Empowering Veterans: Warrior Rising's Business Shower Transforms Entrepreneurial Landscape in Salt Lake City

A Weekend of Transformation for Veteran Entrepreneurs

This past weekend, Warrior Rising, the premier nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting veteran entrepreneurs, held a transformative Business Shower in Salt Lake City. The event brought together veterans who are not just participants but innovators in the entrepreneurial landscape, showcasing their unique skills and resourcefulness.

The Business Shower aimed to fortify veteran-owned businesses by providing them with educational resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities. The focus was to demonstrate how veterans, often overlooked in the business sector, can drive innovation and contribute significantly to the economy.

The weekend kicked off with pitch preparation sessions held at the Wells Fargo headquarters in Salt Lake City. Here, twelve veteran-owned businesses received invaluable insights into business development and strategies for effective pitching. Following this preparatory phase, a series of seminars took place at Goldman Sachs, where veterans delved deeper into the world of entrepreneurship and gained access to industry-specific knowledge.

The highlight of the event was undoubtedly the live pitch competition held at the iconic Eccles Theater. In front of a packed audience of over 2,000 attendees, the finalists showcased their business ideas, with three outstanding ventures making it to the top: David Spencer from Curate Labs, Maryam Khazree from RXPharmacist, and the dynamic duo Gabe and Lindsey Chrismon from My Home.

In an exhilarating finale, My Home clinched a $150,000 grant as the top contender. This thrilling moment was made even more memorable thanks to a surprise last-minute endorsement from a generous donor, emphasizing the communal support for veteran-led initiatives.

Lindsey Chrismon, co-founder of My Home, expressed gratitude for the immense support from Warrior Rising, stating, "The grant will indeed help elevate My Home to new heights, yet the most significant benefit has been the connections and unwavering support we've built. Warrior Rising is reshaping the way veterans are perceived in the entrepreneurial world, and this event has been a remarkable platform for us to shine."

The Business Shower raised a significant $1.2 million to bolster Warrior Rising’s various programs, with a majority of the funds directly supporting initiatives aimed at assisting veteran entrepreneurs. In 2024 alone, Warrior Rising has successfully served over 13,000 veterans and their families, facilitating the growth of new businesses and nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit within military communities.

As Jason Van Camp, Warrior Rising's Executive Director, remarked, the success of such events hinges on the unwavering support from local communities, highlighting how integral cities like Salt Lake are in championing veteran initiatives.

With sponsors like Siegfried and Jensen, Prime Corporate Services, Wells Fargo, and Previ backing the event, the impact was felt far and wide. Attendees were also treated to a performance by comedian Nate Bargatze, making the weekend not just educational but also entertaining, leaving lasting memories of camaraderie and support.

About Warrior Rising

Warrior Rising is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on empowering military veterans and their families through entrepreneurship. Their mission is to provide educational resources, mentorship, and financial assistance tailored to help veterans thrive in business ownership. To find out more about their initiatives, visit www.warriorrising.org.

About My Home

Founded by Gabe and Lindsey Chrismon, My Home specializes in creating personalized and adaptive home solutions aimed at optimizing living spaces for individuals and families. With a strong emphasis on customer-centric design and innovation, My Home aspires to enhance comfort and functionality in homes across the nation.