El Paso Veterans Business Resource Center

06/12/2023

They also served - Salute to all who wore the uniform!

03/13/2023

As a former Veterans Advocate and Executive Director if the Veterans Business Association, I am often asked: How can I help other Veterans?

First, decide WHAT you want to do - arm yourself with KNOWLEDGE - build your own NETWORK of professionals in that area - know who to contact for help in your community inside and outside the Veteran community.

ONE person cannot do it all but everyone can do ONE thing.
Develop your own list of community and Veteran resources and push the elected leaders in your area to place Veteran resources on their websites and the websites of your city and county if they are not already being prominently displayed.

Here in El Paso Texas, one of the best places to start is with the Emergence Health non profit and the El Paso Veterans One Stop Center that is a tremendous resource for Veterans of all eras AND family members.

The more you know - the more you can do to help!

02/18/2023

Defenders of Potential Breakfast – Big Brothers Big Sisters of El Paso

You served your country - how about serving your community?

March 2, 2023 at DoubleTree Hotel A fun and powerful morning featuring testimonies from some of our best mentor/mentee matches and a fantastic look at the children you’ve so generously helped. You’ll enjoy a delicious hot breakfast, then be inspired and out in time for the workday! RESERVATION R...

02/04/2023

The Road to Perdition: 10 Tips for Ruining Your Next Meeting

As business people, we are often called to be in a meeting or maybe conduct a meeting - I often fall back to my Army days ensure that any meeting I am facilitating is a successful meeting.

Here are some tips from Military Writers Guild:
https://news.clearancejobs.com/2023/01/10/the-road-to-perdition-10-tips-for-ruining-your-next-meeting/?fbclid=IwAR05xSBWztLLg4KjYmgMPBgv_a0DFdotlhINRqv6lvAvD1pZirM7QSpC1uA

We’re already suffering from bad meetings. How can you take that torture to the next level? Not surprisingly, there’s a list for that.

01/17/2023

help pass the word - the more you know, the more you can do to help.

Are you planning your transition from military life, but uncertain about your civilian career? Consider participating in SkillBridge, a U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) program for transitioning service members. SkillBridge connects service members with industry partners in real-world job experiences at more than 1,000 public and private organizations across the country. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has SkillBridge opportunities for civilian careers at different offices and programs.

Learn more: https://skillbridge.osd.mil/program-overview.htm

01/15/2023

The more you know - the more you can do!

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is committed to providing Veteran-owned businesses with the resources and services they need to succeed. Check out our Veteran Entrepreneur Portal for resources on accessing financing, growing your business, and updates on outreach events: https://www.va.gov/osdbu/entrepreneur

01/13/2023

The Road to Perdition: 10 Tips for Ruining Your Next Meeting

Bad meetings lead to bad feelings - learn what bad meetings look like from the Military Writers Guild:

We’re already suffering from bad meetings. How can you take that torture to the next level? Not surprisingly, there’s a list for that.

01/05/2023

The more you know - the more you can do to help - pass this on to your own circle and help pass the word.

Are you a Veteran in a rural community?

We are hosting the Virtual Rural Veteran Outreach Symposium on Thursday, January 19, 2023, from 12:00pm to 3:00pm E.T. We’ll be talking about overcoming barriers, accessing behavioral health care, as well as current VA benefits, resources and services available to Veterans, their family members, caregivers, survivors and advocates.

For more information about this virtual event, visit https://www.va.gov/outreach-and-events/events/52228

01/04/2023

They hold military rank and serve quietly - a salute to all who serve.

Happy Birthday to the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service! On this day in 1889, the 50th congress recognized the Commissioned Corps of the United States Public Health Service as one of the eight U.S. Uniformed Services.

12/30/2022

fyi

On January 1, 2023, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is launching a new life insurance program called Veterans Affairs Life Insurance (VALife). VALife is open to all Veterans age 80 or under with any level of service-connected disability rating from VA (0-100%). Benefits include:

- Up to $40,000 in coverage
- Cash value component
- No deadline to apply if you are age 80 or under
- No medical requirements for enrollment
Competitive premiums that are better than many private sector offerings

Learn more: https://www.benefits.va.gov/insurance/valife.asp

12/21/2022

It is that time of year - time to pause and reflect - the members of the Veterans Business Association wish all of you that celebrate the holiday season, a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and a safe and Happy holiday.

12/09/2022

fyi

11/29/2022

fyi

11/27/2022

the more you know - the more you can do

Today is ! U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is committed to providing Veteran-owned businesses with the resources and services they need to succeed.

Check out our Veteran Entrepreneur Portal for resources on accessing financing, growing your business, and updates on outreach events: https://www.va.gov/osdbu/entrepreneur/

11/26/2022

Don't forget - shop small - shop Veteran.

11/25/2022

fyi - Today, we honor their service.

Native Americans have played a crucial role in every U.S. conflict dating back to the Revolutionary War. U.S. Census Bureau data from 2017 show that there are more than 140,000 living Native American Veterans.

As of May 2, 2022, the Navajo Nation Veterans Administration is the first tribal organization recognized by U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to assist Native American Veterans with their benefits claims. Initiated through the Tribal Representation Expansion Project, this recognition will enhance representation for Native Americans while honoring tribal sovereignty by promoting avenues toward accreditation within tribal communities.

Learn more: https://news.va.gov/105123/more-benefits-claims-support-available-to-native-american-veterans/

11/22/2022

Show your support of the places you love. Shop Small®.

Shop Small this Saturday - shop Veteran.

Learn about the nationwide Shop Small movement to help small businesses and communities thrive, proudly backed by American Express.

11/18/2022

Take a moment and check in to let us know you are OK and then check on a buddy or family member!

Our busy lives can make it hard to keep up with loved ones and friends. Make the time today to pick up the phone and check on a buddy. You never know the positive impact one call may make.

10/07/2022

Buddy Check! Make the call!

09/25/2022

There are no words to express our grief and support for the families of the fallen.

From the VA: On June 23, 1936, Congress designated the last Sunday of September as Gold Star Mother’s Day. In 2011, in a proclamation by President Barack Obama, the observance was renamed to include the recognition of Gold Star family members. We remember the mothers and family members of the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice.

09/18/2022

Aim High!

Happy 75th birthday, U.S. Air Force! Since Sept. 18, 1947, the U.S. Air Force has held true to its motto, “To fly, fight, and win… airpower anytime, anywhere.” Thank you, active-duty and Veteran Airmen, for your service.

09/16/2022

Today we honor those that have not come home.

Today we support the Veterans Stand Down for El Paso Homeless Veterans.

Today we remember!

Today, we honor the lives of American Former Prisoners of War and those still missing in action. You are not forgotten.

Visit https://www.benefits.va.gov/persona/veteran-pow.asp to learn more about the programs and services VA offers American Former Prisoners of War.

09/03/2022

Help pass the word - they also served - never forget our sisters-in-arms.

The Women Veterans Call Center is your resource for information about the services and benefits that you have earned through your military service.

- This service is free and confidential, and you can call as many times as you need.

- All calls are answered by women, some of whom are Veterans themselves.

Learn more: https://www.womenshealth.va.gov/wvcc.asp

09/01/2022

It is that time of year to talk about the elephant in the room - too many of our brothers in arms are being taken out of the fight - the best way that we can help is to - call and check on a buddy to day - call a friend - call a family member that you have not spoken to in a while - BE THE REASON SOMEONE SMILES TODAY!

September is National Su***de Prevention Month. Be sure that all of the Veterans in your life know about the new Veterans Crisis Line number, 988. You don’t have to be enrolled in U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs benefits or health care to connect with the Veterans Crisis Line. In 2019, 45,861 adults in the U.S. died by su***de. Of those, 6,261 were Veterans.

You're not alone. If you would rather text or chat online with a VA Su***de Prevention Coordinator, those options are also available:

Text: 838255
Chat: VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat

Learn more: https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/

***dePreventionMonth

08/22/2022

The more we know, the more we can do to help - Veterans have questions and the VA is always the best place to start.

Looking for resources on caregiver coaching, counseling, or support? We've got you covered! Check out the Caregiver Resource Directory from National Resource Directory and Warrior Care to find resources in your area.

Start your search: https://nrd.gov/misc/crdDownload

08/05/2022

Read - Head - and Pass it on - The more you know, the more you can do to help.

If you’re a Veteran who lives overseas, you remain entitled to the benefits and services you earned through your military service. Do you have questions about direct deposit, currency conversion, or foreign schools? We've got you covered!

Learn more: https://www.benefits.va.gov/persona/veteran-abroad.asp

You can also speak to a benefits representative at an American embassy or American Consulate: https://www.ssa.gov/foreign/foreign.htm 🌎

07/28/2022

fyi - help pass the word - "like" and "share"

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs strives to provide women-owned businesses the resources they need to build a foundation for success. VA-associated organizations like VA's Office of Small & Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) Women Veteran-Owned Small Business Initiative (WVOSBI) and the VetBizLadyStart program are here to offer support to women entrepreneurs.

Learn more: https://blogs.va.gov/VAntage/101210/what-women-veteran-owned-business-entrepreneurs-need-to-know/

07/25/2022

Money makes the world go around - from our partners at the El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

07/19/2022

Modern Warrior Live- El Paso, TX

Mark you calendars - From our partners at the Endeavors Cohen Family Clinic:

PLEASE SHARE WITH ALL YOUR MILITARY AND VETERAN NETWORKS

Join us on August 13, 2022 for an amazing evening at The Plaza Theater where Aliviane will host and Endeavors will co-sponsor a free Modern Warrior Live concert for the Veteran and Active- Duty Service Member community, their families, and friends!

Modern Warrior LIVE (MWL) is a national non-profit dedicated to creating an understanding between veteran and civilian communities through live performances, collaborative workshops, and the sharing of stories. MWL de-stigmatizes mental illness and provides a catalyst for meaningful conversation about the effects of trauma, depression, post-traumatic growth, and resiliency.

To learn more about Modern Warrior Live, please visit: www.modernwarriorlive.org

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/modern-warrior-live-el-paso-tx-tickets-367092412287

Join us for a free concert by Modern Warrior Live in El Paso, TX; hosted by Aliaviane and co-sponsored by Endeavors

07/18/2022

The office will be open from 10 am until 2 pm tomorrow - the 19th of July - for any questions on business start ups or business planning or marketing or access to capital and go through local area resouces to assisr Vetean Owned Small Businesses (VOSB's)

07/14/2022

fyi - just a reminder of a little used benefit - help pass the word.

The Department of Defense expanded commissary shopping privileges in the U.S. effective 1 January 2020 as part of the Purple Heart and Disabled Veterans Equal Access Act of 2018, included in the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019. This expansion adds to the existing authorized shopper list found on our web page: https://bit.ly/3wU1NMy

Access was expanded to include:
• Veterans with any service-connected disability
• Purple Heart recipients
• Former Prisoners of War, and
• Individuals approved and designated as the primary family caregivers of eligible Veterans under the Department of Veterans Affairs Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers

Overseas Veterans should check with their local installation to verify privileges.

07/08/2022

Attention Veterans - pass on the word to your spouses and family - the VA does have support for surviving spouses.

In times of loss, VBA is here for you. The Office of Survivors Assistance will provide support as you navigate VA’s benefits and services and help determine what your next steps will be. The Office of Survivors Assistance can be reached at 1-202-461-9383 or via email at [email protected]

Answers to frequently asked questions for survivors can be found here: https://www.va.gov/SURVIVORS/FAQs.asp

07/08/2022

Join with Veterans and pay your respects to one of El Paso's strongest Veterans Advocates. Check out the Veterans Non Profit and a;; that they do for our local Veterans in need.