Preeminent attorney Mark Spognardi joins Veteran Business Project to help military veterans buy businesses.
Attorney Spognardi, of Spognardi-Baiocchi offers his time, knowledge, and experience to help veterans acquire and build their own businesses.
Mr. Spognardi focuses on representing management in traditional and non-traditional labor and employment law matters, including counseling, litigation, and appellate work. His practice includes representation in unfair labor practice and representation proceedings before the National Labor Relations Board; union-free campaigns; employment discrimination matters before federal and state anti-discrimination agencies and federal courts; Section 301 lawsuits; contract negotiations and arbitrations; drug and alcohol testing; occupational safety and health (OSHA
U.S. combat veteran, Eric Quandt runs Colorado Marathon to raise money for other veterans
Eric Quandt is a United States veteran on a very special mission.
After serving in the United States military, Eric learned the value of sacrificing self for the benefit of the whole team. He realized that by working together, a group can have a great impact on the lives of those involved in a mission.
Korner Beehive
From military deployments, to opening a much-needed local coffee shop back home in Villa Grove, Illinois, veterans, and best friends Mary Kite and Beth Floyd Jenkins took their knowledge of “service” to the next level. After deployments and returning home, Mary and Beth understood first-hand the challenges of stepping back into a ‘civilian life'. Additionally, their hometown didn’t have a local coffee shop and they had a plan. They wanted to provide a community space where everyone felt welcome. With the guidance of VBP, the Korner Beehive launched in July 2021. “When you’re surrounded by other veterans or items that remind you of your service, it can be a comfort,” said Mary. With pictures of local veterans and memorabilia throughout, any new veteran visiting is invited to bring in a photo for their walls. It’s been a great way for everyone in the community to come together and gather with pride. Please consider supporting VBP as we continue to help Veterans realize their dream of owning their own businesses.
Chicago Fire Boat Tours
Navy veterans Ray Novak and Erich Totsch had a dream of purchasing and converting the 1930s-era Fred A. Busse firefighting boat that served Chicago for many decades. Their vision was to bring the relic back to life and provide historic tours along the Chicago river and waterfront. With the help of VBP, the two veterans were able to navigate and secure the funding to make the deal happen. The excitement and demand have grown so great that the two veterans are in the process of purchasing a second vessel. Visit Chicago Fireboat Tours for more information. And, please consider supporting VBP as we continue to help Veterans realize their dream of owning their own businesses.
Veteran Business Project Featured in Stars and Stripes
Veteran Business Project Featured in Stars and Stripes In June 2019, we had the incredible honor of being featured in an article by Stars and Stripes. Check out the full story on the Stars and Stripes website, or download a copy here.
Missouri Passes Veteran Small Business Loan Guaranty Bill Initiated by 1 Vet At A Time (now, Veteran Business Project)
Missouri Passes Veteran Small Business Loan Guaranty Bill Initiated By 1 Vet At A Time (1VAAT) (now, Veteran Business Project). Missouri recently signed into law the House Bill 1503 which provides state guaranteed small business loans to Missouri military veteran entrepreneurs. 1VAAT worked cooperatively with Missouri State Representative Dean Dohrman in getting this ground breaking legislation drafted and passed. 1VAAT has now successfully initiated veteran small business loan guarantee legislation in two states (Illinois and Missouri)...with 48 states to go. A laborious process, this effort has never before been identified as a necessary goal for our veterans nor undertaken by anyone, much less a small team of self-funded, motivated volunteers. Lack of access to small business loans is THE primary reason why only 6% of our post 9/11 veterans are in business for themselves, as opposed to 49% of our WW II veterans. Recently re-named and re-branded the “Veteran Business Project” (VBP), we are now working to more rapidly advance this important state-by-state legislation nationwide in tandem with the National Guard.
1 VET AT A TIME Visits U.S. Veterans Chamber of Commerce
Our CEO, Lynn Lowder, and COO, Marti Stiteler, are traveling to Hartford, CT on August 17, 2017 for a three (3) day conference with Mike Zacchea and other staff of the United States Veterans Chamber of Commerce. USVCC is a groundbreaking entrepreneurial concept in support of our military veterans: www.usvcc.org
