BOSTON (WWLP) - Massachusetts businesses are being offered an incentive to hire active members of the National Guard. A new program through the Executive Office of Economic Development (EOED) and the Department of Revenue will provide a $2,000 tax credit in addition to the expansion of the Veteran Hire Tax Credit, a $2,500 tax break awarded to small business owners that hire qualified veterans. Historic significance of November 11th as Veterans Day The program's aim is to provide more employment opportunities by encouraging more businesses to hire and retain Guard members. It is open to businesses with 100 or fewer employees that hire and employ active members of the MNG for at least six months. The Massachusetts Office of Business Development (MOBD) will begin accepting applications for 2024 starting Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2024, and then accept applications on an annual, rolling basis beginning January 1 of each year. “Massachusetts is home to so many talented, dedicated service members, and there are employers across the state who want to hire them,” said Governor Maura Healey. “The National Guard Hiring Tax Credit Initiative will increase employment opportunities for our National Guard members and also encourage more businesses to hire and retain them by offering financial support. This is just the latest step in our administration’s efforts to support the economic wellbeing of our service members, veterans and small businesses.”  “We are addressing the employment roadblocks active service members face and expanding valuable job opportunities statewide,”said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “The National Guard Hiring Tax Credit will incentivize businesses to hire skilled service members, empowering these businesses to grow and strengthening our local economies.”  The National Guard Hiring Tax Credit, provided through EOED’s Massachusetts Office of Business Development (MOBD), will support job security for Guard members who are often called away for military duties while also supporting employers that hire Guard members. The Legislature adopted this Tax Credit last session through comprehensive legislation supporting veterans and military families.  “The skills, discipline, and resilience of National Guard members make them invaluable to any employer,” said Veterans Services Secretary Jon Santiago. “Through the HERO Act and initiatives like this tax credit, we’re strengthening our workforce and reaffirming our commitment to those who serve, ensuring they receive support both in uniform and at home.”  “Active service members are critical contributors to our state economy, and we are excited to launch this new program to expand economic opportunity for these members of our community,” said Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Hao.“By supporting service member employment, this tax credit not only boosts our economy and supports job growth, but also strengthens Massachusetts as a leader in supporting our dedicated service members.”  “This tax credit is a meaningful investment in our National Guard members, expanding opportunities for them in the workforce while encouraging more businesses to recognize and leverage their unique skills and dedication,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy. “By supporting employers who hire active Guard members, we’re strengthening our local economies, honoring the service of these individuals, and building a more resilient workforce across Massachusetts.”  More information can be found on the state's website. Local News Headlines Shoppers stock up early for Thanksgiving dinner City of Springfield Hosts Annual Veterans Day Parade 2 Veterans honored at parade in West Springfield Massachusetts politician react to control of congress still up in the air WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.