Legion to host small business conference for women veterans, spouses

Legion to host small business conference for women veterans, spouses

The American Legion is collaborating with the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF), Syracuse University, Foresight CFO and the U.S. Small Business Administration to host a one-day course for aspiring women veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs. The Women-Owned Small Business Conference will be held in conjunction with the 100th National Convention of The American Legion.

The course is designed specifically for women veterans and spouses. Attendees will receive an introduction to entrepreneurship and skills training, as well as information on support programs that aid businesses in navigating private and federal government entrepreneurship resources. Sessions will assist with conceptualization, financial planning, funding, branding and effective networking.

Despite owning less than 10 percent of veteran-owned small businesses, women veterans are outpacing their male counterparts in starting new businesses. Women veteran startups have seen an increase of nearly 300 percent since 2007, according to IVMF.

“We provide these aspiring entrepreneurs tools, resources and connection to launch their business or think more entrepreneurially within their companies and that’s why we’re partnering with The American Legion to put together this one-day conference,” said Misty Stutsman, director of Entrepreneurship and Small Business at IVMF.

The Women-Owned Small Business Conference will be held Friday, Aug. 24, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the Symphony Ballroom II and III, Second Floor, at the Hilton Minneapolis, 1001 Marquette Avenue South, Minneapolis. Women veterans and spouses interested in attending the free Women-Owned Small Business Conference can register here.