Several area veterans took part in an entrepreneurship and local resources forum at the downtown library this morning.
The forum was organized by Congresswoman Louise Slaughter's office in conjunction with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Branch manager for the SBA in Rochester, Virginia Smith, says veterans at the event learned from 12 resource providers what's available.
"We have so many resources out there for veterans looking to start or grow their businesses and we get them all in one place they can listen to successful entrepreneurs who've already been there, done that and learn from them."
Congresswoman Slaughter says veterans have what it takes to become successful entrepreneurs.
"They are disciplined, they stay the course, they have enormous skills they develop, some they are not even aware of themselves. In graphic arts, in communications, and all sorts of things. In engineering, and so we're helping them to recognize those and take advantage of it."
Several organizations took part in the forum, including the Veterans Outreach Center, Monroe County Veterans Services Agency, and the small business development center.
The SBA's Smith notes that the success rate for veteran run businesses is extremely high.
The Rochester area is home to around 70-thousand veterans.