Boosting Small Businesses: Numerous Organizations Support and Advocate for Military Spouse Entrepreneurs

The vagaries of frequent relocations and other challenges of military life can make it difficult for military spouses to sustain a strong career trajectory. Indeed, military spouses face unemployment and underemployment rates estimated at 21% to 22%—up to four times the national average, according to surveys published by the U.S. Department of Defense.

Given these staggering figures, increasing numbers of military spouses are pursuing an alternative pathway to success: entrepreneurship. In an effort to support these budding business owners, numerous public and private organizations are offering a wealth of resources to assist military spouses in their quest for independence and financial success.

Association of Military Spouse Entrepreneurs (AMSE)

One of the fastest-growing organizations dedicated to helping military spouses start and grow a small business is the Association of Military Spouse Entrepreneurs™ (AMSE), a membership community that connects military spouse business owners with the tools and resources they need to become successful.

“Entrepreneurship empowers military spouses to chart their career paths, set their rates, and tailor their work schedules to accommodate their family's needs,” states the organization’s founder and CEO, Moni Jefferson, a multi-venture entrepreneur and active-duty Air Force spouse. “This flexibility is essential for military families, allowing for careers rich in passion, purpose, and financial independence.”

Founded in 2019, AMSE has grown to more than 2,600 members in over 27 countries. The group’s hands-on, peer-to-peer approach offers members an online dashboard, monthly content, mentorship, and a vibrant community of individuals living the same nomadic military lifestyle.

Additionally, AMSE has partnered with Stars and Stripes to develop the free “Military Spouse Entrepreneur Guide,” a resource designed to make entrepreneurship an option for every military spouse.

• Learn more about AMSE: https://amseagency.com/
• Download the free guide: https://epub.stripes.com/?issue=MSEG_290525

Small Business Administration (SBA)

Another important resource is the Small Business Administration (SBA), which offers expert advice, training, counseling, and other resources for military spouses and veterans looking to start or grow a small business.

Key SBA resources include:

• Free Training Programs: The SBA offers programs at over 180 locations and online, including Boots to Business, the Military Spouse Pathway to Business, and programs through partners like V-WISE and VETRN.
• Funding and Capital: Military spouse entrepreneurs can apply for any SBA-guaranteed loan. The Lender Match tool can help you find authorized lenders in your area.
• Federal Contracting Programs: These programs help small businesses owned by women and disadvantaged groups access federal contracts.
• Expert Advice: The SBA provides one-on-one counseling nationwide through its District Offices, Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOC), Women’s Business Centers, and SCORE.
• Learn more about SBA resources: https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/grow-your-business/military-spouse-businesses

Military Spouse Chamber of Commerce (MSCC)

The national Military Spouse Chamber of Commerce (MSCC) was founded by military spouse entrepreneurs to offer advice, mentorship, and numerous other resources. The organization also offers a proprietary “military-spouse-owned” certification to help businesses stand out. Membership is free for any military spouse considering or currently running a business.

• Learn more and join for free: https://milspousechamber.org/