 February 2025
Veterans' Employment Services Newsletter
IN THIS ISSUE:
From the Revolutionary War to the modern-day Wars against Terrorism, the contributions of Black Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guard members have been integral to the defense of our country.
In honor of Black History Month, take some time to learn more about the 96 Black Medal of Honor recipients here.
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Hiring Our Heroes’ Small Business Grant Program will honor the achievements of veteran- and military spouse-owned small businesses, highlighting their impact and contributions to local communities and America’s economic growth. The program will award five such businesses with a one-time $10,000 grant to be used to grow and support their business.
Award program applications must be submitted by February 28, 2025. Learn more and apply at HiringOurHeroes.org/Small-Business-Grant.
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We're looking for a Veterans' Career Advisor to join our team in Big Rapids! This individual will provide individualized career services to veterans facing barriers to employment. Working collaboratively with other members of the team, this individual will help veterans prepare for finding a job by providing them with the necessary resources.
This is a limited-term position that pays $21.50 - $30.96 per hour and offers a full benefits package. Apply by February 17, 2025 here.
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Learn how to start your own business with the Vetrepreneur Franchise Academy’s Free 10-Step, 10-Week Class! Veteran franchising experts will lead you and your classmates through group and individual sessions to get you into franchise ownership.
Applicants must attend an information session on Friday, February 14 from 3-4 p.m. Register for the Vetrepreneur Franchise Academy at vetrepreneur.com/franchise-academy.
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After spending 20 years working in Iowa, David, a National Guard veteran, reached out to his local Michigan Works! Service Center in Escanaba when he needed to move back home to care for his parents.
Once David identified himself as a veteran, the team at his local Michigan Works! connected him with Veterans' Career Advisor Joshua Cadotte. Together, David and Joshua made adjustments to David's resume in order to better highlight his skills. Then, Joshua helped David in his job search and checked in frequently.
David was open to various types of work but had expressed an interest in sales as he enjoyed talking with and helping others. David applied for a sales position with Riverside Ford in Escanaba and landed the job. He has been working at Riverside Ford since December 2024 and is now fully certified to sell Ford autos.
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Join Hero Services on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at Riverside Park in Grand Rapids for the inaugural Hero’s Expo and Appreciation Day! This is an opportunity for veterans and first responders to network, connect to local resources and enjoy some festivities.
The opening performance will start at 11 a.m. and continue through the afternoon while attendees have the opportunity to explore resources. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. There will also be a designated kid's area with bounce houses, a foam pit and other activities for kids of all ages.
Learn more about the Hero's Expo and Appreciation Day at HeroServicesOfWM.com/Heros-Expo.
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An up-to-date list of upcoming job and career events is available on MiTalent.org's Career Events Calendar.
National Guard Hiring Event
Feb. 13, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Event Details: Oakland County Michigan Works! Novi Service Center - 31186 Beck Rd, Novi, MI 48377
Event Details: view the event details
The Michigan Army National guard is having a career fair and is looking to hire for multiple positions.
Engineering Technology & Manufacturing Career Fair
Feb. 13, 1 - 4 p.m.
Event Address: Innovation Hall - Jacobetti Complex - 1401 Presque Isle Ave, Marquette, MI 49855
Event Details: view the event details
This fair will allow you to visit with students and alumni who are seriously considering the challenging careers related to these fields.
Military-Friendly Virtual Job Fair
Feb. 19, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Event Address: Register for the event here
The Corporate Gray Virtual Career Expo is your opportunity to meet with top employers who are eager to hire talented, mission-driven individuals like you. Whether you’re transitioning from military service or seeking new career opportunities, this event will help connect you with organizations that value your skills, dedication, and experience.
SEMCA Virtual Job Fair
Feb. 20, 1 - 4 p.m.
Event Details: Register for the event here
More than 25 employers from Monroe and Wayne counties will available to speak with you about their opportunities.
Job Fairs Count as Work Search Activity in Michigan
Registering for and attending Virtual Job Fair events supported by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity count as official work search activities required by the Unemployment Insurance Agency. Check out upcoming virtual and in-person job fairs by visiting MiTalent.org’s Career Events website.
Event Success Tips
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Be Prepared: Charge your phone and practice your elevator pitch.
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Keep an Open Mind: You never know which company has the perfect job for you.
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Work the Room: Stop by every booth and share your QR code with every organization.
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Rule of 3: Get at least three company follow-ups.
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Apply as You Network: Apply to open positions while you network with recruiters.
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Smile: Be confident. You've got this!
Welcome to the Veterans’ Employment Services (VES) Newsletter. Our mission is to assist you and your family secure meaningful careers in Michigan.
The concept of veterans helping veterans is a trademark of the VES team and one of the keys to its success. Veterans face many challenges when transitioning out of the military – finding meaningful employment should not be one of them.
- Veterans in need of employment assistance should contact the nearest Michigan Works! One-Stop Service Center by calling 800-285-WORKS (9675) or visiting MichiganWorks.org.
- More information about Veterans’ Employment Services is available at Michigan.gov/VES.
- Register today and start your job search at Pure Michigan Talent Connect at MiTalent.org.
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MORE VETERANS' RESOURCES
If you are a veteran looking for information concerning education, health care, benefits or quality of life programs, please visit the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency for more information, or call the Michigan Veteran Resource Service Center at 800-MICH-VET.
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