Major General John Borling (USAF-ret) Joins Veteran Business Project Board to Help Scale Veteran Business Ownership Nationwide Decorated military leader, fighter pilot, former POW, business leader and nonprofit executive will support national growth as VBP expands its proven business acquisition model for veterans. NAPERVILLE, Ill. — Veteran Business Project, a nonprofit accelerating veteran business ownership, announced that retired Maj. Gen. John L. Borling has joined its board of directors. His appointment comes at a pivotal moment, as millions of small business owners approach retirement while millions of veterans transition from military service seeking renewed purpose and economic opportunity. Veteran Business Project is expanding its efforts to help bridge that gap by connecting veterans with existing businesses ready for new leadership. A Chicago native and 1963 U.S. Air Force Academy graduate, Borling served 33 years in high-level command and staff positions around the world. Shot down over North Vietnam on his 97th combat mission in 1966, he spent six and a half years as a prisoner of war, mentally composing poetry and tapping it through prison walls. Those poems were later published in "Taps on the Walls: Poems from the Hanoi Hilton," with a foreword by Sen. John McCain. After retiring from the military, Borling led a turnaround of Chicago's United Way, growing annual campaigns to more than $95 million. He is a life member of the Commercial Club of Chicago, a laureate of the Lincoln Academy of Illinois and a recipient of the Order [...]

Veteran Business Project Welcomes Raymond Jakubiak as Executive Vice President Chief Financial Officer Decorated combat veteran and Fortune 500 finance executive joins VBP to strengthen its organizational foundation and expand impact for veterans across the region. Veteran Business Project is proud to announce the appointment of Raymond Jakubiak as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. A decorated Green Beret, CPA, and 40-year finance executive with experience spanning Fortune 500 corporations and global consulting, Jakubiak brings the strategic and operational depth to accelerate VBP's growth and deepen its impact for veterans pursuing business ownership. Credentials Built Over a Lifetime of Service Jakubiak's background spans military service, corporate finance, and community leadership. He served in Vietnam from 1969 to 1970 as a Green Beret with the Army's Special Forces, earning three Bronze Stars (one for Valor), the Air Medal for Valor, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, and the Combat Infantryman Badge. After the Army, he built a career that took him from public accounting at Touche Ross to corporate controller and sector CFO roles at Motorola, to senior consulting work at Price Waterhouse and Deloitte, where he partnered with CFOs across the globe on finance transformation, process redesign, and technology enablement. He holds a CPA and completed Northwestern's Kellogg executive management program. His nonprofit record is equally substantial. He has served on numerous 501(c)(3) boards, co-founded the Illinois Aviation Museum, and helped sustain his hometown high school through years of board service and fundraising. He [...]

For Immediate Release February 6, 2025 Contacts: Meredith Krantz Media Relations (630) 947-2385 meredith@krantzstrategies.com  Tracy Grant Chief Legal Officer (847) 507-1971 tgrant@veteranbusinessproject.org   New initiative connects veterans with business opportunities in their communities, starting with the 6th and 36th wards CHICAGO, IL – Veteran Business Project (VBP) is proud to announce the launch of "A Veteran-Owned Business in All 50 Wards," a new initiative connecting Chicago veterans with opportunities to own and operate businesses in their neighborhoods. Building on the success of last year’s certification program, this initiative empowers veterans while fostering economic growth across the city. “This initiative represents the next step in our mission to empower veterans through entrepreneurship,” said Lynn Lowder, CEO and co-founder of VBP. “By helping veterans establish businesses in every ward, we’re not only providing them with opportunities to thrive but also contributing to the revitalization of Chicago’s neighborhoods. This partnership demonstrates how we can unite communities, veterans and local leaders to create lasting, positive change.” The program begins with pilots in the 6th Ward on the South Side and the 36th Ward on the Northwest Side, where Alderman William Hall and Alderman Gilbert Villegas are leading its rollout. “Veterans bring unparalleled leadership, dedication, and resilience to everything they do,” said Alderman Gilbert Villegas, 36th Ward. “In the 36th Ward, this program will not only transform the lives of veterans but also spark growth and opportunity for our community.” “The 6th Ward is ready to embrace this initiative [...]

For Immediate Release Monday, August 5, 2024 Contacts: Meredith Krantz Media Relations (630) 947-2385 meredith@krantzstrategies.com  Caitlyn Brooksby VP Marketing & Strategic Partnerships caitlyn@canaryspeech.com  Veteran Business Project and Canary Speech Unite to Transform Veteran Entrepreneurship with Groundbreaking Mental Health AI Technology  Innovative partnership delivers cutting-edge vocal biomarker technology to veteran entrepreneurs, empowering them to enhance mental health and business success  Chicago, IL, August 5, 2024 — In a groundbreaking collaboration, Veteran Business Project (VBP), a nonprofit champion of veteran entrepreneurship, and Canary Speech, the leading AI-powered voice biomarker health tech company that uses real-time vocal analysis to screen for mental health and neurological disorders, have partnered to equip veteran entrepreneurs with revolutionary tools to manage their mental health, enhancing their business success and overall well-being. Utilizing Canary Speech’s proprietary AI technology through an app, a 40 second voice recording processes millions of data points in a person’s speech and reports back results of their stress, mood, and energy levels immediately. This real-time assessment allows veterans to monitor their mental health effectively, understand potential mental health triggers, and receive personalized wellness recommendations. This initiative gives veterans the tools to actively manage their mental health and focus more effectively on achieving their business objectives. “This partnership with Canary Speech aligns seamlessly with our mission of 'Offering Hope, Saving Lives,'” said Lynn Lowder, CEO and Founder of Veteran Business Project. “By equipping our veterans with cutting-edge technology, we’re not just enhancing their ability to succeed in [...]

The City of Chicago proudly announced a major partnership with VBP, marking a significant milestone in the city's continued commitment to empower veterans and stimulate economic growth. This initiative aims to assist local veterans in becoming Veteran Business Enterprise (VBE) certified to take advantage of the City of Chicago veteran programs and incentives. "Our collaboration with the City of Chicago, led by Mayor Brandon Johnson and his administration, exemplifies our commitment to empowering veterans through strategic partnerships. Together, we aim to connect more veterans with business opportunities and provide ongoing support throughout their entrepreneurial journey," said Lynn Lowder, CEO and Co-Founder of VBP. VBP will assist veterans in applying for certifications, making it easier for more veterans to discover and gain access to these opportunities. Through this program, veteran-owned businesses can access various city contracts spanning industries such as construction, work services, professional services, and information technology. If you are a veteran interested in taking advantage of this initiative, we encourage you to register today. Register Today You can access the official Press Release for this announcement here.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The Duchossois Family Foundation donates nearly $1M to Veteran Business Project CHICAGO, IL, (Feb. 20, 2023) -- Veteran Business Project is pleased to announce The Duchossois Family Foundation (TDFF) has donated $935,000. The funding, spread over a three-year period, addresses projected expansion goals, provides technology and marketing support, and the hiring of additional business mentors. “We deeply believe in the Veteran Business Project and their efforts to help launch the next generation of veteran entrepreneurs,” said Mary Ann Roeser, President of The Duchossois Family Foundation. “Small business is the backbone of the American economy and veterans are hard-wired for success in this arena - they just need access to capital, networking, and mentorship. The Veteran Business Project provides this critical support and much more.” “Veteran Business Project is proud to enter this long-term partnership with The Duchossois Family Foundation, one of the country’s most committed and generous philanthropic organizations, and we are grateful for their support,” said Lynn Lowder, U.S. Marine Corps veteran and CEO of the Veteran Business Project. To learn more about the Veteran Business Project, see www.veteranbusinessproject.org About The Duchossois Family Foundation: Established in 1984 by first- and second-generation family members, The Duchossois Family Foundation strives to empower individuals to enhance their quality of life through wellness and economic opportunity. Their strategy is to focus on the veteran population and veteran-serving organizations. About the Veteran Business Project: The Veteran Business Project promotes military veterans and spouse small business ownership opportunities. Through our unique [...]