Service Members of the United States Armed Forces serve the people of the United States during their service in an enormous way and when thier service is complete, they often face hardship due to a lack of transitional support. It is the belief of New London Veterans Organization that entrepreneurship is vital to transitioning Military Veterans; however, the costs of legally starting a business in the State of Connecticut is overwhelmingly discouraging. To create a Domestic Limited Liability Company, the start-up fees to establish legal existence can reach a more than $1,100 and for a Domestic Non-Stock Corporation, the start-up fees can total more than $800 in costs that do not include Trademark, Copyright, Miscellaneous Filings, Certificates and Copies and other fees for federal start-up and taxes. Due to high start-up fees, entrepreneurship isn't even an option for the average Veteran in the State of Connecticut.

NLVO is asking Connecticut Governer, Dan Malloy, Secretary of the State of Connecticut, Denise W. Merrill and the Connecticut Commissioner of Veterans Affairs, Joseph Perkins to waive the fees to establish legal business existence for Military Veteran entrepreneurs who reside in the State of Connecticut.

A press release; by the Denise W. Merill, Secretary of the State of Connecticut on November 11, 2014, acknowledges that a large number of Veterans took the initiative to start businesses in the State of Connecticut. The press release reads "The U.S. Census estimates there may be as many as 31,000 businesses in Connecticut started or owned by military veterans in Connecticut." 

Waiving the fees to establish legal business existence for Military Veteran entrepreneurs in the State of Connecticut will be a huge milestone in job creation, reducing homelessness, and decreasing poverty in the Connecticut Veteran community.

We believe that this initiative will encourage Veterans to establish businesses in Connecticut and will assist in revitalizing deteroriated communities. Join us is in our campaign to ensure that every Connecticut Veteran has the opportunity to use their Military leadership training to persue their dream of entrepreanurship.