I love advocating and helping the military community. I have written to state representatives regarding various military family challenges. I was part of the coalition that fought for the Military Spouses Residency Relief Act–now law. I run the Championing Military Spouse Employment Facebook page. For over a decade I helped and supported military spouse entrepreneurs. A month ago that passion was reignited when I started carving out time to network with military spouse founders.

Last month, I joined a military spouse entrepreneur-focused organization and have set aside time to network with military spouse founders–not just for my gain but to offer my help. It was six years ago when I dissolved the nonprofit organization where I served as Executive Director, providing tools and resources to military spouses and veteran entrepreneurs interested in growing or starting their business. Upon joining this new organization I had the opportunity to meet with a few spouses.

Two weeks ago one spouse I had a video conference with offered services that a network contact was looking for help with. At the end of the meeting, I mentioned that I would follow up with the spouse as I didn’t have a known price point. Once I verified the price, I reached back out to the spouse and asked for their input. The spouse was able to provide a referral from her internal business network.

Last week I met with the referred military spouse entrepreneur. During the Google Meet call, I explained that the services they provide would fill a gap that I can’t at this time. We discussed their business and pricing model. I explained the need and an overview of the variables. This week the entrepreneur will join me in a key meeting with the network contact. I am acting as the bridge.

It is vital to network, collaborate, and lift each other. For me, it is about giving back and contributing to a community that faces many struggles. One lift can spark many more. It is good for my heart. Military spouses need and deserve the extra support. It motivates me, keeps me out of trouble, and fuels my mental health and confidence. By helping each other the community thrives. Helping a fellow military spouse entrepreneur strengthens us all and that is why I am doing what I do.

The other reason for helping military spouse entrepreneurs win is my fuel–20+ years as a military spouse, I have had challenges with employment, both outside the home and with self-employment. I don’t want military spouses to struggle the way I did. Every military spouse’s success helps fade one of my scars. That is why this week’s lift matters–the military spouse’s win is a spark I have chased too long.

This week the entrepreneur is leaping in–and I am cheering them on. After 20+ years of my own employment battles, I have matched them with a network contact that craves their hustle. They have got clients, but this win will be a notch that I helped carve. I am not just a bridge–I am a cheerleader betting on their triumph. Will this lift fade another scar?

I challenge us to reach out to a military spouse entrepreneur. How can you offer help–offer advice, a connection, sharing their business on social media, or a collaboration? A casual conversation to learn more about why the military spouse started a business might spark you both.

I am looking forward to the week–a spotlight for a fellow entrepreneur. This could be another win–with the potential for future collaborations.

Military spouses, who’ve you lifted up? Entrepreneurs, what’s your peer-win play? Share your spark—I’m all in!

Originally published on LinkedIn on March 17, 2025. [Read it here]