In the years following WWII, about 49% of military veterans started their own business. For today’s veterans, that number has fallen to about 5-7%.

What changed? Why the disparity? How does it impact today’s veterans? And most importantly, how can the community come together to change the status quo and put veterans back in business?

On this episode, host Greg Bedalov joins two leaders from the Veteran Business Project to explore how they’re opening doors for veterans—and what we can all do to help.

Special Guests

• Lynn Lowder, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, Veteran Business Project
• Dale Eisenberg, President and Co-Founder, Veteran Business Project

Dive Deeper

• As part of their mission, the Veteran Business Project owns and operates Rosie’s Home Cookin’, a retro diner in Naperville where the proceeds help benefit veterans and their families. Learn more about their new CityGate location here.
• In this episode, our guests explain how creating communities and opportunities can help veterans overcome mental health challenges. For more on this subject, listen to our recent podcast episode “From Crisis to Recovery” , where we explore how DuPage County is reimaging mental health services.
• Speaking of veteran business owners, listen to Episode 21 to hear the incredible story of John P. Calamos, Sr., a former Air Force pilot who went on to found several successful businesses while giving back to his community.

To keep up with what’s happening in DuPage County and the Chicagoland region, follow Choose DuPage on social media or visit ChooseDuPage.com/Ready.