Military Transition Readiness

Background on the Problem

The qualities that make great servicemen and women – good decision-making, discipline, confidence, and the willingness to take calculated risks – are the same qualities that make successful entrepreneurs. It comes as no surprise that military veterans are more than 45 percent more likely to attempt to be a business owner.

Studies show that nearly 80 percent of service members leave the military without a job, so we realize the transition from military to civilian life can be difficult and that entrepreneurship for all must include this important group. Our program prepares service members with the skills and support they need to launch their own businesses.

Partnerships

USO

The USO and the Brian Hamilton Foundation hosts Operation Jump Start each year.  A two-day virtual summit, to encourage and prepare active military personnel and their families to begin their entrepreneurial and employment journeys for a successful post-military future. Each year, more than 200,000 service members leave the military and return to civilian life. Following their service to our country, veterans are building businesses, creating jobs, and making a lasting impact on their communities.

Fayetteville State University

Fayetteville State University and the Brian Hamilton Foundation have launched the Veteran Entrepreneur Partnership, which provides advanced teaching, mentoring, and support to assist transitioning veterans, military spouses, and the student entrepreneur community. The program’s objective is to provide the essential skills and knowledge needed to improve the business startup success rate around the community of Fort Bragg, North Carolina, the largest military installation in the world. Fort Bragg is home to more than 50,000 active duty personnel and over 7,000 transitioning Veterans each year. This innovative program brings entrepreneur Brian Hamilton to Fort Bragg and campus as Fayetteville State University’s Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) and a Distinguished Visiting Professor of Entrepreneurship.

Bunker Labs

Bunker Labs and the Brian Hamilton Foundation partnered to help ease the transition from military to civilian life for veterans looking to become entrepreneurs in North Carolina.  Bunker Labs is launching several new chapters across the state. The Brian Hamilton Foundation has joined this effort by supporting the launch of each new chapter. These launch events lay the foundation for monthly meet-ups where the entrepreneur community — veterans, military spouses, and civilians alike — can network with subject matter experts, investors, thought leaders, and more, creating a robust environment for growth and development.