DoD, SBA launch online forum for military spouse entrepreneurs

The U.S. Small Business Administration and the Department of Defense (DoD), through the DoD Spouse Education and Career Opportunities Program, recently launched an online forum to help military spouses develop entrepreneurial skills through networking and mentorship.
 
"SBA offers many resources for military spouses who are considering self-employment through small business ownership," SBA Office of Veterans Business Development Associate Administrator Barbara Carson, an Air Force Reserve officer and spouse of an active duty service member, said. "I know firsthand the employment barriers that military spouses face. SBA is dedicated to working with our partners to help military spouses find meaningful, sustainable employment through small business ownership."
 
Military spouses -- of which there are currently more than 1 million -- have a 23 percent unemployment rate and face a 25 percent wage gap compared to civilian peers.

Factors such as relocations, deployments, isolated duty stations, lack of available support from extended family and international duty assignments can make it difficult for military spouses to pursue careers, but entrepreneurship offers flexibility and room for growth despite those challenges.
 
The new resource will connect military spouses with business mentors through LinkedIn, a social network site.

Those interested can join the group now. SBA-affiliated mentors and DoD certified career counsellors, as well as other resources, will be available beginning on Jan. 2, 2017.