The Department of Defense, in collaboration with other federal agencies, is dedicated to supporting military entrepreneurs within the military community. For many military families, having two sources of income is essential to make ends meet. However, the unpredictable nature of military life can make traditional employment challenging for some military spouses. In response to this, the Department of Defense offers various options to help budding entrepreneurs start and maintain their businesses.
Recently, military spouses, service members, and veterans from the National Capital Region gathered at the Patent and Trademark Office in Alexandria, Virginia, for the “Military Entrepreneurship Summit.” The event aimed to provide valuable insights and resources for those interested in entrepreneurship. Ronald Keohane, the DOD’s assistant secretary for manpower and reserve affairs, highlighted the similarities between military life and entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of traits such as risk assessment, leadership, and a desire to make a difference in both endeavors.
Keohane also pointed out that military spouses possess key qualities that align with successful business ownership, including risk tolerance, problem-solving skills, and adaptability. Patricia Barron, the deputy assistant secretary of defense for military community and family policy, emphasized the importance of entrepreneurship for military spouses in ensuring dual-income families and fulfilling career aspirations.
One of the ways the DOD supports military entrepreneurs is through the Spouse Education and Career Opportunities (SECO) program. Through SECO, military spouses can access an “entrepreneur coaching package” that includes guidance from professional career coaches. These coaches assist spouses in creating a 90-day plan for their business and provide assessments to gauge readiness for entrepreneurship.
Career coaches under the SECO program offer support in various aspects of business development, including marketing, legal compliance, financial management, and accessing partner organizations like the Small Business Administration and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Partnerships with these organizations were evident at the Military Entrepreneurship Summit, showcasing the collaborative efforts to empower military-connected entrepreneurs.
Interested spouses can access the SECO program through the Military OneSource website, where they can find resources and support for their entrepreneurial journey. Ashish S. Vazirani, performing the duties of the undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, emphasized the importance of supporting service members, spouses, and family members in achieving their professional and financial goals through entrepreneurship. By partnering with agencies like the Small Business Administration and the Patent and Trademark Office, the DOD is committed to providing the necessary resources for military entrepreneurs to succeed.
In conclusion, the Department of Defense recognizes the value of entrepreneurship within the military community and is dedicated to supporting military spouses and service members in pursuing their business ventures. Through programs like SECO and partnerships with federal agencies, the DOD is empowering military entrepreneurs to thrive and contribute to their families’ financial stability and career fulfillment.
