How Semper Fi & America’s Fund supports veteran-owned businesses

Many veterans face challenges as they move from the military to civilian life, and one program aims to help them find a new sense of purpose through entrepreneurship.

According to Program Director Casey Fisher, Semper Fi & America’s Fund has an apprentice program that helps veterans, a nonprofit organization that offers a variety of programs that provide a variety of programs to support former service members, launching their businesses.

“Veterans face two challenges as they leave the military and pursue entrepreneurship,” Fisher told Fox Business. “One is lack of funds. Two is the feeling they are themselves.”

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Created 10 years ago, the apprenticeship program lasts around 12 months and has around 25 graduates each year. About 250 veterans have graduated from the program since its inception, Fisher said. Fisher has worked for a nonprofit for over 13 years.

According to Fisher, companies launched through the apprenticeship program include food trucks, gyms, online shops and comic book stores.

“You’ll name it,” he says, adding that veterans often have a natural edge when it comes to entrepreneurship because of the principles taught in the military. “Perhaps some people have tried it, and it’s been a success.”

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When working with veterans, Fisher said the program is the first to focus on finding what motivates them.

Companies launched through the apprenticeship program include food trucks, gyms, online shops and comic book stores. (Semper Fi & America’s Fund / Fox News)

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The team of advisors will then work with program participants to provide an “crash course” of entrepreneurship, ensuring that many former service members come to the program with limited knowledge of the fundamentals of the business.

When working with veterans, Fisher said the program is the first to focus on finding what motivates them. (Semper Fi & America’s Fund / Fox News)

Once participants reach a place where they can create a comprehensive business plan, they can grant money to cover the costs of tools, equipment and training, among other essentials, he said.

“I want to think of it as we put it in the engine,” Fisher said. “If you don’t have the tools to run your woodworking business, well, we can start developing what it looks like.”

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The Semper Fi & America’s Fund was founded in 2003 by military spouses and supported the injured while serving in Afghanistan and Iraq. Today, nonprofits are run by the same spouse, and according to their website, they provide care to service members, veterans and military families.

“There’s still a huge need,” Fisher said. “Post-traumatic stress hasn’t manifested itself in 20 years, and you don’t know about it. We want to be there for lifetimes of support.”