Ignite, Elevate, Empower

Women veterans and military spouses face profound barriers in advancing their careers, significantly affecting their economic trajectories. While women in general encounter systemic inequities, these challenges are magnified for women veterans and military spouses.  Women veterans the fastest-growing segment of the veteran population, often transition out of military service in their mid-40s, entering the civilian workforce at a beginner level despite being at a traditional midcareer phase. Military spouses, burdened by frequent relocations and caregiving responsibilities, experience a 22% unemployment rate and earn 38% less than their civilian counterparts.

• Women veteran unemployment rates consistently exceed those of their male counterparts.
• Underemployment is rampant, with many overqualified for the roles they secure.
• Women veterans are twice as likely as non-veteran women to become homeless, with homelessness rates rising sharply in recent years.
• Women veterans often struggle to secure business funding, receiving less than 4% of venture capital funding despite their leadership skills.
• The average age of women veterans starting businesses is 47, showcasing their drive to rebuild their careers later in life.

These women have made profound sacrifices for their country, and after leaving military service often place their careers on hold to support their families. 

Our solution is the Ignite, Elevate, Empower Women Veterans Entrepreneurship Training Program, a comprehensive initiative designed to support women veterans and military spouses in launching, scaling, and sustaining successful businesses. It provides a structured, three-phase approach to entrepreneurial education:

1. Ignite Phase: Introduces participants to entrepreneurship through accessible workshops, webinars, and foundational business skills training. Topics include business planning, financial management, marketing, and navigating government contracting.

2. Elevate Phase: Focuses on advanced business strategies, such as crafting capability statements, leveraging AI for small business efficiency, and creating impactful pitches to attract corporate buyers.

3. Empower Phase: A cohort-based experience offering personalized mentoring, industry-specific guidance, and networking opportunities. Participants culminate their training with a Vendor Showcase to connect with supplier diversity teams.

Our hybrid delivery model combines in-person sessions and virtual platforms, ensuring accessibility for participants nationwide. A Slack-enabled community fosters ongoing support, while tools like the OnePager app allow participants to create multimedia profiles to connect with potential buyers and partners.

The program integrates tailored resources, expert-led workshops, and peer-to-peer learning, empowering participants to build thriving businesses. By equipping women veterans and military spouses with tools, mentorship, and networks, our solution drives economic independence, leadership, and meaningful community contributions.

Our target population is the extraordinary group of women veterans and military spouses, trailblazers who have served their country with unwavering dedication and now seek the tools to thrive in civilian life. These women embody resilience, adaptability, and leadership, yet they face daunting challenges in pursuing economic independence. Women veterans, transitioning in their mid-40s, often re-enter the workforce at beginner levels despite their vast experience and get jobs versus careers. Military spouses, who selflessly support their families through frequent relocations and caregiving, endure a 22% unemployment rate and earn 38% less than civilian peers.

A growing yet underrepresented sector within this population is women veterans of color—innovators and leaders who confront systemic barriers, including limited access to funding and business networks. These trailblazers represent untapped potential in the entrepreneurial space, yet they remain vastly underserved.

Our Ignite, Elevate, Empower Women Veterans Entrepreneurship Training Program is designed to unlock their brilliance. By providing tailored mentorship, skills training, and networking opportunities, we address the unique needs of this diverse and dynamic population. This program isn’t just about economic growth; it’s about honoring their sacrifices, amplifying their voices, and empowering them to lead as bold entrepreneurs and architects of thriving communities.

Our team is deeply connected to the communities we serve, with personal and professional experiences that align us with the challenges and aspirations of women veterans and military spouses.

Melissa A. Washington, our Team Lead, is a Navy veteran and military spouse who has lived the dual experiences of serving her country and supporting a military family. As a wounded veteran with a diverse family background, Melissa has firsthand knowledge of the obstacles women veterans face in transitioning to civilian life. She founded the Women Veterans Alliance to address these challenges, engaging over 20,000 women veterans through community events, mentorship programs, and entrepreneurial training. Melissa’s leadership ensures that our programs reflect the lived experiences and needs of this extraordinary community.

Melanie Rae, a bold business owner and woman of color, has inspired more than 10,000 entrepreneurs with her GUIDED Business Plan™. Her experience in navigating systemic barriers and building success as a minority entrepreneur resonates deeply with women veterans of color—a growing yet underrepresented segment of the entrepreneurial space. Melanie’s expertise has shaped our program’s curriculum, ensuring it delivers actionable, culturally competent strategies for business success.

Karen Kantor, a wounded veteran who transitioned out of the military using a wheelchair, brings invaluable insight as both a leader and participant in the community. With indigenous roots and decades of experience in strategic planning and capacity building, Karen ensures our program is inclusive, equitable, and responsive to the needs of diverse participants.

Our team’s proximity to this population, combined with our engagement of over 2,000 women veterans and military spouses annually, allows us to design solutions informed by their stories. Feedback from our participants directly shapes our programs, ensuring they empower women veterans and military spouses to overcome barriers and thrive as leaders and entrepreneurs. We are sisters serving sisters.

We selected Pilot stage because, while Phase 1 has been implemented and tested with measurable outcomes, Phases 2 and 3 are program enhancements that are currently being tested. These advanced phases focus on elevating entrepreneurship skills and fostering empowerment through cohort-based mentoring, making them critical innovations for our program’s long-term success.

Our program has engaged over 2,000 participants annually across the U.S., equipping women veterans and military spouses with foundational entrepreneurial skills, such as business planning, financial management, and marketing strategies. Phase 1 has delivered proven results, including increased business starts, strengthened professional networks, and measurable economic impact within the communities we serve. Participants have shared invaluable feedback that has informed program enhancements, such as hybrid delivery models and personalized mentorship opportunities.

As of last quarter, we began expanding our reach globally, reflecting our program's growing influence. However, Phases 2 and 3 introduced new components, including advanced contracting skills, AI integration for small businesses, and cohort-based support tailored to industry-specific needs. These innovations are being piloted to ensure they deliver optimal impact before scaling to broader audiences.

By selecting the Pilot, we underscore our commitment to refining these advanced phases while building on the proven success of Phase 1. 

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Our Ignite, Elevate, Empower Women Veterans Entrepreneurship Training Program is innovative because it uniquely combines a phased approach to entrepreneurial development with tailored resources specifically designed for women veterans and military spouses. Unlike traditional programs that provide one-size-fits-all training, our solution acknowledges the unique challenges of this population, including transitioning mid-career, overcoming systemic barriers, and balancing family responsibilities. By meeting participants where they are—whether they are exploring entrepreneurship or scaling existing businesses—we create a customized pathway to economic independence and leadership.

What sets our program apart is its integration of advanced technologies like AI for small business efficiency and tools such as the OnePager app, which enable participants to connect directly with corporate buyers and supplier diversity teams. Our three-phase model, which progresses from foundational skills to industry-specific cohorts, ensures participants are equipped with both the knowledge and confidence to compete in complex markets like government contracting and corporate procurement.

Moreover, our hybrid delivery model increases accessibility for participants nationwide and globally. We combine virtual workshops, Slack-enabled community engagement, and in-person events to ensure inclusivity regardless of geographic or financial constraints.

Our focus on women veterans of color and military spouses further distinguishes us. By addressing this underrepresented demographic with culturally competent resources, we catalyze broader industry awareness about the untapped potential of this group.

This program has the power to reshape the market by normalizing women veterans as key contributors to entrepreneurship. By creating a pipeline of capable, confident women business leaders, we inspire other organizations to adopt similar inclusive approaches. Our Vendor Showcase and collaborations with corporate partners provide real-world connections, helping participants break through systemic barriers and redefine their role in the business ecosystem. Our innovation doesn’t just impact individuals—it transforms perceptions, markets, and communities.

Our impact goals are rooted in the belief that women veterans and military spouses deserve the opportunity to thrive, not just survive. We aim to break down systemic barriers, empower bold entrepreneurship, and create lasting, transformational change in their lives and communities.

1. Ignite Business Success: Help at least 50% of participants launch or expand businesses within a year, transforming dreams into thriving ventures.
2. Elevate Economic Independence: Drive an average 20% increase in participant revenue within the first year post-program, unlocking new levels of financial stability and opportunity.
3. Empower Leadership: Equip 75% of participants with government and corporate contracting skills, positioning them as confident, capable competitors for high-value opportunities.
4. Build a Legacy of Impact: Create a powerful alumni network where 90% of participants stay engaged, inspiring and mentoring the next generation of women entrepreneurs.

We passionately track progress through metrics that reflect real, life-changing results:

• Business Metrics: The number of businesses launched, expanded, and scaled, along with revenue growth and jobs created.
• Participant Transformation: Surveys capture increased confidence, skills, and entrepreneurial readiness, telling the stories behind the statistics.
• Engagement and Leadership: Alumni stepping into mentorship roles and actively shaping a thriving, supportive community.
• Partnership Success: Contracts secured and milestones achieved through our Vendor Showcase and corporate connections.

With a state-of-the-art CRM system, we collect, analyze, and report these outcomes, ensuring every step of the journey is meaningful and measurable. This isn’t just about numbers—it’s about empowering women veterans and military spouses to reclaim their narratives, build legacies of impact, and lead boldly in their communities. Together, we’re rewriting the story of what’s possible.

Our solution team consists of 7 dedicated individuals who bring passion and expertise to empower women veterans and military spouses:

• Full-time staff: 2 (including our Team Lead and a Program Coordinator)
• Part-time staff: 2 (including a Marketing Lead and Administrative Assistant)
• Contractors/Consultants: 3 (specialists in curriculum development, mentorship coordination, and technology integration)

Additionally, our cohort phase features numerous sector-specific guest speakers who provide tailored insights and guidance. During the pitch phase, we bring in representatives from key business sectors actively seeking the products and services being pitched, creating real opportunities for participants to secure partnerships, contracts, and investments. 

We have been working on our solution for 8 years, since the founding of Women Veterans Alliance in 2015 by Melissa A. Washington. Over this time, our program has evolved from grassroots efforts to a comprehensive, multi-phase entrepreneurial training initiative serving over 2,000 women veterans and military spouses annually. Our team has continuously refined the program based on participant feedback, ensuring it addresses their unique needs. The recent addition of cohort-based phases with sector-specific mentorship and pitch opportunities marks a bold step forward in our mission to empower women veterans as business leaders and changemakers.

At the core of our mission is the belief that sisters serving sisters creates an unparalleled foundation for empowerment and change. Our leadership team embodies the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion, with lived experiences that reflect the communities we serve. We are women veterans, military spouses, and allies united by our shared commitment to uplifting one another and creating opportunities where barriers once existed.

Our team is intentionally diverse, spanning multiple identities and perspectives. Melissa A. Washington, a Navy veteran and military spouse, leads with a vision rooted in her experiences as a woman of color and wounded veteran navigating systemic challenges. Melanie Rae, a woman of color and accomplished entrepreneur, infuses her expertise and bold leadership to inspire others. Karen Kantor, a wounded veteran with Indigenous roots, brings the wisdom of her own journey as a veteran transitioning into civilian life while utilizing a wheelchair. Together, our leadership team represents resilience, adaptability, and the power of inclusion, taking DEI to a level of JEDI-A.

To minimize barriers to opportunity, we’ve built a workplace culture where every voice is heard, and diverse perspectives are celebrated. We prioritize equity by offering mentorship, flexible roles, and professional development tailored to individual needs. Our hiring practices focus on recruiting from underrepresented communities, especially women veterans of color and military spouses.

We actively engage in self-assessment, seeking feedback from team members to strengthen our practices. Our commitment to inclusivity extends to our participants, ensuring all feel welcomed, respected, and supported. Through our work, we aim to create ripple effects—empowering women veterans not just as business leaders but as champions of inclusive, equitable environments within their communities.

Sisters serving sisters is more than a mantra; it’s our mission in action. Together, we’re rewriting the story of opportunity, one empowered woman at a time.

Our Ignite, Elevate, Empower Women Veterans Entrepreneurship Training Program operates with a mission-driven business model that delivers value through transformative impact while generating revenue to sustain and expand our reach.

Key Beneficiaries

Our primary beneficiaries are women veterans and military spouses, who face significant barriers to economic independence and entrepreneurial success. These women bring incredible resilience, leadership, and adaptability but often lack access to the resources, mentorship, and opportunities necessary to thrive in business.

Value Delivered

We provide:

1. Entrepreneurial Training: A structured, three-phase program that equips participants with essential skills, from business planning to advanced contracting and pitch development.
2. Mentorship: Personalized guidance from experienced entrepreneurs and sector-specific mentors to build confidence and strategies for success.
3. Networking Opportunities: Vendor Showcases, alumni networks, and connections with corporate supplier diversity teams that create real-world business opportunities.
4. Tailored Resources: Workshops on financial literacy, marketing, AI integration, and more, designed specifically for this underserved population.

Delivery Model

Our hybrid delivery model combines:

• Virtual Platforms: Accessible webinars, workshops, and peer support networks.
• In-Person Events: Community-building opportunities like the Women Veterans Engage Conference.
• Technology Tools: Applications like the OnePager app connect participants with buyers and investors.

Revenue Streams

Our revenue model includes:

• Corporate Sponsorships: Partnerships with businesses seeking to support veteran initiatives and diversify their supplier networks.
• Grants: Funding from organizations aligned with our mission.
• Event-Based Revenue: Fees for Vendor Showcases and conferences.
• Philanthropy: Individual donations and donor-driven initiatives like the Melissa Washington Small Business Award.

Women veterans and military spouses need our services because they fill critical gaps in their journey to economic independence. By addressing these needs, we deliver not just training but lasting impact—empowering them to lead, succeed, and transform their communities.

Our plan for financial sustainability is rooted in a dynamic and diverse fundraising strategy that ensures consistent revenue while reducing reliance on any single funding source. Over the past year, we developed a robust Development Plan, marking a significant shift toward a more traditional and scalable fundraising approach.

Revenue Streams and Sustainability Plan

1. Grants and Corporate Sponsorships: We are actively pursuing major funding opportunities with organizations such as the Gary Sinise Foundation and USAA to support our pilot phase. Past success includes securing in-kind contributions from Thrive Causemetics, valued at nearly $100,000, and coaching services, which have significantly increased our overall resources. These contributions position us more favorably for traditional grants.
2. Peer-to-Peer Campaigns and Community Fundraising: Our Project RAISE run team has successfully launched peer-to-peer campaigns, generating new individual donors and increasing community engagement.
3. Event Revenue: We have expanded revenue streams through our Engage Conference and new cohorts in cities like Colorado Springs, attracting sponsors and boosting event-driven income.
4. Individual Donors: We have implemented a strategy to engage individual donors, diversifying our funding base while building lasting relationships.

Evidence of Success

2024 marked a pivotal shift from Melissa A. Washington personally funding the program to leveraging a sustainable and dynamic fundraising plan. Through our new strategy, we have captured and documented previously untracked in-kind donations and services, further enhancing our financial health.

Outlook

These efforts have dramatically increased our capacity to generate revenue, providing a solid foundation to pursue grants and engage more funders. Our comprehensive, multi-channel approach ensures long-term sustainability while empowering us to expand our impact for women veterans and military spouses. This marks a transformative moment for our organization, with momentum to achieve greater financial independence and long-lasting success.