Veterans and Small Business

The compelling reasons for hiring veterans cover the gamut, from the benefits veterans can bring to your company to the tax credits you might receive if you complete a little paperwork. Employees exuding qualities like leadership, adaptability and working well under stress can help any business achieve greater heights.

Yet considering veterans for those qualities alone is only tapping into a small portion of their potential. Many veterans can enlist in your workforce with technical skills that can be a boost to your business. But, in many instances, you have to dig to discover what technical skills lie under the surface. As you interview and evaluate veteran candidates, see if they possess any of these important skills.

1. Mechanical skills. What the military uses, the military repairs. If you’re an entrepreneur in a mechanical field—or own a business with many mechanical assets, like a warehouse or towing company— see what mechanical skills vet applicants can bring to your shop. Some skills may not be listed because they’re not within the scope of a veteran’s former assignment. (more…)

While many entrepreneurs gripe about the tax burden government puts on small business, Uncle Sam does, on occasion, reward small business owners for doing the right thing. And when it comes to hiring veterans, the federal government provides tax incentives that encourage one of the best decisions a small business can make. But, in most cases, you’ll have to act fairly quickly in order to qualify for these tax credits.

The Returning Heroes Tax Credit

Signed into law on November 22, 2011, you only have until January 1, 2013, to qualify for this two-fold tax credit. The Returning Heroes credit is different based upon the length of the veteran’s unemployment.

· Short-term unemployment. If the veteran you hired was unemployed for at least four weeks, your business qualifies for a credit worth 40 percent of the veteran’s first $6,000 in wages (a $2,400 maximum credit).

· Long-term unemployment. If the veteran you hired was unemployed for longer than six months, your business qualifies for a credit worth 40 percent of the veteran’s first $14,000 in wages (a $5,600 maximum). (more…)

There are many ways that we can all help veterans find and maintain employment. Sure, there are plenty of government services in place that assist veterans in this area but this is only half the battle, and besides, there’s always room for improvement. If we’re ever going to lower overall veteran unemployment rates it will require a collaborative effort from all of us.

Rather than focus on WHY it’s important to support veterans when it comes to seeking and securing jobs, because the answer to why should go without saying, this article is geared towards HOW we can provide solutions no matter what our age or position.

Help Raise Awareness

To every problem there’s a solution and positive change can all begin by raising awareness. A little support really can go a long way. As a member of your community, whether you’re a student, business owner or even someone who is retired, there are countless ways you can get involved when it comes to helping veterans in your neighborhood find work. (more…)