November 12, 2024 — Cape & Islands Veterans Outreach Association (CIVOC) would like to alert all local Small Businesses to an important new State benefit that could benefit their bottom line, while
potentially addressing workforce needs and helping local Veterans.
On August 8, 2024, Governor Maura Healy signed the HERO Act (An Act Honoring, Empowering, and
Recognizing our Servicemembers and Veterans). This is one of Massachusetts’s most comprehensive
pieces of veterans’ legislation.
For Cape & Islands small businesses, one of the most impactful sections of the HERO Act provides for an increase in the Veteran Hire Tax Credit. This represents a $2,500 tax break awarded to small business owners who hire qualified veterans, including those receiving SNAP benefits, chronically unemployed veterans, and unemployed service-connected disabled veterans.
The Shopping Season is upon us, and many Veterans on the Cape and Islands (including older veterans) are able and willing to fill job openings. By hiring Veterans, employers are helping to support them and their families in many ways while also giving back to those who served all of us.
Employers looking for Veteran candidates to apply for positions can contact
https://www.mass.gov/veterans-job-programs-and-services, and for more information on the HERO Act, please visit www.mass.gov/veterans.
CIVOC is a tax-deductible, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. It was founded in 1983 by a group of
Vietnam Veterans who did not find the services and programs they needed to transition back to their
communities anywhere in our region successfully. Ever since then, we have been an indispensable veteran services provider across the region. Building on the legacy that our founders over 40 years ago,we offer multiple comprehensive support services that empower veterans to achieve independence with dignity and respect, including 13 monthly food pantries across Cape Cod and on Martha’s Vineyard, a new Food Distribution Center, transportation service for veterans, professional counseling, and transitional housing.
To learn more about CIVOC’s mission, areas of impact, funding policy and annual reports, visit our website at www.capeveterans.com.
