2026 Veteran Hiring Initiative
Veterans aren’t just a “feel-good” hire. They are a smart one.
The move from active duty military service to civilian employment—and to post-service life overall—is a major life change with lasting impact. While Colorado boasts many veteran-focused nonprofits addressing a variety of post-service challenges, there remains a critical gap: career and employment transition support.
A successful career transition shapes more than income. It determines long-term financial stability, personal growth, and a veteran’s ability to remain an active, positive member of our community.
We will work to bridge this gap by providing resources, mentoring, and connections to employers who recognize the unmatched value veterans bring to the workforce.
In 2026 Colorado Veterans Project will hold a three tier event created to prepare veterans to engage with an employer who is ready to connect for the hiring journey. Below you will find information regarding the three unique supported collaborations to achieve the employment opportunity aimed at mission success:
“to empower and support veterans and transitioning service members in their pursuit of vibrant careers, meaningful employment, thereby creating economic stability and career success.” - Deb Dufour
dates for all employment hiring activities can be found below
veteran preparedness
Preparation Is the Difference Between a Conversation and an Offer
Many hiring events connect Veterans with employers — but few ensure they are fully prepared for that moment.
Our Veteran Hiring Initiative is built on the belief that preparation changes outcomes. Before stepping into a room with employers, Veterans deserve the opportunity to sharpen their story, translate their experience, and approach the conversation with confidence.
That’s why our program begins with something most job fairs skip: intentional preparation
There will be two virutal sessions of career readiness activites held in May 2026 - Details will be shared further with those who have signed up.
Are You Ready for the Interview Room?
We meet Veterans where they are in their transition and provide the tools to confidently engage with employers by helping translate military experience into civilian career value.
Participants receive support in:
✔ Resume development and refinement
✔ LinkedIn optimization
✔ Civilian translation of military skills
✔ Soft skills assessment
✔ Mock interviews with feedback
✔ Career clarity before meeting employers
By the time Veterans meet with employers, they’re not just attending a hiring event — they’re ready for meaningful career conversations.
EMPLOYERS ENGAGE
In 2026, Colorado employers have an opportunity to do more than fill open roles — you can strengthen your workforce with proven leaders who are mission-focused, adaptable, and ready to perform from day one.
Veterans bring more than technical skills. They bring:
✔ Leadership under pressure
✔ Accountability and discipline
✔ A team-first mindset
✔ Adaptability in complex environments
✔ Security and compliance awareness
✔ A strong work ethic and reliability
Despite these strengths, many Veterans face challenges translating military experience into civilian careers. That’s where we come in.
Our initiative works with prepared, motivated Veterans and helps bridge the gap between military experience and civilian employment — connecting employers with talent ready to contribute.
Partner With Us
Whether you are hiring for leadership, operations, technical roles, cybersecurity, logistics, healthcare, or skilled trades, we help align the right Veteran talent with your workforce needs. When you partner with us, you’re not just hiring — you’re helping strengthen families, communities, and Colorado’s economic future.
Complete the Employer Interest Form above to Get Started.
the hiring connection
A meaningful hiring conversation shouldn’t end when the event does.
At Colorado Veterans Project (CVP), we believe the most valuable opportunities often happen after the first introduction. That’s why we intentionally create space for Veterans and employers to continue building relationships beyond the hiring event.
Following the employer engagement sessions, a unique social follow-up event designed to keep the conversation going in a relaxed, welcoming environment will be hosted. Veterans and hiring partners who participated in the two previous events will have the chance to reconnect, ask deeper questions, and explore the potential for an employment opportunity in a focused one on one engagement.
Our hiring initiative is focused on remaining actively involved, helping facilitate introductions, supporting ongoing dialogue, and ensuring both Veterans and the Employers we are brining into the fold; continue moving toward the right professional fit.
Because successful hiring isn’t just about a first meeting — it’s about building the connection that leads to the right opportunity.
Continue the Conversation…
Tuesday May 12, 2026 | Thursday, May 14, 2026
Time: TBD
Location: TBD
VETERAN PREPAREDNESS
EMPLOYER INTRODUCTION AND ENGAGEMENT
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Time: TBD
Location: TBD
THE HIRING CONNECTION
“Whether by blood or by duty, the brotherhood among service members is built on sacrifice, strength, and unwavering support.” - HAV
Date: TBD
Time: TBD
Location: TBD