Veteran Business Project adds Maj. Gen. Ronald G. Richard to board

Veteran Business Project has named retired Maj. Gen. Ronald G. Richard to its board of directors as the nonprofit pushes national growth. The Marine Corps veteran and nonprofit leader will advise on fundraising, major donor cultivation and expansion for an organization that helps veterans and military spouses buy existing businesses.

Why it matters: - Veteran Business Project is trying to scale a model that helps veterans and military spouses become business owners without starting from scratch. - Richard brings military leadership, fundraising experience and direct experience working on veteran entrepreneurship barriers. - The appointment could help the nonprofit expand its reach and donor base.

What happened: - Veteran Business Project announced that retired Maj. Gen. Ronald G. Richard joined its board of directors. - The nonprofit is based in Naperville, Illinois. - Richard is a Marine Corps veteran, nonprofit executive and Louisiana native. - Veteran Business Project said Richard will support fundraising strategy, major donor cultivation and national expansion.

The details: - Richard served 33 years in the Marine Corps in command and operational roles. - His service included Vietnam and a final assignment as Commanding General of Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune from 1999 to 2001. - Richard earned a bachelor’s degree from Louisiana State University and a master’s degree in international relations from Salve Regina University. - After retiring from the military, Richard led the Tiger Athletic Foundation at LSU as president and CEO. - Richard also serves on the boards of the War Memorial Museum and USS Kidd Veterans Museum in Louisiana. - Veteran Business Project said it has served more than 1,500 veterans and military spouses over the past 14 years. - The organization said 400 new participants enrolled last year alone. - The nonprofit connects veterans with existing businesses for sale, provides mentorship and coaching at no cost, and guides buyers through the acquisition process. - Veteran Business Project says the model preserves successful businesses, creates immediate income opportunities and helps veterans build financial stability. - Richard spent seven years leading an informal veteran business initiative in Louisiana. - That work focused on helping veterans navigate SBA loans, down payments and capital barriers.

Between the lines: - The board addition suggests Veteran Business Project is prioritizing capital access and donor relationships as it grows. - Richard’s background fits a nonprofit that blends service, business ownership and veteran support. - His comments point to a broader belief that entrepreneurship can help veterans find purpose and stability after military service.

What's next: - Richard will help shape fundraising and expansion efforts as Veteran Business Project looks to broaden its national footprint. - The organization will continue recruiting veterans and military spouses into its business acquisition program. - More information is available at VeteranBusinessProject.org.

The bottom line: - Veteran Business Project is betting that a seasoned Marine leader and fundraiser can help it scale a veteran entrepreneurship model that has already reached more than 1,500 people.