For many military spouses, entrepreneurship often becomes the answer when facing the challenges of securing consistent, fulfilling employment.
With an estimated 71 percent of military spouses reporting being underemployed, starting your own business might just be the creative answer and financial security you seek.
After all, military spouses are experienced problem solvers who often come up with the most creative solutions to keep their family’s affairs afloat.
However, the first steps on the road to entrepreneurship can be a heady jumble of emotion and confusion.
How do you take a great idea from conception and incubation – into cash-flowing reality?
There’s the excitement of a start-up to be sure, but trying to effectively navigate services and resources can quickly become overwhelming. Checklists are great, but wouldn’t it be awesome if there were business training incubators specialized to meet the needs of military spouses?
Fortunately – there are several really amazing ones!
V-WISE (Veteran Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship)
Operated by the Institute for Veterans and Military Families out of Syracuse University, V-WISE is an outstanding business program offered to both veteran women and military spouses.
Divided into three phases, the V-WISE program excels in helping women identify their passion, learn the “nuts and bolts” business skills needed to turn an idea into a successful start-up, and grow businesses from incubation into a successful venture. An added benefit is the ongoing mentorship, and free training and support opportunities for graduates of the V-WISE program. 95 percent of the program’s graduates rated V-WISE with “high satisfaction.”
EBV-F (Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans’ Families)
Also operated from the Institute for Veterans and Military Families out of Syracuse University, EBV-F is unique in that this program’s focus specifically integrates entrepreneurship training with caregiver and family issues.
EBV-F focuses on “positioning participants to launch and grow a small business in a way that is complementary or enhancing to other family responsibilities.”
A particular strong suit for EBV-F is the deep understanding that many entrepreneurs – especially females who are primary caretakers – must weigh family decisions alongside strategic business challenges. And that knowledge takes more than just a business plan. It takes a mentor who has been there, done that, and can show you how to do the same.
Military Influencer Conference
If you need a little nudge off the fence, or a healthy dose of inspiration – the Military Influencer Conference is for you.
Established in 2016, the annual MIC has quickly grown into a richly diverse and powerful community where entrepreneurs are eager to share their knowledge and challenges, network, and create lasting collaborations within the military community. It’s a jam-packed, three-day session of inspiring keynotes, breakout sessions, and more.
Business development is paired with actionable insights and stories from military influencers and entrepreneurs who are actively looking to collaborate with other like-minded creatives. If you’re looking for inspiration, and networking, the MIC is a strong fit.
Boots to Business (B2B)
Operated by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the B2B program is frequently believed to be available solely for transitioning veterans – but it is also open to military spouses, and dependents/survivors. In fact, military spouses are eligible to take the same SBA-led programs offered to service members and veterans. https://www.sba.gov/offices/headquarters/ovbd/resources/1558568
B2B offers an excellent overview of entrepreneurship, business fundamentals, business entity formations, concept development and more.
Women’s Business Centers (WBCs)
For those looking to connect with experienced business mentors and other military spouse business owners – sometimes the best solution is the one right in your own backyard.
There are currently 122 listed Women’s Business Centers across the U.S., offering in-person mentorship and guidance. Whether you’re just interested in testing the entrepreneurial waters to see if they might be a fit – or looking for a savvy business mentor, there’s a good chance you might be located near a WBC that can help!
Whether you are looking for a portable career as a self-employed professional or freelancer, or are ready to launch an enterprise – these business solutions can help you turn your dreams into hard cash reality!
