The COVID-19 pandemic has made the future of jobs and businesses uncertain, even for veterans.

But there are resources available.

For example, over 3,600 National Guard Troops were deployed around New York to respond to the pandemic in just the first seven weeks.

But Admiral Ten Eyck Trip Powell III, NYS Chairman of the National Committee of Employer Support of Guard and Reserves says once these troops return, their employers must give them their jobs back.

“The Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Act specifies that employers have to hold positions for reservists and national guard members who are mobilized,” Admiral Powell explained. “And they have to give that employee that job when they demobilize back.”

However, with businesses closing around the state, Admiral Powell says they also work to make sure service members can continue to find jobs.

“There’s not much you can do as a service member if your boss is say a restaurant and there’s just no customers and you don’t have a job to return to,” Admiral Powell explained. “So part of what we do as we work with the employment world… we try to help those young people get back into the workforce as quickly as we can.”

Like most small businesses, New York’s 35,000 veteran owned businesses have been impacted by the pandemic as well.

There are two federal programs available to these businesses that have so far directed more than $5 billion to just veteran owned businesses in New York State.

The Paycheck Protection Program provided around $3.2 billion to veteran owned businesses in New York and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program provided around $1.7 billion.  

However, Steve Bulger, Regional Administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration says future federal funding is still needed.

“There is still some money left over in the paycheck protection program that we want to re-purpose into another round of funding,” Bulger explained. “We’re waiting to see what comes out of Washington on that, hopefully soon. But yes the need is still there.”

Two programs, the Veteran Business Outreach Center and SCORE, are also available to provide assistance to veteran businesses looking to start up or expand during this time.  

“We have a cross section locally here in Saratoga County of 38 people who were cross sectioned from banks to investments, doctors, medical people and business owners and we can help with any particular part of the business aspect that they need some assistance with,” Emil Baker, a counselor with SCORE explained.

“Even though we are in this unprecedented time, it does mean that they should stop focusing on what they feel they should be doing,” Amy Amoroso, VBOC director for Federal Region II said. “Our office can help vet them out.”

The beginning of Small Business Week starts on Monday, September 21, 2020.