Imagine returning to civilian life after years of defending and fighting for your country to face unemployment and severe financial hardships while suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). For many U.S. veterans, this is their harsh reality. As many of us are aware, searching for a job can be an extremely tedious task. Disparity sets in when job leads turn into dead ends and interviews prove to be unsuccessful. The Central Texas College Net Impact Chapter turns that disparity into hope by providing veterans with an exciting alternative.
BYOB. Not “bring your own beer,” but “Be Your Own Boss!” Chastity Clemons, Advisor for the Central Texas College Net Impact Chapter, is fighting hard to combat issues our veterans are facing after their time serving our country.
“BYOB is a legacy project that our team developed six years ago to address the problem with our veterans and military spouses having difficulty obtaining a job due to rapid moves or disabilities. This project empowers them with the opportunity to start their own businesses and generate disposable income. We conduct a week-long training workshop where attendees learn how to create a business concept and participate to pitch, similar to the television show, Shark Tank, where three individuals are chosen to start their own businesses and receive mentorship and resources for a full year,” explains Chastity.
As a result of the Central Texas College Net Impact Chapter’s unwavering dedication to their project, they have been instrumental in propelling veterans into becoming successful entrepreneurs. The BYOB legacy project is responsible for starting 36 small businesses totaling over $100,000 in revenue. Five of those businesses have grown exponentially resulting in the hiring of additional employees.
As a global community of social entrepreneurs, Net Impact is inspired by the work of Chastity Clemons and her Chapter. Taking on social challenges to effectively change the course of the future is no small task. Their efforts and hard work have proven to be immensely successful and Net Impact looks forward to seeing what they will do next!
Veterans at BYOB workshop at Central Texas College