/EINPresswire.com/ -- CHICAGO, IL -- (Marketwired) -- 07/27/16 -- Sage, a market leader in cloud accounting software, today pledged a global commitment to help more military veterans transition into civilian life through its Sage Foundation global philanthropy initiative. Sage North America President Marc Scheipe unveiled the company's plans for a global online mentoring and training program during a keynote address at Sage Summit 2016, the world's largest gathering of entrepreneurs and business builders.

Initially, the program will support military veterans transitioning into civilian life by providing career training, connecting veterans with mentors from the Sage community of colleagues and customers, and by matching individuals with potential careers and job placements.

Sage works with over 3 million entrepreneurs around the world, and the program is designed to unlock the potential of the unique skills and transferable experience gained during military service. Veterans are one of three groups identified by Sage Foundation for support and funding, alongside women and young people.

Before an audience of nearly 15,000 Sage Summit attendees, Scheipe reflected on his own personal military service as a U.S. Navy pilot, affirming the ambition of the Sage Foundation to help more veterans build careers in business after military service.

"I'm incredibly proud to announce that we at Sage are expanding our programs to support military veterans, a community so close to my heart," said Scheipe. "The move from military service to civilian life can be a challenging one. When we take meaningful next steps for our veteran heroes, we help them build sustainable new careers in their postmilitary lives. And, in turn, we all benefit from the skills and experience of our veterans."

Nearly one in 10 -- 2.4 million -- U.S. small businesses are owned by veterans, and 45 percent of veterans are more likely to be self-employed than not.(1)

The training and mentoring program Sage announced today is one of three new innovations for Sage Foundation showcased at Sage Summit this week. Other announcements were a $1 million open grant tender and a worldwide community-led fundraising challenge. They are part of an integrated program that will support Sage customers, colleagues and communities to play a part in making a difference around the world.

Scheipe was joined on stage by Invictus Games competitors, including: Team Canada Captain Bruno Guevremont, Team UK competitor Mike Goody, Team USA competitor Air Force Staff Sergeant Sebastiana Lopez Arellano, and Brian Stann, Marine Corps veteran and Hire Heroes USA CEO.

Stann shared, "At Hire Heroes USA, we have already benefited from the generosity of Sage -- from securing employment for veterans to Sage Foundation volunteers who will conduct mock interviews with candidates. I can't wait to see what more we can achieve together. I was honored to take part in the panel today, and I commend Sage Foundation for its increased support for veterans."

Sage Foundation support for military veterans will also continue through a partnership with the Invictus Games. In the event's first year in Orlando, over 50 Sage colleagues from as far away as Australia and Brazil gave their time to volunteer and help deliver the games. In 2017, Sage Foundation will provide even more support, as the Invictus Games take place in Toronto.

Sage Summit takes place this week from July 25-28 in Chicago, during which time the event will host more than 15,000 visitors and celebrity speakers and businesspeople from around the world. You can find out all about the world's largest gathering for entrepreneurs and business builders here.

For those not attending Sage Summit 2016, all of the keynotes and more can be viewed at the virtual event link.

(1)https://www.sba.gov/content/sba-helps-veterans-start-grow-and-expand-small-businesses-1 (U.S. Census Bureau)

About Sage:

Sage is the market leader for integrated accounting, payroll and payment systems, supporting the ambition of the world's entrepreneurs. Sage began as a small business in the UK 30 years ago and over 13,000 colleagues now support millions of entrepreneurs across 23 countries as they power the global economy. We reinvent and simplify business accounting through brilliant technology, working with a thriving community of entrepreneurs, business owners, tradespeople, accountants, partners and developers. And as a FTSE 100 business, we are active in supporting our local communities and invest in making a real difference through the philanthropy of the Sage Foundation.

Sage -- a market leader for integrated accounting, payroll and payment systems, supporting the ambition of the world's entrepreneurs. www.sage.com

See more at: http://www.sage.com/company/news-and-events/2016/05/11/sage-is-transforming-how-customers-use-accounting-software#sthash.eFLVhUrw.dpuf

Gina Glickman
Gina.Glickman@sage.com
Sage
Office: 470-447-4088
Mobile: 770-310-1938