Photo By Zion Dillahunt | The Honorable Ashish S. Vazirani, performing the duties of Under Secretary of Defense...... read more read more
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WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio – A roundtable discussion with military spouse and veteran entrepreneurs highlighted challenges and opportunities in entrepreneurship at Wright Patterson Air force base on July 22.
““I was pleased to be able to hear from the military spouse and veteran entrepreneurs today. Entrepreneurship can be a rewarding and highly portable career choice for military spouses and veterans, but we know that each group faces unique challenges. The Department is proud to take care of the members of its Total Force by setting them up for success in their entrepreneurial careers,” said Ashish S. Vazirani, performing the duties of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness. “The Secretary of Defense has charged us with taking care of our people. Being here today helps me consider how we can enhance our efforts in this regard.”
The event, hosted by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the Department of Defense’s Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness featured panelists from the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base region.
The USPTO is responsible for granting U.S. patents, which protect inventions by providing exclusive rights to their creators and registering trademarks, which distinguish and identify the source of goods or services in the marketplace.
The DOD remains committed to ensuring a strong, adaptable, and ready force supported through policy, programs, and services.
Participants engaged in numerous collaborative discussions on topics crucial to entrepreneurs.
What resources do entrepreneurs currently possess, and what resources are they still seeking? That was the starting question for the dialogue, sparking a continuous dialogue among participants, who delved into various aspects crucial to entrepreneurial success.
Topics ranged from strategies for acquiring and effectively utilizing capital to the complexities of building, maintaining a skilled workforce, and creating a brand for the business.
A significant focal point of the discussion was navigating financial landscapes, including accessing loans, grants, and understanding tax obligations, which are vital concerns for many entrepreneurs.
Participants also shared their struggles with marketing and sought insights about practical and financially responsible ways to do so.
The gathering led to a shared desire amongst the group to potentially configure a network specifically tailored to veterans and military spouse entrepreneurs allowing them consistent and constant access to information.
This initiative reflects a growing recognition of the unique challenges and opportunities faced by this military community within the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
“This was a very impactful experience as I gained a better understanding of what’s available to me,” said Tim Shaw, President, Smart Response Technologies. “There was a lot of information shared that would certainly benefit me and my company.”
The event highlighted resources available to support veterans and spouses interested in starting their own businesses. Programs like the DoD’s Spouse Education and Career Opportunities program, and the Transition Assistance Program for separating Service members, play crucial roles in supporting entrepreneurial aspirations.
These resources are designed to equip military spouses and veterans with the essential tools and knowledge needed to thrive in their entrepreneurial endeavors.
“The Department is proud to take care of the members of its Total Force by setting them up for success in their entrepreneurial careers. Our partnerships with federal agencies such as the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office contribute significantly by providing essential guidance and support throughout the journey,” said Vazirani. “I was pleased to be able to hear from the military spouse and veteran entrepreneurs today.”
| Date Taken: | 08.02.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 08.02.2024 15:59 |
| Story ID: | 477635 |
| Location: | DAYTON, OHIO, US |
| Hometown: | WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, OHIO, US |
| Web Views: | 35 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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