StreetShares Foundation Announces Semi-Finalist Entrepreneurs for Military Veterans Competing for $50,000 in Grants and Prizes
Voting is now open to the public for The StreetShares Foundation Military Entrepreneur Challenge, sponsored by Samuel Adams Brewing the American Dream and Holland & Knight LLP
RESTON, Va., June 7, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The StreetShares Foundation and Samuel Adams Brewing the American Dream is proud to announce the 12 semi-finalists for the Military Entrepreneur Challenge, a business pitch competition for military community entrepreneurs. Voting is open to the public and will determine three finalists who will receive a share of $25,000 in cash grants from StreetShares Foundation and Samuel Adams, $25,000 in legal service from Holland & Knight LLP, and business coaching across a range of disciplines from the Samuel Adams' network.
"The objective of the Military Entrepreneur Challenge is to empower military-affiliated entrepreneurs to creatively solve problems," said StreetShares Foundation Founder and Chairman, Mark L. Rockefeller, an Iraq War Veteran and serial entrepreneur. "Since 2015, our grants and 100% free coaching and mentoring events have become powerful enablers for over 5,000 extraordinary military community social-impact entrepreneurs."
StreetShares Foundation and Samuel Adams Brewing the American Dream have worked together to support entrepreneurs for the past four years and collaborate on various programming including up to four competitions per year. The Military Entrepreneur Challenge is open to military veterans, military spouses, and "Gold Star" family members.
Over 120 military veteran or military spouse entrepreneurs from all over the United States of America applied for the competition last month, which has now been narrowed down to 12 Semi-finalists competing for the final three spots. The three Semi Finalists with the highest vote count will pitch live at the StreetShares Foundation upcoming virtual entrepreneurship "speed coaching" event on June 17th, 2021. Over 400 veterans have already registered to attend the event to receive 100% free business coaching and mentoring from top local business experts.
Voting for the 12 semi-finalists is now open through Monday, June 7th, and will close promptly at midnight. Members of the public may vote for their favorite military veteran or military spouse entrepreneur at streetsharesfoundation.org/vote.
To learn more and register for future speed coaching events, visit StreetSharesFoundation.org/events.
The 12 Semi-Finalists for the Military Entrepreneur Challenge Include:
Dave Long, Equine Education Foundation
The Equine Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization offering equine-therapy programs to children and adults suffering from physical and mental health ailments.
Cassondra Preer Taylor, Taylored 2 CODE
Taylored 2 CODE empowers military veterans to transition into and succeed in second careers in software, hardware and cyber security specialties
Nicole O'Brien, UNIQUE PL8Z
UNIQUE PL8Z team of military veterans create art and home accessories out of expired license plates.
Jordan Foley, Chow Corp.
Chow Corp. is training American heroes in the culinary arts to become future business owners while giving back to the community.
Teresa Guerin, The Produce Squad
The Produce Squad conveniently delivers fresh produce to the doorsteps of members of their local community.
Joshica Kiah, Joshica Beauty
Joshica Beauty is a natural hair and skincare brand that celebrates black natural hair.
Chris Hoffman, The Ambitious VET Network
The Ambitious VET Network is a personal and professional development community for veterans.
Michael Thomas, Operation Meraki
Operation Meraki is a veteran service organization with a mission to restore the dignity and quality of life for transitioning veterans.
Octavia Moore, SolVresh
SolFresh is an all natural food delivery service and coaching program founded by Chef Octavia Moore.
Chris Cruise, Cruise Custom Flags
Cruise Custom Flags produce custom hand-crafted American flags made by veterans and first responders.
Jen Griswold, Mission Entrepreneur
Mission Entrepreneur is a one-stop branding and marketing resource for women starting small businesses.
Nick Padlo, Sophros Recovery
Sophros Recovery provides outpatient treatment for individuals struggling with substance use disorder and mental health issues.
About the StreetShares Foundation
The StreetShares Foundation was launched in 2016 on Veterans Day with the mission to inspire, educate, and support United States Military community entrepreneurs and produce measurable social outcomes through entrepreneurship. The StreetShares Foundation provides access to capital opportunities along with educational content, mentoring, entrepreneurship events and inspiration. Learn more at StreetSharesFoundation.org.
About Samuel Adams Brewing the American Dream
Jim Koch started Samuel Adams in his kitchen in 1984 when imported and domestic beer were the only option for beer lovers. In his pursuit of a better beer, he ignited a similar revolution, the craft beer movement, inspiring a whole new category that's produced millions of jobs in communities from coast-to-coast. In the wake of his success, and with a passion for supporting entrepreneurs who are in the place where he once found himself, Jim launched Brewing the American Dream - a philanthropic program that embodies Sam Adams' pursuit of better.
Media Contact
StreetShares Foundation, Inc., StreetShares, +1 (571) 325-2966, [email protected]
SOURCE StreetShares
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