Veterans Find New Purpose Through Business Initiatives

Devin St. Pierre served in the Army with a clear sense of purpose. In logistics or aviation units maintaining Black Hawk helicopters, his role was essential. But after his six-year service ended, he encountered new challenges. Despite his skills as a sheet-metal mechanic, these did not easily translate to civilian life.

The Aurora resident found a new mission with the help of Veteran Business Project (VBP), a charity based in Naperville. VBP assists veterans in acquiring skills to start or run a business. Recently, it was one of five nonprofits to receive the 2026 Fisher Service Awards for Military Community Service from the Fisher House Foundation. These awards recognize innovative efforts that better the lives of military personnel and veterans.

Objective of the Charity

VBP’s mission is to lower the unemployment rate among veterans, which it states is higher than that of the general population. The organization believes veterans are well-suited to entrepreneurship due to their discipline, teamwork, and mission-focused mindset.

For instance, customers at Rosie’s Home Cookin’ in Naperville can learn about VBP while awaiting their orders. The nonprofit connects veterans with business coaches. These coaches provide guidance on staff management, financial processes, customer service, and more. In its Living Business School, veterans and their spouses engage in practical exercises to hone these skills.

Practical Experience

St. Pierre, who studied business in college, has leveraged this opportunity to grow his own enterprise. He built experience in logistics during his service and later worked in a factory. Unhappy with stagnant wages, he transitioned to working as a carpenter, painter, and artist, producing cabinets and furniture.

He explained, “I’m seeking help to expand my business. While I can handle the work, I’m learning the ropes of subcontracting, client acquisition, and networking.”

Veteran Support

What sets VBP apart is the camaraderie among veterans. St. Pierre highlighted, “I spent a long time isolated after leaving the service. This initiative gets me interacting with others, improving my communication skills.”

“Veterans are relational,” noted Dale Eisenberg, VBP’s president and co-founder. Recognizing that not all veterans wish to start from scratch, the VBP launched the vharmony program. This initiative connects veterans with business owners seeking successors.

Founder’s Insights

Eisenberg, with about 50 years in the restaurant sector, didn’t serve in the military. Co-founder Lynn Lowder, the CEO, however, spent 16 years in the Marine Corps. He highlighted that after World War II, nearly 49% of veterans owned businesses. This number dropped significantly post-9/11.

One issue veterans face today is limited access to capital. In previous generations, local bankers might personally know a veteran and take risks on their business. Today, a “silver tsunami” is evident, with retiring baby boomers seeking business buyers.

“There’s unparalleled opportunity now,” Lowder stated, emphasizing the importance of VBP’s support beyond just business operations. The charity’s focus shifted from business entry to “Offering Hope and Saving Lives.”

Comprehensive Support

VBP also tackles the veteran suicide crisis. By developing trust and relationships, mentors can identify veterans in distress, connecting them with PTSD resources.

Lowder remarked, “Participants gain genuine, achievable hope for the future. They can manage their own companies and assist fellow veterans, finding new reasons to continue.”