Doug Hill ⋅ Kearneysville, WV PC Construction ⋅ 20 years experience

Sam,

In the civilian world, only welding credentials matter. They will be contract requirements and you may be the best welder in the world, but that credential will get you the job. I know very good welders from the Navy that couldn't get better than shipyard work because hey lacked he civilian credential. It may take some time and money, but I recommend attending a credentialing welding school. You will get a verification testing and the employment door will fly open. Certified welders make good money so aim for the highest certification possible Google certified Welder and look at your options.You may be able to "Test Out" by demonstration for a fee. Good Luck!

Krystal Yates ⋅ Lewisville, TX EBR Consulting, LLC ⋅ 19 years experience

Go talk to SCORE. You can find a mentor that will stay with you through the process of getting your business going and it is 100% free. The website for SCORE in Charlotte is https://charlotte.score.org/

Ruben Gonzalez ⋅ Brownsville, TX Social Security Administration ⋅ 34 years experience

You may want to contact the non profit agency listed below
Non-Profit

Veteran
Whitehall, PA
Vickie Richards ⋅ U.S. Army, Specialist ⋅ 8 years served
I am getting ready to launch my non-profit in 2016 and I am looking to set up an advisory board made up of veterans that can donate a few hours several times a month to support the programs that I am designing to help fellow veterans.
We want to provide assistance in a unique way to those looking to start their own business and who want to pass it forward as well.
A love of animals is a must and will play an intricate part of those we plan to award scholarships and benefits to.
I need a lawyer, veterinarian, psychologist, architect, engineer, accountant and grant writer who would be willing to put in a few hours a month as part of an advisory board.
Since this is the age of the internet and Skype it provides the opportunity of gathering an experienced board from all of the world
Anyone interested would need to sign a CA prior to additional information being disclosed
Who, how and/or where are the best sources to find an all-star team of warriors for my project?
21 October 2015 5 replies
Networking

Answers

Advisor
Santa Monica, CA
Jennifer Polhemus ⋅ Precision Research (self-employed) ⋅ 25 years experience
Vickie, your profile indicates a pretty skilled person! I suggest you re-structure your profile into themes (areas of expertise, or core competencies), maybe with bullet points under each one. Right now, as written, it is just too much to take in. Keep "leaning in" and good luck!
27 October 2015

Advisor
Houston, TX
Paul Strug ⋅ WKPZ, P.C. ⋅ 18 years experience
Vickie
Have you researched whether other organization(s) have a mission similarly aligned with the non-profit you envision? There are many non-profit organizations established to assist military veterans, and those that have qualified as 501(c) public charities (and are still in good standing as exempt organizations) can be found on-line. Two resources you might consider are Guidestar and IRS Publication 78. You might be able to rely on the expertise of a group that has already gone down this road, which may make your process easier.
27 October 2015

Veteran
Whitehall, PA
Vickie Richards ⋅ U.S. Army, Specialist ⋅ 8 years served
Hi Colleen
I did add this to my question as well
We want to provide assistance in a unique way to those looking to start their own business and who want to pass it forward as well.
A love of animals is a must and will play an intricate part of those we plan to award scholarships and benefits to.
25 October 2015

Veteran
Whitehall, PA
Vickie Richards ⋅ U.S. Army, Specialist ⋅ 8 years served
Hi Colleen,
Thank you for responding. I would need anyone interested to sign a CA as I can't provide a large amount of info on a public forum other than the non-profit will be working with veterans.
I had a a business in the past that was a start-up and gave too much information away publicly and now someone else is prospering from it (lesson learned) so I will edit that into my original question.
Thank you again
Vickie
23 October 2015

Advisor
New York, NY
Colleen Deere ⋅ American Corporate Partners ⋅ 5 years experience
Hi Vickie,
Thanks for your question. Would you be able to provide more information about the type of non-profit you are starting, the programs you plan to offer, and what the mission will be? This additional detail might help Advisors better understand how they can assist you.
Best,
Colleen
ACP AdvisorNet Staff

The very first step you Ned to take is to domamcomprehensive BUSINESS PLAN AND THE ABOVE RESOURCE WOULD BE EXCELLENT TOMGET THIS DONE.

Good luck and God speed on your endeavor
What kind of welding re you fixing to do at your location(that is going to be question number one in your BUSINESS PLAN)

Ruben here

John Walker ⋅ Lancaster, PA Steinman Marketing Solutions ⋅ 25 years experience

Sam,

My advice is that you get some of your own customers before you leave your current place of employment. You can get customers by networking with friends, neighbors and fellow vets. Then you can do the work in the evening or on weekends and build up some income and get used to dealing with your own customers. Then once you have some steady income flowing in from your own customers, and you've gained some customer management experience, you can be confident starting on your own full time.

Good luck.

John