The Rosie Network Service2CEO Program – Free Military Entrepreneur Training

Grant Overview

16-Week Business Development Program for Active Duty, Veterans & Military Spouses

Donor: The Rosie Network

About: Here’s the thing about military entrepreneurship that nobody talks about enough – it’s tough. You’re dealing with PCS moves, deployment schedules, and all the chaos that comes with military life while trying to build something lasting. The Service2CEO program actually gets this reality, which is probably why 86% of participants report a minimum 150% increase in revenue after completion.

This isn’t another generic small business course where they pretend military life is just like civilian entrepreneurship. Service2CEO is one of the few programs targeting military spouses for entrepreneurial training, with 92% of participants being women, and they’ve built their entire approach around the unique challenges military families face. The program runs 16 weeks, completely free, and covers everything from business fundamentals to pitch presentations.

What really caught my attention when researching this program is their track record. They maintain a 99.5% Net Promoter Score, which frankly is almost unheard of in educational programs. That tells you participants aren’t just satisfied – they’re actively recommending it to other military entrepreneurs.

The Numbers That Actually Matter

Let’s talk specifics because generic promises don’t pay bills. The Rosie Network has been doing this since 2012, starting with Rosie’s List (their business directory) before launching Service2CEO. Founded by Stephanie Brown, spouse of retired Rear Admiral Tom Brown (SEAL), they understand military culture from the inside.

The curriculum includes 8 core modules delivered by vetted subject matter experts – not random consultants who’ve never dealt with a military lifestyle. You get 1-on-1 mentorship, peer support from other military entrepreneurs, and access to co-working hours. But here’s what sets it apart: the program culminates with participants presenting pitch decks to a national audience.

Q: How long does the program actually take each week?
A: Sessions are designed around military schedules – typically 2-3 hours weekly.

Q: What happens if I get PCS orders during the program?
A: The program accommodates military moves and deployments.

Q: Is this really free or are there hidden costs?
A: Completely free – no materials fees, no hidden charges.

Similar to other military entrepreneur support programs, Service2CEO recognizes that traditional business training often misses the mark for military families.

Who They’re Actually Looking For

The application process tells you a lot about what they value. They want to know where you are in your entrepreneurial journey – ideation, concept, launch, growth, or scaling stages. All are welcome, which is refreshing since many programs only want “ready-to-scale” businesses.

They ask about your business stage, the problem you’re solving, and your revenue (if any). But they also ask practical questions like how many hours per week you can dedicate to entrepreneurship. This isn’t a casual commitment – they want people who are serious about building something.

The eligibility is straightforward: active duty, veterans, military spouses, and Gold Star spouses from all branches. Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy, Space Force – doesn’t matter. What matters is your connection to military service and your commitment to entrepreneurship.

Q: Can overseas military families participate?
A: Yes, virtual participation accommodates overseas assignments.

Q: Do I need an existing business to apply?
A: No – they accept entrepreneurs at all stages including ideation.

Unlike other military entrepreneur programs that focus primarily on established businesses, Service2CEO meets you wherever you are in your journey.

What You Actually Get (Beyond the Buzzwords)

The program delivers a Service2CEO workbook and helps you develop a professional pitch deck. These aren’t throwaway materials – graduates use these tools to secure funding and grow their businesses post-program.

You’re paired with mentors who understand military life. This isn’t some random business coach who’s never dealt with a deployment affecting their business plans. The mentorship component connects you with people who’ve navigated similar challenges.

The networking aspect is significant too. You join their international network of fellow military entrepreneurs and business owners, which continues long after program completion. This alumni network provides ongoing support and business opportunities.

Q: What industries do they support?
A: All business types and industries are welcome.

Q: Is there ongoing support after graduation?
A: Yes, alumni network provides continued mentorship and networking.

For entrepreneurs exploring multiple funding options, this program pairs well with VA self-employment resources and other veteran business support services.

The Real Talk About Military Entrepreneurship

Here’s something most programs won’t tell you: veterans are 45% more likely to start a small business than their civilian counterparts. Military service builds entrepreneurial skills – leadership, problem-solving, working under pressure. But it also creates unique challenges.

PCS moves disrupt business operations. Deployments affect customer relationships. Military pay structures don’t always align with entrepreneurial cash flow needs. Service2CEO addresses these realities instead of pretending they don’t exist.

The program structure reflects this understanding. Sessions accommodate military schedules. The curriculum addresses military-specific entrepreneurial challenges. The mentorship connects you with people who’ve faced similar obstacles.

Q: What if my spouse deploys during the program?
A: Program flexibility accommodates deployment cycles.

Q: Can dual military couples both participate?
A: Yes, both spouses can apply if eligible.

Many participants combine this training with other opportunities like women entrepreneur grants to build comprehensive support systems.

Application Strategy That Actually Works

The application asks for a professional bio – write this carefully. They want 2-3 sentences in third person including current projects. This tells them you’re actively working on something, not just thinking about maybe starting a business someday.

They ask about your biggest business development challenge and what specific expertise you’re seeking. Be honest here. If you’re struggling with marketing, say so. If financial planning keeps you up at night, mention that. They can only help if they know what you need.

The “anything else you’d like to share” section is your opportunity to explain your military story and how it connects to your entrepreneurial goals. Don’t waste this space on generic statements.

Q: Should I apply if my business idea isn’t fully developed?
A: Yes – ideation stage participants are specifically welcomed.

Q: What makes a strong application?
A: Honesty about challenges and clear commitment to entrepreneurship.

Consider exploring additional entrepreneur support programs while preparing your application to strengthen your overall business foundation.

Timeline and Practical Considerations

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, so you don’t need to wait for specific deadlines. The 16-week program runs continuously with new cohorts starting regularly. This flexibility works well for military schedules that don’t always align with academic calendars.

Program delivery is designed for busy military families. Most content is accessible virtually, accommodating overseas assignments and irregular schedules. Co-working hours and networking events provide community connection when possible.

Q: When do new cohorts start?
A: Rolling admissions with regular cohort launches.

Q: What technology do I need?
A: Basic internet access and computer/tablet for virtual sessions.

Participants often combine this program with other entrepreneur development opportunities to maximize their business growth potential.

Look, building a business while managing military life isn’t easy. The Service2CEO program acknowledges this reality and provides practical tools to work with your circumstances, not against them. Their track record speaks for itself – 86% of participants see significant revenue increases, and their Net Promoter Score of 99.5% indicates participants aren’t just satisfied but actively promoting the program to others.

If you’re serious about military entrepreneurship and want training that actually understands your unique challenges, this program delivers. The combination of proven curriculum, military-specific mentorship, and ongoing alumni support creates opportunities that generic business training simply can’t match. Get expert help with your application strategy to maximize your acceptance chances and program success.

Focus: military entrepreneurship, veteran business training, military spouse entrepreneurs, small business development, startup mentorship, entrepreneurial education, business planning, military family businesses

Region: United States

Eligibility:
– Active duty service members from all military branches
– Veterans from Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy, Space Force
– Military spouses (current, veteran, Gold Star spouses)
– Commitment to 16-week program participation
– Willingness to engage in mentorship and peer learning
– Entrepreneurial focus or business ownership goals

Benefits:
– Free 8-module entrepreneurship curriculum
– Professional Service2CEO workbook and materials
– 1-on-1 mentorship with vetted business experts
– Peer support network of military entrepreneurs
– Co-working hours and networking opportunities
– Professional pitch deck development
– National pitch presentation opportunity
– Alumni network access for ongoing support
– Award-winning curriculum by subject matter experts

Deadline: Rolling

Terms:
– Service2CEO: 16-week comprehensive entrepreneurship training program designed specifically for military-connected entrepreneurs
– Military-Connected: Active duty, veterans, military spouses, and Gold Star spouses from all service branches
– Rolling Admissions: Applications accepted continuously without specific deadline restrictions
– Alumni Network: Post-graduation community providing ongoing business support and networking opportunities
– Pitch Deck: Professional business presentation developed during program and presented to national audience

Author: Working with military entrepreneurs over the years, I’ve seen how standard business advice often falls short for families dealing with PCS moves, deployments, and the unique demands of military service. The Service2CEO program stands out because it was built by military families for military families – they understand that entrepreneurship looks different when your spouse might deploy next month or you’re facing orders to a new duty station. What impressed me most during my research was their 86% participant success rate and 99.5% satisfaction score – numbers that reflect real impact, not just good intentions. At Grantaura, I regularly work with military entrepreneurs seeking funding, and I consistently see how programs like Service2CEO provide the foundation that makes all the difference in securing grants and building sustainable businesses. The military community brings unique strengths to entrepreneurship, but they also face challenges that require specialized support. Visit my profile to learn more about my work helping entrepreneurs navigate the funding landscape.