South Carolina veterans & veteran-owned small businesses to benefit from few online resource hub

Facebook Announces New ‘Military and Veterans Hub,’ Mentoring Partnership Through SCORE and a Pilot Program for Veteran Career Development at Facebook

South Carolina is home to more than 45,000 veteran-owned small businesses. To celebrate National Veterans Small Business Week and Veterans Day, today Facebook, together with veteran-owned businesses around the country, launched three new programs for veterans.

“Social media is such a powerful tool, especially for small businesses,” said Landon T. Sahagun the owner of Patriot Pressure Clean, a veteran-owned and operated small business located in Richland County. Sahagun served in the U.S. Army’s Light and Airborne Infantry for the last 21 years. “When I first developed my business idea, it was a no-brainer to create a Facebook business page. I use Facebook as a social marketing tool to help raise awareness and grow the following on my business’ page. I know once I accomplish that, Facebook’s tools will help me incentivize followers with ads about my packaging and pricing. I know Facebook will play a vital role in growing my business.”

More than 900,000 people in the U.S. participate in more than 2,000 groups for military and veterans on Facebook. Additionally, 70% of veteran and military groups are for spouses of veterans or those currently serving. That is why ahead of Veterans Day, Facebook is announcing the following:

• The Military and Veterans Hub: A new resource for military and veterans to help them continue to build their community, find job opportunities and enhance their digital skills through Facebook.
• Partnership with SCORE: Facebook is teaming up with SCORE, one of the largest networks of volunteers and experts in support of America’s veterans, military spouses and their families to provide education and mentoring to those in the veteran community who dream of becoming entrepreneurs through a mentor match program, veteran-focused educational toolkit and workshops.
• AR/VR Engineering Program for Veterans: Facebook is testing a 12-month career development pilot program for veterans with a background in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Computer Science in order to help us solve global challenges.

“Veterans and the military use Facebook to stay connected with friends and family,” said Payton Iheme, U.S. Public Policy Manager at Facebook. “Now, we’re introducing a Military and Veterans Hub to support this community and help them find job opportunities and enhance their digital skills. Our partnership with SCORE will provide veterans and their families with the business education and experienced mentoring they need to start or grow their business.”