As Veterans re-enter the workforce and start manufacturing companies in Idaho, getting up to speed with civilian operations can present additional challenges. With the existing hurdles startups and small businesses face, Veteran Entrepreneur Alliance (VEA) provides assistance to veterans to help support Idaho’s business landscape. VEA is a nonprofit that helps veterans reconnect and find success in their entrepreneurship. They offer a wide array of education, training, and community involvement. The alliance can help veterans with the entire process — from building their basic business plan to funding and marketing their product or seeking legal advice. Vessel proudly supports the VEA as ties run deep with the company's co-founder and CEO, Derik Ellis, who honorably served in the US Air Force. After starting companies in Idaho and helping others grow, he knows firsthand the challenges veterans face when re-entering the workforce or starting their own businesses.

 

As a partner and supporter of VEA, Vessel’s mission is to empower manufacturing companies to introduce their products to the market and for commercialization. Veterans can find new purpose, serve their community in a whole new way, and build their endeavors through the connections and education offered by the VEA. This, along with Vessel’s strategic sourcing and supply chain expertise, provides empowerment to veterans becoming manufacturers in Idaho, with a proven go-to-market strategy to achieve economies of scale.