While Wisconsin continues to receive recognition for leading the nation in offering benefits to veterans and their families, the state is also receiving attention for its annual investment of close to $1 million in programs and organizations that directly support veterans living in the state.

Each year the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs’ Division of Veterans Benefits awards grants focused on various veterans-related topics to better serve veterans and their families.

In October, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker and the WDVA announced a total of $400,000 in grants are being awarded to six nonprofit organizations, with each providing entrepreneurship training or technical, business or other assistance to veteran entrepreneurs for the purpose of helping to improve employment outcomes. The organizations, located throughout Wisconsin in urban and rural settings, each offer a unique way to train and help veterans looking to start their own businesses in Wisconsin. The state is willing to invest not only in the future of its economy, but also in the skillsets that veterans bring to the workforce.

Gov. Walker and the WDVA additionally issued $250,000 in grants to eleven nonprofits that provide financial assistance or other services to veterans and their dependents, meaning Wisconsin organizations that set out to improve the lives of veterans are always firmly supported here. This particular grant program passed through the State Legislature and was signed into law by Gov. Walker in April 2014.

In addition to those two grant programs, the WDVA also offers grant assistance for its 72 County Veterans Service Officers, the hundreds of Veterans Service Organizations, and encourages employers to hire veterans by providing grants to those that determine veterans are a key to their workforce.

A big reason why Wisconsin is the top state for veterans and their families is the unmatched support and resources offered to them. To learn more about what Wisconsin offers transition veterans visit InWisconsin.com/Veterans.

The WDVA’s Jessica Williams, left, and Steven Janke, right, present an entrepreneurship grant check to the Wisconsin Veterans Chamber of Commerce.

WDVA Secretary Daniel Zimmerman presents an entrepreneurship grant check to the Indianhead Community Action Agency Inc.

WDVA Secretary Daniel Zimmerman presents an entrepreneurship grant check to the Ashland Area Development Corporation.

WDVA Secretary Daniel Zimmerman presents an entrepreneurship grant check to Horse Sense for Special Riders, Inc.