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Veteran-Owned Businesses In Natomas Get Help Starting Up From Group

NATOMAS (CBS13) — Help is on the way for the men and women in uniform having a tough time making the transition back to civilian life.

Old glory waves in front of a Natomas restaurant as a sort of calling card from the men who run the relatively new business.

Former Marines Jeffery, Michael and Dominic have taken their discipline and determination and kicked it up a notch.

Inside the kitchen of The Waffle Experience, you'll notice it's not your grandma's griddle grub. Different ingredients settle in to the culinary crevices of a traditional breakfast dish.

The things they do wouldn't have been possible if it wasn't for the Natomas community's support for veterans. It has programs in place to offer things like business mentoring for men and women who have served their country.

"I really honestly didn't know a lot of these programs existed," said Jeffery Belaski. "I didn't know a lot of these people existed."

People like Chamber of Commerce president and veteran Danielle Marshall.

"There is a huge push for veteran-owned businesses at the local, state and even federal level right now," she said.

Natomas is trying to lead that push in the Sacramento region. It's home to about 20 veteran-owned businesses with more on the way.

Attention to detail and lessons learned through military life are leading to real-life success in the business world.

"You gotta have a plan in the military," Dominic Dolar said. "You don't pack up your pack or move out in the field unless you have a solid plan."

In just over a year, the Waffle Experience has already won awards. But the most rewarding part for the owners is being a role model for veterans who often wonder what's next.

To get in touch with Veteran Business Outreach in Natomas, call (916) 527-8400.

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