Read this and more inside the October issue of Military Spouse Magazine!
When Todd Connor transitioned out of the Navy after four years of military service, he struggled to find a new community where he belonged. Eventually, he became an entrepreneur. He founded one business, then another. While mentoring at an incubator program in Chicago, he realized the alignment between military service and entrepreneurship. He decided to offer communitybuilding opportunities to veterans who either wanted to start a business or were willing to mentor others. This became the principal goal of Bunker Labs.
Fast forward five years, and there are now Bunker Labs chapters in 26 cities, run by over 120 volunteers. Their services are free to veterans and military spouses. Each city chapter has three leaders, and at least one is typically a military spouse.
Military Spouse: Why do you think military spouses look to start their own business?
Todd Connor: People have a mental model of what entrepreneurship looks like, but it’s really just self-employment. Military spouses and the disabled community find themselves starting businesses at a much higher rate than their civilian counterparts because getting a traditional job is much harder. Military spouses are making the strategic move toward portable careers as they are unlocked by technology.
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MS: Bunker Labs includes military spouses in all of its programs. Not all veteran organizations welcome military spouses. Why do you feel spouses need similar support as veterans?
Todd: I think the decision to join the military is a catalytic moment that separates you from peers before you even set foot on a battlefield. It is an act of self-expression, desire to serve, stepping out and doing something others have defined as scary. These are the same traits of entrepreneurship. I don’t view entrepreneurship as a “special rate” for veterans. A lot of that is also true of military spouses, because they are individuals who said “I’m willing to be of service to my spouse and endure the hardships of frequent moves because it’s a service larger than myself.” The service member and spouse have a similar purpose and key ingredients to entrepreneurship. I think their life circumstances have advantaged them for the opportunity, so they share great business traits.
MS: What skills help military spouses become successful entrepreneurs?
Todd: Life experience, global perspective, maturity, discipline, understanding how to focus on a mission — all these are great business traits that veterans and spouses share. When veterans and spouses struggle to find employment, it is typically not because of a talent or education gap. Their weakness is that they don’t have good networking support or “social capital.” After World War II, being in the military was social capital, because most adults had served and could connect to a unit. Consequently, a huge amount of veterans started businesses. Now only 1% of the population joins, so they lack social support. That’s why Bunker Labs focuses on building local communities and making meaningful connections.
MS: What advice do you have for military spouses considering starting a company?
Todd: Sometimes people think it’s an either/ or choice between entrepreneurship and getting a job. I think it’s a both/and choice. Get a job AND build a side hustle. Don’t create risk for yourself and your family. Create momentum for what you’re doing, but lessen the risk by working a job. Create financial stability, but build during the “third shift” at night, after the kids are down, filling in the cracks, etc. If you’re willing to work — which I know military spouses are — then you can make it happen. First focus on getting one customer, getting one invoice. If you can do that, you can get 10. It’s OK to dream big, but don’t be afraid to start small.
Bunker Labs programs that help military spouses:
Launch Lab Online: If you have an entrepreneurial idea, this online education platform gives you the tools you need to make it a reality. Learn at your own pace from anywhere in the world.
WeWork Veterans in Residence Program: This nationwide initiative helps veterans and military spouses who have already started a business and need to grow. Bunker Labs provides business space, mentorship, and community support. The program is currently available in 25 major cities across the country.
CEOCircles: These are monthly meetups for successful small business owners. Through the meetings, Bunker Labs surrounds CEOs with the resources, networks, and mentors they need for future success.
Muster Across America: During this annual national tour, Bunker Labs visits cities across the country to host events that build connections between military families and local business owners. This helps expand entrepreneurial resources and impact.
Bunker Brews: During these monthly meetups, military spouse entrepreneurs can network with the Bunker Lab community of subject matter experts, investors, and thought leaders to help them take the next step in their business.