The Summerland Advocate-Messenger - Reliable, Trustworthy Reporting, Capturing The Heartbeat Of Our Community

Transitioning from military to civilian life can be challenging for veterans. As they contemplate what's next on their career path, the answer may lie in a rural community.

Returning veterans are a perfect fit for the next generation of rural small business owners, farmers or ranchers. Some, however, face challenges, including difficulty accessing capital and acquiring training.

But with the help of programs offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, veterans can access financial and educational resources they need to get ahead. Many programs also offer training and business planning...