DENVER (CBS4)- As the unemployment numbers dip for businesses, the same may not be said for veterans transitioning from the military.

Now, the University of Colorado Denver and the Denver Metro Chamber have teamed up to help vets.

Being a mentor for the Boots to Suits Program requires that any business professional commit to four meetings with a vet as well as help facilitate meetings with others within the organization.

Business owner Denise Burgess has signed up to to be a mentor in the program.

“As a business owner. a business leader, you say welcome home and thank you. And how do you do that? You help people transition, get them employed; you help a family now become a greater part of this society. And they too can become a leader in Denver,” said Burgess.

Eriq Paquette agrees. He’s the “boots” part of the equation.

“It was great you know. Anything that someone wants to do to help me coming out of the military. I’d be foolish not to take their advice,” said Paquette.

The program is open to all veterans, although priority is given to CU-Denver student vets.

There are 148 senior level student vets who will graduate in May.

The goal is to secure a mentor for each of them.

RELATED LINK: ucdenver.edu/bootstosuits