Prince’s Trust Canada is launching its annual awareness campaign to encourage Canadians to celebrate and support veterans in more ways than one.
The Buy Veteran campaign and mentorship initiative are part of Operation Entrepreneur, a program aimed at helping Canadian Armed Forces members, veterans and their families successfully transition from service to explore second career options.
“Throughout neighbourhoods across Canada, there are veteran entrepreneurs and heroes among us who have served our country and are now pursuing their passions and second careers, creating positive economic and social impact in their community,” said Sharon Broughton, CEO of Prince’s Trust Canada.
“During these unprecedented times, we are reminded of their strength, resiliency and tenacity. Their careers in the Canadian Armed Forces taught them leadership, strategic planning, creative problem-solving, execution, focus and determination.
“Veterans are highly skilled and experienced individuals who possess many attributes required to succeed as entrepreneurs.”
The Buy Veteran campaign highlights veteran business owners
“When you buy from a veteran-owned business, you’re not only getting an excellent product or service, you’re directly supporting those who have served our country, thanking them for their service and encouraging them on their new life mission,” Broughton said.
The Canadian Veteran Business Directory, online at buyveteran.ca, has a platform to search local veteran-owned businesses in every province and from a wide range of products and services, including coffee shops, dog treats, florists, consultants, designers, cabinet makers, home inspectors, fitness coaches and more.
All members of the Canadian Armed Forces community, including veterans, serving members and their families, can list their businesses in the directory at no cost.
Since launching the directory in 2016, there are more than 450 veteran businesses listed across Canada — and growing.
