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 military spouses, service members, and veterans start and maintain their own businesses.
Recently, a “Military Entrepreneurship Summit” was held at the Patent and Trademark Office in Alexandria, Virginia, where military spouses and veterans from the National Capital Region gathered to learn more about entrepreneurship. Ronald Keohane, the DOD’s assistant secretary for manpower and reserve affairs, highlighted the similarities between military life and entrepreneurship, emphasizing traits such as risk management, leadership, and a desire to make a difference in the world that are common to both.
Keohane also pointed out that military spouses possess key traits that align well with successful business owners, such as 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 to ensure their families have a dual income and access to additional resources.
One of the ways the DOD supports military entrepreneurs is through the Spouse Education and Career Opportunities program (SECO). This program offers an “entrepreneur coaching package” to military spouses, providing them with professional career coaches who guide them through creating a 90-day plan for their business. Additionally, the coaching package includes an assessment to help individuals gauge their readiness for entrepreneurship.
Career coaches through the SECO program assist spouses with various business needs, including developing marketing plans, researching laws and regulations, managing finances, and accessing partner organizations like the Small Business Administration and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The SBA and USPTO were partners with DOD at the summit, showcasing the collaborative efforts to support military entrepreneurs.
Interested spouses can access the SECO program through the Military OneSource website, where they can find resources and guidance on becoming an entrepreneur. 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.
In conclusion, the Department of Defense recognizes the value of entrepreneurship within the military community and is committed to providing resources and support to help military spouses and veterans start and maintain their own businesses. Through programs like SECO and partnerships with agencies like the SBA and USPTO, the DOD aims to empower military entrepreneurs and ensure their success in the business world.
