, the global leader in payments technology and services solutions, today announced a new seven-year, $7 million commitment to the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) to fund education, research, training and opportunities for transitioning veterans entering the business community. This funding will directly support innovative programs designed specifically for transitioning military service members, and veteran and military spouse small business owners.
Representatives from First Data present the check for their $7 million donation to IVMF during the SU men’s basketball game against Duke on Saturday.
“First Data is deeply committed to supporting the military and veteran community in everything from employment opportunities to offering a wide array of resources to veteran entrepreneurs,” says Frank Bisignano, First Data chairman and CEO. “This partnership with the Institute for Veterans and Military Families will provide thousands of new veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs with exceptional education, training and resource opportunities to help them build their businesses.”
The IVMF partnership is part of the company’s larger commitment to the military community as part of First Data Salutes, an initiative dedicated to making the company an employer of choice for veterans and military spouses, and a provider of a comprehensive suite of business solutions for veteran-owned businesses.
“Veterans represent 6 percent of the U.S. population, but account for 13.5 percent of U.S. Small Businesses,” says J. Michael Haynie, executive director of the IVMF and vice chancellor for veterans and military affairs at the University. “Given First Data’s millions of small business customers and incredible commitment to the military community, we believe this partnership will have long-lasting impacts on research, programming and education in veteran entrepreneurship.”
In 2014, First Data’s veteran and military spouse new hires increased from 2 percent to 10 percent. In addition, the company, a recipient of the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, recommitted to a Statement of Support with the Defense Department’s Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, reaffirming the company’s pledge to encourage increased hiring of service members in the Guard and Reserve.
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