#United States #Arlington #PenFed Foundation #business mentorship #Veteran Entrepreneurs

Supporting Veteran Entrepreneurs: PenFed Foundation's March 2025 Cohort

The PenFed Foundation, a national nonprofit dedicated to aiding veterans in their transition to civilian life, is excited to announce the launch of its Veteran Entrepreneur Program for March 2025. This initiative continues its proud tradition of offering support to veteran-owned businesses across the United States.

Scheduled to kick off with a three-day in-person seminar in Bentonville, Arkansas, the cohort will provide a robust six-week virtual program tailored specifically for military founders. The aim is to foster an environment of networking, knowledge sharing, and mentorship that equips veterans with the essential skills to thrive as entrepreneurs.

During the program, participants will engage in various activities, including roundtable discussions and mentorship opportunities led by notable business leaders. They will cover critical topics such as business development, marketing strategies, branding efforts, legal considerations, effective communication, strategic planning, and pitching to potential investors. Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Terry Williams, the Director of the Veteran Entrepreneur Program, emphasizes the unique suitability of military personnel for entrepreneurship, stating, "Members of the military community are well-suited to entrepreneurship, and we will continue empowering them with additional cohorts in May and August of 2025."

The best part? This program is offered free of charge to military founders, as PenFed Foundation does not take any equity from the businesses participating. The March 2025 cohort showcases a diverse range of veteran-led companies across various industries, reflecting the dynamism and innovation characteristic of military personnel. Among these participants are:

• - BuilderComs: Founded by Marine Corps veteran Ron Nussbaum, this platform is designed for the construction industry to enhance collaboration and communication among teams and clients, ensuring smooth project execution from start to finish.
• - AXELERA: Led by Navy veteran Axel Lopez, AXELERA Technologies specializes in advanced navigation control systems for Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft, aiming to transform air mobility.
• - Spear AI: Co-founded by Navy veterans John McGunnigle Jr. and Michael Hunter, Spear AI develops Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning solutions tailored to maritime applications, assisting the U.S. Department of Defense and allied nations.
• - Elevate Vending: Air Force veteran Nicholas Grillo runs this enterprise, which focuses on offering AI-driven vending solutions in the D.C. metropolitan area, bringing a new level of service to the industry.
• - BobiHealth: Co-founded by Army veteran Dave Esra and military spouse Ann Villegas, BobiHealth provides a pioneering AI platform for maternal health monitoring, aiming to improve pregnancy outcomes and reduce risks associated with maternal health.
• - Shadowscape: Founded by Marine veteran James McCarter, Shadowscape specializes in cybersecurity solutions and training, utilizing advanced risk intelligence capabilities to bolster organizational defenses.
• - Smart Farm Tools: This initiative, led by Navy veteran James Lucas and co-found Bryan Riester, aims to revolutionize small-scale agriculture with AI-powered platforms designed to streamline farm management.
• - Condition One Nutrition: Marine Corps veteran Matthew DeMaio has developed nutrition bars tailored for peak performance, embodying the readiness of military life.

Since its inception in 2018, the Veteran Entrepreneur Program has significantly impacted more than 120 military founders by providing access to millions in startup capital and invaluable mentorship opportunities. Through partnerships with various investors, PenFed Foundation has empowered alumni to build successful businesses while establishing a network of key stakeholders.

Founded in 2001, PenFed Foundation is committed to supporting the military community. By covering its operational costs through PenFed Credit Union, all funds raised can be directed to beneficiary programs that make a real difference in the lives of veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. To learn more about their initiatives or to apply for an upcoming cohort, interested military entrepreneurs can visit www.penfedfoundation.org.

The PenFed Foundation’s efforts highlight the organization’s unwavering dedication to empowering those who have served and transitioning them into successful business leaders in today’s competitive landscape.