Local consultancy earns Veteran’s Business Enterprise distinction
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Veteran-owned Forge Business Solutions, a Morgantown consultancy that specializes in health care, government services and education, was named West Virginia's only Veteran's Business Enterprise.
The distinction, awarded to Forge in January, gives the company the ability to network with other veteran-owned businesses across the country, tap into their expertise and grow the business, said Forge founder Frank Vitale, a West Virginia University graduate who spent 17 years in the U.S. Army and the West Virginia National Guard, finishing his military career with the rank of captain.
The Veteran's Business Enterprise designation earned by Forge is part of the National Veteran Owned Business Association, a national nonprofit whose mission is to create corporate contracting opportunities for veteran-owned businesses.
Present to celebrate FORGE Business Solution’s Veteran's Business Enterprise designation were Randy Cottle (left), Ryan Mink, Glenn Copen, Frank Vitale, founder of FORGE, Brandon Downey and Congressman David Mckinley.
"Now we can grow jobs in West Virginia and in the region," said Vitale, who celebrated his achievement Wednesday at his office in Morgantown with well-wishers and U.S. Rep. David McKinley.
The Veteran's Business Enterprise designation initiative also creates a nationally recognized standard in certification for veteran-owned businesses of all sizes. To be eligible, a business must be corporate 51% veteran owned, operated and controlled by U.S. military veterans. The business must also provide extensive documentation proving it is a veteran-owned business.
"It's a way to encourage veterans to own their own businesses," said Vitale, who employs five.