The “From Service to Start-Up” pitch contest showcases, celebrates, and supports the next generation of military-connected entrepreneurs with a focus on veterans and military spouses.
The year-long contest, sponsored by USAA and Bunker Labs, features a $100,000 grand prize and $180,000 in additional placement prizes while seeking to find deserving military-connected start-up businesses that are making an impact on their community.
“Nearly 100 years ago, USAA was formed as a military start-up company, and we’ve never forgotten our entrepreneurial spirit,” said Nathan McKinley, vice president of Corporate Development at USAA.
Bunker Labs, a leading non-profit that works to empower and support military-connected entrepreneurs and small business owners, will lead the application and support process.
USAA has provided the nonprofit more than $2.5 million since 2018 to ensure military-connected entrepreneurs receive the resources and support needed to start successful business ventures through programs such as Veteran in Residence, a six-month business incubator that provides veterans, military spouses, and military family members with coworking space, local community, a national business network, and targeted support to grow their business.
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“As a non-profit that helps aspiring veteran entrepreneurs take their ideas and turn them into impactful businesses, USAA’s support of Bunker Labs sends a profound message that USAA believes in veterans and our military community and has their back,” said Blake Hogan, CEO of Bunker Labs. “USAA’s 100-Year pitch contest will make a difference in the lives of the winners and help propel them forward.”
The six regional stops for the pitch contest are Los Angeles (Feb. 17), Austin (March 24), Chicago (April 21), Washington, D.C. (May 26), Seattle (July 21), and Charlotte (Sept. 15). Regional finalists from each city will be invited to the finals in San Antonio, Military City, U.S.A and USAA’s hometown, in November 2022.
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Interested entrepreneurs can visit here to fill out an applicant interest form and get more details on how and when to submit their materials for entrance into each location’s event.
Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com.