Washington, DC - On Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 16^th, The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce (NPRChamber), in partnership with the Libre Initiative and Credit Junction, co-hosted a seminar for veterans interested in small business.  The event was held at the University of Central Florida and kicked off a series of national events catering to the needs of Hispanic veterans.

The veteran’s in small business seminar was created to offer resources to the growing number of veterans interested in entrepreneurship.  “These men and women have so much to offer, have given so much, and want to start a business. But sometimes they just lack the knowledge of how to start one, or are even unsure of what they can do given their skillsets,” said JustinVélez-Hagan, Executive Director of the National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce.

The event followed the university’s annual 5k to benefit veterans, and began with a panel of experts from the Small Business Administration (SBA), Small Business Development Center (SBDC), and Credit Junction who offered advice on the number of government resources available to help start and finance a new business.  A group of experts from SCORE, Florida Angel Nexus, Enterprise Florida, as well as successful local entrepreneurs and an expert in alternative forms of financing provided the crowd of veterans and local leaders with an introduction to the wide variety of community resources available. 

Following the seminar, local leaders, including city Commissioner Tony Ortiz, himself a veteran of the Marine Corps who moved to Orlando from Puerto Rico at an early age, provided thoughts on the importance of helping those who sacrificed for the rest of us.  “As a marine, I know the sacrifice you’ve all paid and I thank you for your service to this great country.  Now, it’s time we served you,” said Commissioner Ortiz.

The successful event connected local and national finance and small business leaders with the community, lending to the mission of the NPRChamber to support entrepreneurial development.  Future events are currently being planned for Northern Virginia, Charlotte, and Miami.

About The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce

The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce (NPRChamber) is a non-profit organization created to promote entrepreneurship and economic development amongst Hispanics and Puerto Ricans throughout the U.S.  Feel free to contact the NPRChamber via email:  PublicRelations@NPRChamber.org.