In early March, I wrote two articles about my interaction with SCORE Mentors: SCORE Mentors: A Catalyst for Clarity and Launch Ready or Not? Mentorship’s Test. I reached out to a SCORE Mentor for help clarifying an idea of assisting military spouses, veterans, and caregivers with starting their own Virtual Assistant or Consulting business from home. Today, I am ecstatic to announce the launch of Homefront Hustle, a 13-week mentorship program to empower your future from home. Join me in celebrating this milestone!

As a Navy spouse for nearly 23 years, I have endured 15 relocations and a fair share of employment challenges. These are struggles faced by many military spouses. Blue Star Families, Military Family Lifestyle Survey reports a 23% unemployment rate in 2024. This unemployment rate also inspired me to unexpectedly launch my own virtual assistant business through referrals, as shared in Referrals Lead to Business at Home. My journey, paired with my expertise, fueled my passion to empower military spouses, veterans, and caregivers to build flexible, home-based careers. Homefront Hustle is a way to turn challenges into opportunities.

When reaching out to the SCORE Mentors, the initial idea was to provide a business-in-a-box. I wanted to offer my community the resources and tools they would need to launch their own business. This vision was ambitious, but the mentors helped me refine it. They proposed two unique ways to offer the biz-in-a-box: a one-time kit or a franchise. Upon researching, I learned of the significant fees and documentation needed for establishing a franchise. Additionally, I would be required to disclose personal, audited financial records. Another challenge to the franchise idea is that we are an active-duty military family. I would have to set up a franchise in the current state and then start the process over again when my husband retires next year and we move. Franchising was daunting, so a one-time kit was easier. This led me to explore how my idea could stand out.

During the second meeting with the mentors, we discussed how my biz-in-a-box idea was unique. As I shared my personal experience, the answer became clear: me. My 15 relocations and entrepreneurial journey equipped me to mentor others through military life’s unique challenges. At the recommendation of the mentors, I created an action plan to shape Homefront Hustle into a mentorship program rooted in my personal guidance. This plan guided me through months of preparation, from crafting a vision to expanding the website and planning marketing efforts. Since March, I have been slowly working to complete those action items, targeting a May 1 launch. A busy April pushed the timeline to May 31, and I am a week past that date, but I am excited to announce to you today the birth of Homefront Hustle!

Homefront Hustle is more than a program—it’s a movement to address the 23% unemployment rate plaguing military spouses and offer hope to veterans and caregivers. I hope that Homefront Hustle will provide a potential flexible work option for the unique challenges of the military family lifestyle and offer some hope for those who struggle to find meaningful careers. I am thrilled to empower 35-50 participants in the first year, helping build careers that fit their lives. This mission is for everyone.

Inspired by this vision, I’m eager to collaborate with you. Help me spread the word about Homefront Hustle, and reach out to me if you have ideas on how we can collaborate together to reduce military spouse unemployment. Whether you’re a military spouse ready to launch your business or a supporter cheering us on, let’s connect! Join Homefront Hustle today at rikki.natewinters.com/homefront-hustle or message me on LinkedIn to share ideas.

Originally published on LinkedIn on June 9, 2025. [Read it here]