GREENDALE, Wis. (CBS 58) — State spending for Wisconsin's disabled veterans is decreasing, according to the latest reports, but agency leaders say that doesn't have to be the case. ing. Support happens on so many levels. We spoke to a veteran entrepreneur who lives in Greendale.
Mike Doble has been running the Explorium Brewpub at Southridge Mall for the past seven years, but from 1992 to 1998, this was Doble's time in the U.S. Army.
“Honestly, the transition from the military to civilian life was actually kind of tough,” said Doble, owner of Explorium BrewPub.
The soldier and his wife moved to Milwaukee and took civilian jobs that didn't quite fit. So he started an engineering business, but he was a little apprehensive at first.
“I haven't really relied on my status as a veteran for grants or assistance or anything like that, which is really unfortunate because I didn't know those things were available to us,” Dobre said. .
Stories like Mr. Doble's motivate the Wisconsin Department of Government to spread the word about resources available to veteran entrepreneurs.
“We are extremely proud that Wisconsin ranks fourth in the nation for veteran employment support,” said Wisconsin Secretary of State Kathy Blumenfield.
A virtual roundtable held on Wednesday, January 31st, focused on topics such as grants and programs for veteran-owned businesses, where to apply, and deadlines.
Wisconsin has a goal of 1 percent of state purchases being donated to disabled veterans businesses. In FY 2021, it was lower than this at 0.51%, and in FY 2022, it fell further to 0.37%.
“Since I've started this business and gotten involved with several veterans groups and the Veterans Chamber of Commerce, they've made me aware of a lot of resources, counseling, support, grants, etc. He gave it to me,” Doble said.
Doble now proudly shares what he learned with other veterans who dream of opening their own businesses.
“And the first thing I tell them is go to the Veterans Affairs Chamber of Commerce. They're kind of the exchange place for anything that's available,” Doble said.
Below are some links to resources.
WDVA Grants to Nonprofit Organizations
Applying for the Veterans Employment Grant Program
Veteran Employment and Transition Assistance Grant Program Application Steps
Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs Retirement Grant
