Foundation Scholarship in Support of Veterans Personal Development Program > GSA Business

Upstate Warrior Solution received a $200,000 grant from the Truist Foundation to expand their Veteran Entrepreneurship and Workforce Development program. The grant will enable Upstate Warrior Solution to provide training and mentoring to veterans pursuing entrepreneurial endeavors but lacking the necessary resources and planning tools.

According to a press release, the Veteran Entrepreneurship and Workforce Development program directly supports the pillars of the Truist Foundation to build career paths for economic mobility or to empower small businesses.

Veterans and their families have a significant need for holistic workforce development support due to the COVID-19 pandemic and general concerns about veteran refitting, the press release said. While employment resources are available across the country, many exist in increasingly isolated environments, resulting in a disjointed network that can be confusing for veterans to navigate. Thirty percent of veterans in the Upstate Warrior Solution service region are looking for new careers due to transition from the military, underemployment and unemployment.

“We recognize the sacrifices that veterans and military personnel have made in serving our country, which is why Truist is committed to supporting their transition to a civilian career,” said Dwight McPherson, regional executive director at Truist Wealth and a board member of Upstate Warrior Solution. “Our support of Upstate Warrior Solution’s Veteran Entrepreneurship and Workforce Development program will help veterans develop the skills and professional networks critical to their long-term success, and this is another way we support the purpose of Fulfill Truist, inspire and build better lives and communities. ”

With the Truist Foundation grant, Upstate Warrior Solution expects to support an estimated 50 new clients through the Veteran Entrepreneurship program over the next year. In addition, UWS expects to increase the total number of seasoned clients in its workforce development programs by 50% and provide them with training opportunities in job acquisition and retention, professional development and entrepreneurship education, the press release said.

“Thanks to the generous support of the Truist Foundation, our workforce and entrepreneurship programs will serve the state’s veteran population by enhancing financial stability and providing options for economic mobility,” said Charlie Hall, president of Upstate Warrior Solution, in the press release.

Upstate Warrior Solution has been serving stateside veterans, active and reserve military, first responders and their families for 10 years.