NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS
413 N. SALISBURY STREET, RALEIGH, NC 27699
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 7, 2018
Contact; Angella Dunston
Phone: 984-204-8336
Email: angella.dunston@milvets.nc.gov
NC DMVA Announces New Program to Assist Incarcerated Veterans to Become Entrepreneurs
Raleigh — The NC Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (NCDMVA) announced a new pilot program this week that will provide formerly incarcerated veterans resources to become entrepreneurs. The pilot, which is titled “Incarcerated Veterans 2 Entrepreneurship” (IV2E) is designed to assist former and currently incarcerated veterans with their transition back into civilian life.
NCDMVA Secretary Larry Hall stated that, “The idea of the IV2E pilot program stemmed from Governor’s Roy Cooper State Reentry Council Collaborative (SRCC).” The SRCC aims to assist formerly incarcerated individuals transitioning from prisons with resources and support to help them become productive members in their communities. Hall said, “Veterans account for 9% of the general population, and 8% of state and federal prison population. They are an invaluable asset in our state and we need to ensure that even those who are incarcerated are provided every opportunity to address the challenges they face and become the productive citizens that they were destined to be.”
The kick-off event for IV2E was held on December 3rd & 4th at the NCWorks Career Center in Raleigh. The two-day program, held in collaboration with other state agencies and partners of the NC State Reentry Council Collaborative, highlighted efforts of the U.S. Small Business Administration – Veterans Business Outreach Center, Eckerd Connects’ Workforce Development, the Straight Talk Support Group of Durham, Mustardseed Veteran Funding and Dress for Success of the Triangle. Additionally, Martin Woodard of the NC DHHS along with Diana Graham, CEO of Crowned for Success Global Consulting, LLC provided those in attendance one on one career coaching skills.
The event provided opportunities to help veterans currently in the prison system, and those transitioning, through the process of business startup and entrepreneurship. At the end of the event, each veteran received free business attire for their participation.
For more information about the IV2E pilot program contact Ariel Aponte, Inter-Agency Coordinator ariel.aponte@milvets.nc.gov or 984-204-8333.
To learn more about the Department, contact Angella Dunston, Director of Communications.
