran entrepreneurs will be able to refine and grow their businesses. 

At a ceremony in Jacksonville on June 7, VyStar Foundation presented the Veterans Entrepreneurship Initiative with more than $17,000 to help expand its services. It was one of 10 organizations and the only one in the Orlando metropolitan area to receive a grant. The Foundation awarded nearly $200,000 across its regional footprint during this inaugural grant cycle.

“We’re so appreciative of this grant from VyStar Foundation to help grow our program and believe the education it provides our veterans will result in jobs for our state,” says Ricardo Garcia, co-founder, Veterans Entrepreneurship Initiative. “Our training is filling up extremely quickly as there are so many veterans who are looking to start their own business or learn specific skills and tools on how to grow their business.”

Veterans Entrepreneurship Initiative was spun out of the UCF Business Incubation Program three years ago and has served more than 400 veteran entrepreneurs through services like cohorts, seminars, networking and one-on-one counseling. Over the past three years, more than 500 new jobs have been created or sustained by clients of Veterans Entrepreneurship Initiative. 

The organization is 100 percent funded through private and public partnerships, including significant funding from Orange County Government, the State of Florida and Veterans Florida.
 
“Each of the 10 nonprofit organizations selected as part of this grant cycle are truly making a difference in the lives of our military, veterans and their families,” said Patricia McElroy, President VyStar Foundation. “It is our privilege to be able to provide them with much-needed support to enhance their efforts. VyStar’s spirit of philanthropy is deeply embedded in who we are along with our commitment to our brave service
members.” 

According to VyStar Foundation’s release, “VyStar Foundation is dedicated to doing good and leading by example through collaborative partnerships that support military members and veterans, youth, and overall community vitality in the areas served by VyStar.

“Grants through VyStar Foundation are available to 501(c)(3) organizations whose purpose and mission align with the Foundation’s strategic giving pillars: 

• Military: Ensuring military members, veterans and their families receive the social services they need and the recognition they deserve
• Youth: Empowering youth by providing equitable access to creative learning environments 
• Community Building: Cultivating financially strong, culturally vibrant, and interconnected communities.

For more information, please contact Alan Byrd, Alan Byrd & Associates, 407-415-8470,
alan@byrdconnections.com 

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.

About VyStar Foundation: As VyStar Credit Union’s philanthropic arm, VyStar Foundation was established in 2021 to strengthen the credit union’s ability to do good. Operating as a 501(c)(3) charity, the Foundation is dedicated to doing good and leading by example through collaborative partnerships that support youth, military members and veterans and overall community vitality in the areas served by VyStar Credit Union. For more information, visit vystarfoundation.org.