By DENISE A. RAYMO
MALONE — Veterans in the four-county area have a new resource to help them start their own businesses or expand an existing one.
The Veterans Entrepreneurial Business Outreach Assistance Program at ComLinks will counsel them on business matters, offer technical assistance and training, and help with a business plan and financial backing for their small business.
The vetrepreneur program covers honorably discharged veterans living in Franklin, Essex, Clinton and St. Lawrence counties and the St. Regis Mohawk reservation at Akwesasne.
Nick Curtis, director of economic development for ComLinks, introduced business counselors Richard Halliday and Steven Garneau to Franklin County legislators Thursday and said they are already working with clients.
A mobile unit will become available this spring, allowing the men to travel to vets who can't get to the offices.
Remote seminars and training will be offered through the mobile unit, Curtis said.
The program helps veterans set up a business or assists those already in business to expand.
Veterans organizations will be contacted to help spread the word about the new service, which will be in addition to the assistance vets receive from the county's Veterans Services office.
Curtis said some returning veterans have a hard time finding a job or securing one that pays a salary comparable to their pre-service wages.
Others are forced to leave the area to find work or are disadvantaged because they have to return to school for added training for a new career field.
Anyone seeking more information may call ComLinks at 483-1261 and use one of these extensions: 1012, 1019, 1013 or 1024.
E-mail Denise A. Raymo at: draymo@pressrepublican.com
