Marion Bae, FISM News
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November is National Veterans Month. In preparation, Yelp announced that the online review company will be adding a veteran-owned business feature to its platform, as well as launching a $100,000 Veteran Business Fund.
On Tuesday, Yelp announced that users would now be able to identify their company as a veteran-owned business by adding the veteran-owned badge to their business profile. The badge is free, and according to their blog, Yelp says this is an attempt to “support the nearly 338,000 veteran-owned businesses who enrich our communities”
Miriam Warren, Chief Diversity Officer at Yelp, wrote, “As many consumers look to support businesses that align with their values, adopting more distinguishing and inclusive attributes has never been more important. In fact, we’ve seen the rate of searches on Yelp for veteran-owned businesses in the U.S. increase by 101% in the third quarter of 2022 compared to the same period the year prior.”
Businesses that claim the veteran-owned status will not only be able to be distinguished and searched for on Yelp’s platforms, but businesses with physical locations will also be sent a free window decal starting in 2023.
While Yelp didn’t specify any required proof of veteran status, it is a violation of the federal Stolen Valor Act of 2013 to falsely claim military or veteran status “with intent to obtain money, property, or other tangible benefit.”
Veteran-owned is the latest in Yelp identity badges to be released, and Yelp says business owners can add unlimited attributes, including Asian-owned, Latinx-owned, Black-owned, women-owned, LGBTQ-owned, and others.
In addition to the new identity badges, Yelp will be starting a $100,000 Veteran Business Fund, which will give $10,000 to 10 veteran-owned businesses. Business owners that want to enter can do so through the fund’s webpage.
Yelp used their post to also encourage veterans by adding resources, such as the Office of Veterans Business Development Resources, Veteran Entrepreneur Portal, and American Corporate Partners, among others.
Yelp also highlighted some veteran resources for those looking to go further in support of those who have served our country. These included Military Talent Partners, eMentor, and Warrior Rising.
In August, FISM News reported that Yelp had begun putting warning notices on crisis pregnancy centers that informed viewers that the clinics did not offer abortion. This came in the midst of a rash of violence and vandalism nationwide against crisis pregnancy centers. Still, no arrests have been made in the cases.