Two years after the city created its Veteran Grant Program, the first payments under it are starting to reach recipients.
The program is part of a $10.16 million appropriations bill approved by the Jacksonville City Council during Mayor Donna Deegan’s first months in office.
Council member Will Lahnen proposed devoting $50,000 to the program, aimed at helping service members leaving the military to start small businesses in Jacksonville. Council and Deegan approved it.
Lahnen, a U.S. Navy veteran and grandson of two World War II veterans, said those leaving the military often look for a more independent lifestyle outside of the service. Creating their own business is an avenue toward achieving that independence, he said…