From Service to Startup: Forging Your Own Path
Roll Call Chicagoland’s 9th Anniversary began with From Service to Startup: Forging Your Own Path—a focused speaker series on veteran business ownership and the resources available to support it. Held in the Le Jardin Room at Cantigny Park, the session brought together veterans, spouses, and partners to explore practical pathways into entrepreneurship and business growth.
The program featured leaders working directly in the veteran business space. Lynn Lowder introduced the work of the Veteran Business Project and shared insights on acquiring and operating established businesses. Johnny Rodriguez of the Illinois Commission on Equity and Inclusion outlined the importance of formal business certification and how it can expand access to new opportunities. Mike Yucuis of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity closed with an overview of key programs, partners, and funding resources available to veteran entrepreneurs across Illinois.
The materials below reflect what was shared during the session, including Johnny Rodriguez’s presentation slides and a series of one- and two-page resource guides from Mike Yucuis.
