Veteran Resources
Grounded in Military Tradition
At first glance, you’ll notice the veteran spirit runs deep in Southwest Florida. Military-friendly communities throughout the region celebrate former service members with discounts at museums, restaurants and attractions — a half-scale replica of Washington D.C.’s Vietnam Memorial Wall even stretches through Laishley Park in Florida’s Purple Heart-designated city, Punta Gorda.
Dig a little deeper and you’ll see that veteran support is fundamental to this region’s character. There is an array of programs to help separated veteran job seekers, entrepreneurs and business owners. Whether you’re recently separated military personnel or a retired vet, Southwest Florida offers services for you and your family to thrive in the region.
Things to Do
Explore the activities, from best meals to best museums, that bring Southwest FL to life.
- Veteran Resources
- Veteran Entrepreneurship
- Veteran Benefits
Powerful Job Search Tools for Veterans and Their Families
Seeking support in your career journey? CareerSource Southwest Florida offers job training and opportunities for veterans. The Florida Department of Veterans Affairs provides employment assistance, whether directly through the organization or with one of its many resources. And, Veterans Florida helps veterans transition to civilian life by assisting with skills recognition, resume writing and interview preparation.
Helpful Community for Veteran-Owned Businesses
Southwest Florida has several opportunities for veterans looking to start their own businesses. Florida Gulf Coast University’s Veteran Entrepreneurship Program is tuition-free and has helped more than 130 veteran-owned businesses with everything from business planning to mentorship and accessing capital. And SWFL Veterans Business Council offers networking opportunities, unique programs and grants to accelerate the growth of veteran-owned businesses.
Putting Former Service Members First
Whether it’s the Charlotte County Veterans Services, the Port Charlotte VA Clinic or the Fort Myers Veterans Center, Southwest Florida is here to support separated service members and their families in a variety of capacities.
Several attractions throughout the region also offer veterans discounted pricing, including the Military Heritage Museum in Punta Gorda and the Southwest Florida Military Museum in Fort Myers, which seeks to honor veterans and first responders and preserve Southwest Florida’s military history.