UW-Platteville, WVCC launch business certificate program for veterans
Military veterans and service members will have a chance to learn how to start their own businesses through a new UW-Platteville certificate program.
The Veterans to Business Venture Certificate program will guide participants through each phase of launching a viable business venture. The program consists of three courses, each lasting five weeks, facilitated by an instructor and delivered in an asynchronous online format. The first cohort begins Oct. 5.
UW-Platteville's School of Business and Continuing Education Institute built the program in collaboration with the Wisconsin Veterans Chamber of Commerce (WVCC). The partnership bridges the gap between academic resources and the veteran business community across Wisconsin, providing military veterans and service members with the practical tools and knowledge they need to start and build successful businesses.
"I am grateful that our business school has the opportunity to collaborate with WVCC to serve veterans with this program. As a veteran myself, I’m passionate about seeing successful transitions into the civilian workforce,” said Dr. Les Hollingsworth, director of the School of Business at UW-Platteville. “By combining UW-Platteville’s academic rigor with direct input from veteran business leaders, we are ensuring this curriculum addresses real industry demands and prepares these entrepreneurs for success."
The WVCC provides educational programming, mentorship, and support for veteran-owned and military-connected businesses. The chamber will play an active role in the certificate program, serving as an advisor on industry relevance and providing feedback through its statewide membership network. Graduates will receive preferential selection and invitations to attend the WVCC’s annual Salute the Troops event, expanding their networking opportunities within the state's veteran business ecosystem.
"This collaboration is a perfect example of mission alignment between two organizations who are committed to community development through impactful educational programming,” notes WVCC President and CEO Christian Thornton. “We believe this collaboration will add immense value to the veteran business community and help to reinforce Wisconsin’s status as the go-to place for transitioning service members to start a business.”
To learn more about the Veterans to Business Venture Certificate or to register, visit https://go.uwplatt.edu/vetscert or the Wisconsin Veterans Chamber of Commerce at www.wiveteranschamber.org.
About the University of Wisconsin-Platteville School of Business: The UW-Platteville School of Business delivers practical, high-impact business education that prepares future professionals. Offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional development programs, the school’s coursework regularly includes community projects that help students bridge theory to practice.
About the Wisconsin Veterans Chamber of Commerce: The Wisconsin Veterans Chamber of Commerce is a statewide membership organization dedicated to supporting veteran-owned businesses, military-connected entrepreneurs, and veteran-friendly employers across Wisconsin. WVCC serves as the advocate and economic engine for the state's veteran business community.