Cultivating the American Dream

Our Programs

The Second Service Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports military entrepreneurs through coaching, resources and capital, as well as an innovative mentorship program.

Capital Grants

Military Entrepreneur Challenge

The Military Entrepreneur Challenge is a nationwide grant program that gives veteran, military spouse, and Gold Star Family entrepreneurs, whose businesses have a significant social impact on the military community, the opportunity to compete for capital to grow their small business. 

 

The Military Entrepreneur Challenge is an in-person event that includes speed coaching and a pitch competition. The regional events are hosted across the country and our national Military Entrepreneur Challenge is held at the Military Influencer Conference. 

Business Coaching

Speed Coaching Events

Speed Coaching is a unique event created to help small business owners get have the benefit of free business advice. Throughout the event, attendees will have the opportunity to meet for coaching sessions with experts in various disciplines including accounting, communications, branding, marketing, creative, and sales and distribution-related issues etc.

Online Coaching Program

Finding Your Second Service

The Finding Your Second Service (FYSS) Program is an online executive coaching program for military-connected aspiring entrepreneurs, small business owners, and nonprofit leaders who want help finding their second service. 

 

FYSS program combines online modules, a strengths-based assessment, and an executive coaching session to help participants on their entrepreneurial journey.
 
Apply today for your chance to participate in our newest Second Service Foundation program! 

Networking

Brewing the American Dream Happy Hour

Networking is essential for growing your small business or non-profit. A professional network can lead to more opportunities, the improved ability to innovate, and deeper knowledge and increased expertise in your field. 

 

As part of our Military Entrepreneur Challenge and Speed Coaching events, participants are encouraged to network and they are given time to build connections. Our partner, Samuel Adams Brewing the American Dream, sponsors a networking happy hour where participants can enjoy a cold Sam Adams and build their network at the same time.  

Learn & Grow

Resources

Working with our partner organizations, we provide entrepreneurs and small business owners resources and opportunities for continued development.  

our impact

People Behind the Businesses

Find out more about past Military Entrepreneur Challenge grant recipients and how they are impacting their communities.