Vetrepreneur program launched to support veteran entrepreneur startups

Santa Barbara City College launched a new program for veterans called Vetrepreneurs.

The Jack and Julie Nadel School of Business is establishing a Vetrepreneurs track at SBCC.

Julie Nadel shared how thinks have changed since her late husband started his business.

Veterans in 1945 when Jack got out of the army after flying 27 missions in a B-29 after World War Two veterans became entrepreneurs at the rate of 49-plus percent , today veterans after 9/11, they get out of the service, they are becoming entrepreneurs at a rate of 4.9 percent, we have to fix that,” said Nadel.

SBCC President Anthony Beebe said it is a model for the country for veterans. “we know that veterans are phenomenal employees because they have a good work ethic, good moral character , they are dedicated, these are also characteristics of a good small business owner and that is why this Vetrepreneur program is such a great program for our veterans to be able to get involved with small businesses and start up a small business and be succsesful,

On Friday veterans were invited hear a former Green Beret turned businessman speak at the West Campus Fe Bland Forum.

Larry Broughton, an award-winning entrepreneur and CEO, best-selling author, hotelier, speaker, gave the keynote presentation.

The Vetrepreneur program hopes to connect veterans with resources to launch their venture.