At the heart of Veterans Entrepreneurial Development Initiatives, Inc. (VEDI), stands its founder, Meta J. Mereday, a civilian from a military family with a passion for veterans. Under Mereday’s leadership and the work of her exceptional team, VEDI is more than an organization; it’s a catalyst for change, empowerment, and growth for veteran entrepreneurs and homeowners.
Mereday’s journey with VEDI began as a response to the tragedies and resilience witnessed during 9/11. As a 9/11 civilian first responder, she observed firsthand the dire need for the inclusion of veteran businesses in rebuild projects in lower Manhattan. Leveraging her expertise in supplier diversity and advocacy for minorities and women’s inclusion in business, Mereday recognized a glaring oversight: the absence of veteran businesses in crucial discussions and projects. This realization sparked the birth of VEDI.
The essence of VEDI’s mission lies in serving primarily veteran business owners, and homeowners collaborating with other veteran support organizations. The focus is on this demographic because a staggering 80% of veteran businesses are small-scale. By providing them with the right resources, these businesses could evolve into significant employers for other veterans, creating a community of mutual support and growth. Additionally, addressing the needs of veteran homeowners and supporting multifaceted veteran needs through collaborations underscores VEDI’s comprehensive approach to empowerment.
VEDI stands as a beacon of hope and practical support for veteran-owned and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses. The organization’s mission includes advocating for favorable legislation, veteran job creation, and collaborative support to smooth transitional hurdles for veterans. VEDI’s scope encompasses a range of services from housing and healthcare to gender issues, all aimed at addressing the diverse needs of veterans and their families.
With a track record of influencing policy at various government levels, VEDI aims to drive real change in veteran business development, homeownership, and family stability. The alarming rates of veteran debt and suicide underscore the urgency of VEDI’s mission: to create a reality where veteran entrepreneurs thrive, hire fellow veterans, and build stable, supportive communities.
The mission of VEDI is concise yet profound: to facilitate entrepreneurial expansion and community empowerment through collaborative support. It aims to secure a stable and prosperous future for veteran businesses from a grassroots perspective.
VEDI focuses on real-time advocacy, challenging unfavorable legislation, and forging meaningful partnerships. The year 2024 and beyond offer exciting prospects for broadening opportunities, especially in veteran journalism, to enhance the portrayal of genuine veteran stories. Additionally, there’s a focus on improving access to veteran healthcare and wellness, alongside efforts to decrease both medical and personal debt for veterans.
VEDI’s story is one of honor, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the veteran community. It stands as a testament to the power of focused efforts and the potential of every veteran entrepreneur to impact society positively.
As VEDI continues its vital work, it opens its doors to alliances and partners, uniting in a common goal: to uplift and transform the lives of veterans and their communities.
Mereday invites like-minded organizations to partner in initiating laws ensuring that there are resources directed to these initiatives supportive of veteran businesses, ensuring their growth benefits the broader community.
Meta J. Mereday quote from James Weldon Johnson’s “Lift Every Voice and Sing”: “God of our weary years, God of our silent tears, thou who has brought us thus far on our way.”
