Veteran Business Project

Creating opportunities. Strengthening communities. Empowering veterans.

Veteran Business Project is working to expand veteran business ownership throughout Chicago by helping veterans acquire and lead existing local businesses across the city.

This initiative connects veterans with mentorship, business resources, and transition support while also helping retiring business owners preserve the legacy they’ve built through trusted new leadership.

The result is stronger neighborhoods, continued local economic growth, and more veteran-owned businesses making an impact in every Chicago ward.

Learn more and join the mission: https://hubs.ly/Q04jNV9v0

Navy veteran Ralph Venturanza is turning service into entrepreneurship with the opening of Laundry Works Laundromat.

After more than a decade in the Navy, Ralph and his family built a community-focused business with a simple mission: "We have to be there for the community."

Veteran Business Project is proud to have supported Ralph on his journey to business ownership. Congratulations to Ralph and the Laundry Works team!

Support this veteran-owned business by visiting, sharing their story, or leaving a review.
Learn more about Ralph and his journey at https://hubs.ly/Q04lJzWW0

Music. Community. Patriotism. Purpose.

ROCKIN’ FOR OUR VETS – AMERICA 250 is coming to Cantigny Park on Saturday, July 11, and you won’t want to miss it!

Featuring a live performance by Gary Sinise & The Lt. Dan Band and special guest HunterGirl, this powerful event helps raise support for disabled Veterans and their families.

Every ticket purchased helps provide critical housing and essential services for those who have sacrificed so much for our nation.

Cantigny Park – Wheaton, IL
Doors Open at 2 PM | Concert Begins at 7 PM

Join us for a night that celebrates America while giving back to our heroes.

Tickets available now: https://hubs.ly/Q04jN-xd0

We're proud to welcome Raymond Jakubiak as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Veteran Business Project.

A decorated Green Beret, CPA, and veteran finance leader, Raymond brings the experience and vision to help VBP reach more veterans and strengthen small businesses across our communities.

https://veteranbusinessproject.org/veteran-business-project-welcomes-raymond-jakubiak-as-executive-vice-president-chief-financial-officer/

Your military service built leadership, discipline, and resilience—skills that can power your next chapter in business.

Through vharmony®, veterans receive personalized mentorship, business resources, and practical guidance tailored to support entrepreneurs at every stage of the journey.

Whether you’re developing a new idea, launching your first business, or looking to grow an existing venture, vharmony® is designed to help veterans turn experience into opportunity.

Your next mission could be business ownership.

Get started today: https://hubs.ly/Q04jPcjv0

VETERAN REGISTRATION - Veteran Business Project In The Trenches Going into business for yourself is an enormous step. That said; as a veteran, no one is trained to get into the trenches of business ownership better than you. You have the discipline, drive and desire to win. Are you willing to work hard, learn, put in the time, manage the risks an...

From Marine Corps service in Iraq to crafting custom woodwork in Bolingbrook, Drew Katchmar has turned discipline and creativity into a new mission.

After leaving the military and working in law enforcement and the private sector, Drew launched DK Custom Woodwork in 2020—building handcrafted cutting boards, cocktail smokers, and more into a growing full-time business.

What started in a garage is now a thriving brand built on craftsmanship, independence, and veteran grit.

Read the full story: https://hubs.ly/Q04jPfrd0

Happy 251st Birthday to the U.S. Army!

Today, we honor 251 years of courage, service, and sacrifice from the soldiers of the United States Army—the nation’s oldest military branch.

At Veteran Business Project, we’re proud to stand with Army veterans who continue their mission in new ways—leading businesses, creating jobs, and strengthening communities across the country.

To all who have served and continue to serve: your commitment to duty and excellence continues to inspire.

Thank you—past, present, and future.

Have you heard the news? We're now rated by Charity Navigator! You can knowing that we have been independently evaluated for being effective.

Check out our Charity Navigator profile to learn more!
https://hubs.ly/Q04l5lGw0.

Today, on Women Veterans Day, we honor the service, sacrifice, and leadership of women who have worn the uniform in defense of our nation.

At Veteran Business Project, we recognize that their impact doesn’t end with military service—it continues through entrepreneurship, leadership, and community building. We are especially proud of the women veteran business owners who are breaking barriers and creating opportunity for others.

Your service has already shaped history. Your next chapter continues to shape the future.

Learn more and get involved with vharmony®: https://hubs.ly/Q04jNN9l0

Reliable transportation can change everything.

For many veterans and military families, access to a dependable vehicle means the ability to get to work, grow a business, attend appointments, and create new opportunities for the future.

That’s why the Keys to Progress® program from Progressive is making a difference by helping veterans overcome one of the biggest barriers to stability—transportation.

Applications are now open for veterans and military family members in need of a vehicle for employment or business purposes, but the deadline is approaching fast on August 7.

Learn more and apply today: https://hubs.ly/Q04jNXFk0