MILWAUKEE, Wis. – A recent report from the Virginia-based PenFed Foundation named Madison and Milwaukee among the 2020 Top US cities for Veteran Entrepreneurs. The report, which ranked Madison at #8 and Milwaukee at #14, is the first national recognition for Wisconsin as a destination for veteran entrepreneurs and business owners.
“Thanks to the hard work of our partners in the public and private sector, Wisconsin is emerging as the leading state for veterans to start and grow their businesses,” said Saul Newton, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Veterans Chamber of Commerce. “We know that when veterans succeed, Wisconsin succeeds. Attracting more veteran entrepreneurs to call Wisconsin home benefits everyone, and we’re proud to see that our state’s investment in veteran business owners is paying off.”
The PenFed Foundation Veteran Entrepreneur Investment Program releases its Top US Cities for Veteran Entrepreneurs report annually. Rankings are determined by compiling data from more than 30 sources to analyzing characteristics of Metropolitan Statistical Areas on the basis of livability, economic growth, support for veterans, and ability to start a business. The report, which ranked Madison and Milwaukee as the top ranked cities in the “Livability” category, named Milwaukee as its top Emerging City after jumping more than 40 spots compared to 2019’s overall rankings. Madison was ranked #3 among Emerging Cities for Veteran Entrepreneurs.
“PenFed is proud to support the military community and our highly skilled veteran entrepreneurs who have unique experiences and grit to succeed during uncertain times. Supporting veteran entrepreneurs provides more jobs and opportunities for the military community as veteran-owned businesses often hire more veterans,” said James Schenck, president and CEO of PenFed Credit Union and CEO of the PenFed Foundation. “It’s more important than ever to support veteran entrepreneurs. The goal of our top cities report is to celebrate American cities while inspiring them to do even more to support veteran businesses.”
“Wisconsin’s veteran business community has never been stronger,” said Newton. “We are excited to continue our leadership role as the state’s only business association dedicated to serving veterans, service members, and their families and ensure Wisconsin is the best state in the nation for those who have served and sacrificed on behalf of our country.”
The full PenFed Foundation 2020 Top 20 Cities for Veteran Entrepreneurs report can be found here: https://veip.penfedfoundation.org/
