The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission invites military veterans from across the state to learn more about available assistance in starting a own business in the alcoholic beverage industry. The invitation comes from TABC’s Empowering Texas Veterans initiative, now in its second year.

The initiative partners veterans who have established a business in the industry with protégés who want to begin a business on their own. The mentor will advise the protégé on issues and challenges associated with establishing a new company.

“Our number-one goal with this program is to make sure there is no wrong door for veterans seeking information about breaking into the alcoholic beverage industry,” TABC Executive Director Bentley Nettles said. “We are proud to work with our partner agencies to ensure eligible veterans are directed to the right people with the right answers as they take their first steps into the industry.”

TABC ensures mentors are able to assist potential business owners throughout the application process.

Multiple Texas state agencies assist both mentors and protégés by providing administrative support. These agencies include the Texas Workforce Commission, Texas Veterans Commission and Texas Comptroller. They also provide information on issues such as veterans’ benefits, licensing fees and more.

The Empowering Texas Veterans initiative is a joint partnership between TABC, the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, Texas Veterans Commission, Texas Workforce Commission, Texas Secretary of State and Texas A&M University’s McFerrin Center for Entrepreneurship.