2023 AMSE Military Spouse Entrepreneur Impact Report

Small Steps, Big Impact

Association of Military Spouse Entrepreneur®

In a landscape where information on milspouse entrepreneurship is scarce, we stand as the beacon of clarity. Year after year, our commitment remains unwavering: to shine a spotlight on the invaluable contributions and unique challenges faced by military spouse entrepreneurs As the sole organization dedicated to compiling this vital data, we recognize the profound responsibility entrusted to us With each passing year, our resolve strengthens, fueled by the unwavering dedication of military spouses who embody resilience in the face of adversity

The facts are clear. The current landscape of military spouses and their families is at its lowest, a sobering reality echoed by data and reports from organizations whose mission encompasses the military family. Yet, amidst these challenges, our focus remains steadfast At the Association of Military Spouse Entrepreneurs®, our Impact Report’s sole focus is on the small business owner.

SOCIAL IMPACT

Ourmissionistocreateaneconomic impactforournation'smilitaryfamilies throughmilspouseentrepreneurship.

By narrowing our lens, we can have a better understanding of the unique experiences and needs of military spouse entrepreneurs, providing insights that illuminate pathways to success in entrepreneurship.

Within these pages lie not just statistics, but narratives of resilience, innovation, and triumph Our impact report transcends mere data points; it encapsulates the spirit of a community united in its pursuit of entrepreneurship. Through comprehensive research and rigorous analysis, we unveil the multifaceted realities experienced by military spouse entrepreneurs

Join us as we illuminate the path forward, empowering military spouses to thrive in entrepreneurship. Together, let us turn insight into action, leveraging the power of knowledge to effect meaningful change. Our mission extends beyond the confines of this report; it is a rallying cry for collective action and unwavering advocacy. As we navigate the challenges ahead, let us stand united in our commitment to fostering an environment where military spouse entrepreneurs not only survive but thrive.

FOUNDER'S NOTE

Reflecting on the progress made throughout 2023, it's clear that cultivating a stronger AMSE entails embracing adaptability, embracing change, and being open to pivoting strategies. However, amidst these dynamic shifts, one aspect remains unwavering: our dedication to purpose and intention For AMSE, that purpose is deeply rooted in community the very essence of who we are and whom we are committed to serving: our community of military spouse entrepreneurs

I aim to curate a repository of diverse resources from across the internet and the globe, consolidating them into a single accessible platform This endeavor is designed to afford our community more time to prioritize themselves, nurture their burgeoning businesses, and continue their vital support of military families and communities.

Rather than pursuing breadth, our focus is on depth. The population of our veteran and active-

duty milspouse community remains remarkably small, comprising a mere 0.15% of the global populace. Yet, our needs are profound and deserving of attention

Many beyond the military sphere fail to grasp the challenges we face regarding self-worth, esteem, isolation, and displacement. Entrepreneurship, however, offers a means of empowerment, enabling us to seize control, leverage our creativity, skills, and resourcefulness, and chart our distinct paths independent of our spouses. Through entrepreneurship, we forge a legacy defined by our resilience and determination

The Assoc. of Military Spouse Entrepreneurs® serves as a beacon of support for this community, offering tailored assistance, education, funding, resources, and programming specifically tailored to the military spouse entrepreneur

In this year-end impact report, it's heartening to note that 84% of the military spouse entrepreneurs we serve attested to AMSE's superior communitybuilding compared to other programs they have engaged with.

This achievement fills me with pride. With the unwavering support of our team, partners, and the community we serve, I am committed to continuously striving for excellence.

Here's to amplifying the voices and addressing the needs of our milspouse community with unwavering purpose and intention

Monika Jefferson Founder/CEO Assoc. of Military Spouse Entrepreneurs ®

SO FAR The story

Our Mission Our Purpose

In the 2023 Impact Report, the Association of Military Spouse Entrepreneurs® (AMSE) underscores its commitment to fostering economic empowerment within military families by offering comprehensive entrepreneurial support and programming for military spouses.

AMSE employs a hybrid education model, leveraging a rich blend of curriculum, resources, tools, masterclasses, group coaching, and virtual coworking facilitated through a digital platform. This approach aims to equip military spouses with the necessary skills and resources to initiate, expand, and maintain their businesses successfully.

Key highlights within this Impact Report include:

An overview of the tangible impact AMSE has made over the past year in supporting the Military Spouse Small Business Community.

Insight into the innovative initiatives introduced by AMSE throughout 2023 Recognition of the partners who have aligned with AMSE's mission to bolster Military Spouse Entrepreneurs.

Data collected by AMSE underscores the specific needs and challenges faced by Military Spouse Entrepreneurs

Comparative data illustrating how AMSE measures up against other programs in which our members have participated.

The primary objective of this Impact Report is to provide the community with a deeper understanding of the organizational efforts undertaken by AMSE and to shed light on the evolving needs of the community we serve.

By empowering military spouses to seize control of their professional destinies, AMSE facilitates the acquisition of essential skills necessary for self-employment on their own terms and financial scales. This not only fosters financial stability but also cultivates a sense of fulfillment and self-assurance, thereby leaving a lasting imprint on our military families and bolstering our nation's mission readiness.

82% OF MEMBERS RATE AMSE PROGRAMS AT SERVING THE BETTER THAN OTHER MILSPOUSE ENTREPRENEUR

2023 HIGHLIGHTS

TOTAL AMSE MEMBERS:

2300+

SOCIAL MEDIA IMPRESSIONS:

1.7M

TEAM MEMBERS:

29

INCOME FOR OUR TEAM:

6 FIGURES

AMSE continued to support more spouses in 2023. We had 318 members sign up for our program for support and services, showing a steady growth rate in a saturated market.

In our ongoing commitment to champion military spouse entrepreneurship, we've continued to leverage social media as a powerful tool for advocacy and outreach. Throughout 2023, we effectively utilized its digital platforms to amplify our mission, generating over 1.7 million organic social media impressions. With a global footprint spanning 27 countries, 19 time zones, and all 50 U.S. states, we are actively elevating the discourse surrounding military spouse entrepreneurship on a worldwide scale.

Internally, we have also made significant strides in driving economic impact. With a dedicated team comprising over 29 employees and independent contractors, we've worked tirelessly to support our operational endeavors.

Notably, AMSE has disbursed over six figures in income to military spouses over the past year and half a million dollars in 4 years, aligning closely with our core mission of fostering tangible economic empowerment within our community.

AMSE MEMBER GROWTH RATE

We continued to welcome new members from around the globe in many career fields, helping us to diversify and offer even more to our members! Community is one of our core pillars at AMSE, and we experienced consistent growth and retention in 2023.

In 2023, less than 5% of AMSE's total budget was dedicated to marketing efforts. Rather than investing heavily in paid promotions, AMSE prioritizes the growth and enhancement of its programming

This strategic decision not only enables us to allocate resources directly to our members and the military spouse ecosystem but also underscores our commitment to supporting our community by providing employment opportunities to military spouses.

Since its inception in November 2019, AMSE has consistently experienced monthover-month growth.

Without relying on paid advertisements or digital ad spending, we've organically welcomed an average of 15-25 new members each month. This steady expansion reflects the effectiveness of our mission-driven approach and the resonance of our programming within the military spouse community.

MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS

AMSE continues to be highlighted in 2023 on a national scale in the media for our efforts. Our founder & CEO, Monika Jefferson was featured on the covers of various articles, events, and stories. Her advocacy efforts continue to bring attention to military spouse unemployment.

Many media platforms dedicated space to our mission in 2023, but the year's most prominent media moments were initiatives featured in Inc, Hispanic Star, and Military Spouse publications and national campaigns for Botox Cosmetics and IFundWoman.

EDUCATION

MASTERCLASSES TAUGHT BY NATIONAL INDUSTRY-LEADING EXPERTS

Some of the globe's foremost industry leaders, generously contribute their expertise to our Masterclasses tailored for the military spouse community. In 2023, our community received unparalleled support with content meticulously designed to cater to the unique needs of military spouses, ensuring they received nothing short of excellence

NUMBER

OF DIGITAL EVENTS IN 2023

1.8k

# OF ATTENDEES LIVE

HANDS ON APPROACH sessions

In 2023, our focus on group coaching aimed to offer tailored guidance, helping spouses pinpoint obstacles hindering the growth of their businesses.

Seasoned coaches hailing from diverse professional backgrounds provided mentorship and personalized coaching sessions, leveraging their expertise to assist our members.

Covering a wide spectrum of topics ranging from health and wellness to social media strategy and human resources, our members had the opportunity to address their queries directly and gain actionable insights to implement into their businesses promptly.

BUILDING YOUR BUSINESS THE AMSE WAY COURSEWORK

7

Units of Pre-Recorded Online Curriculum

60 Mini Video Modules with Accompanying Homework and Downloads

AMSE was built on the foundation of ensuring our members don’t waste endless hours trying to figure out how to launch, grow, or scale their businesses "Building your Business the AMSE Way”® is a custom curriculum built for the military spouse entrepreneur that guides them from ideation to launch Our curriculum keeps the idea of building a remote and portable business in mind (aka PCS proof) and also utilizes today’s tools and technology. Military spouses need curated and customized education.

3700+

Hours of Curriculum Watched in since 2019

In Spring 2023, we proudly launched our 3rd cohort, marking another successful milestone in our journey. Throughout the program, we provided invaluable support to spouses, empowering them to start and scale their businesses.

Our comprehensive approach included equipping participants with proven strategies and techniques, coupled with personalized coaching to navigate barriers and overcome challenges they encountered along the way.

42,000

MILITARY SPOUSE ENTREPRENEUR GUIDE®

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH STARS & STRIPES

When AMSE began, we decided to make entrepreneurship an option for every military spouse. We needed to be on military bases as a resource to make that happen. Enter the Stars and Stripes Military Spouse Entrepreneur Guide This was written exclusively by AMSE contributors and military spouse entrepreneurs. Last year's guide features how to build and manage a product-based business and the latest issue focused on the mental health of the military spouse. The MSEG will continue its legacy and arrive on base with its eighth and ninth editions in 2024.

ISSUES DISTRIBUTED 6 & 7 DIGITAL IMPRESSIONS IN 2023 2M+ 2 PRINT COPIES DISTRIBUTED ON BASES TO DATE GLOBALLY 620K 900+ MILITARY SPOUSE SMALL BUSINESS DIGIAL DIRECTORY

AMSE COMMUNITY CHAPTER GROWTH

“ We don’t have to do it all alone. We were never meant to."

~Brené Brown

AMSE is a hybrid model, meaning we meet virtually and in person. Our local chapters help to foster in-person connections that military spouses deeply desire. Our chapter leaders are our boots on the ground representing the organization's mission in communities worldwide.

Our military spouses get to know other spouses in their area who are also building businesses while discovering the fantastic resources that can support their businesses right in their backyard.

We currently have 14 chapters nationally and 1 OCONUS with chapter leaders. Since its launch in August 2019, we have hosted over 128+ meetups and 47 in 2023!

Meetups

Bragg

Davis Monthan Ft Leavenworth

CFA Yokosuka-Japan

Ft Meade Mac Dill

FtDrum

Indianapolis DC

FortHood

JBER

EXPANSION OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY + PLATFORM

AMSE launched in 2019 with an exclusive digital platform for our members. We knew the only way to truly reach all spouses globally was to have a virtual organization. Within our platform, members have access to education, curriculum, member discounts, resources, and downloads

Military spouses lead incredibly busy lives, often lacking the time or resources to attend in-person training sessions Historically, "career" programs were predominantly available in major cities and installations, inadvertently excluding spouses residing in smaller towns, bases, or overseas locations.

As we step into 2024, AMSE remains committed to staying at the forefront of innovation, continuously updating our programming and resources to support spouses in realizing their entrepreneurial aspirations, regardless of the challenges posed by the unpredictable nature of military life. In pursuit of this mission, we have revamped our technology, making it more interactive and user-friendly

In the fall of 2023, we introduced an entirely new platform, addressing the needs of our community with enhanced features. Alongside existing functionalities, the upgraded platform now includes app access, and still requires GovX verification, ensuring security and authenticity, while also enabling spouses to create profiles and share their locations.

These advancements reflect our dedication to empowering military spouses, irrespective of their geographical location or circumstances

AMSE was ahead of its time in 2019, seeing the true value and reach of digital education in 2023, even before the world was thrust into it by the global pandemic.

SOCIAL IMPACT & REPRESENTATION

In addition to advocating for social justice, reform, and support across diverse communities, AMSE remains actively engaged in numerous impactful campaigns.

We take great pride in championing the representation and empowerment of underrepresented and underserved communities, standing in solidarity with each one. Our commitment extends to spotlighting military spouses who are making significant strides in entrepreneurship, shaping a better world.

One notable initiative launched in 2020 is the Black Military Spouse Owned Business Guide, which has seen remarkable growth in 2023. With a membership exceeding 2,000 individuals, we continue to amplify the achievements of our Black, Latina/Hispanic, and Asian Pacific counterparts.

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”

For the fourth consecutive year, AMSE has had the privilege of selecting four members to participate in New York Fashion Week These military spouses, often unsung heroes, were treated to a VIP experience, courtesy of InstaSleep Mint Melts It's our honor to shine a light on their contributions and bring them moments of joy amidst their daily sacrifices

MENTORSHIP MATTERS

Since 2022 AMSE has been a proud partner with the Gathering of Giants and hosting over 30 spouses at 3 mentorship events.

Mentorship is critical to every small business and entrepreneurial journey, and the #birthingofgiants goal is to support and mentor milspouses through a free, in-person mentorship day.

OWNING UP PODCAST 10.5k Downloads

Our podcast, "Owning Up," stands as a cornerstone of our advocacy for milspouse entrepreneurs

Led by AMSE founder and CEO Moni Jefferson, "Owning Up" delivers invaluable insights and interviews with AMSE members and associates, offering a wealth of knowledge and experience to listeners.

With a mission to foster dialogue and opportunity for military spouse entrepreneurs, "Owning Up" tackles a range of topics and issues, ensuring that vital conversations and avenues remain open

Broadcasting across multiple countries worldwide, "Owning Up" garnered an impressive 10 5K downloads in 2023, underscoring its global impact and resonance within the military spouse community.

MILSPOUSE UNEMPLOYMENT

AWARENESS

CAMPAIGN

Raising awareness among our civilian counterparts is crucial for advancing the employment prospects of military spouses. It involves shedding light on the historical context and reasons behind the existing disparities while emphasizing the significant value that

hiring military spouses can bring to any organization. Additionally, promoting the importance of remote work is paramount, especially considering the increased feasibility since 2019. As we navigate a return to the traditional workplace setting, it's imperative to prioritize remote work options as a means of harnessing the untapped potential of the military spouse small business community. By championing these initiatives, we can ensure that the talents and contributions of military spouses are recognized and leveraged to their fullest extent.

ROUNDTABLE WITH USAA USAA SBI: UNDERSTANDING INSURANCE NEEDS

This roundtable provided a platform to learn more about concerns, and experiences, and directly interact with industry professionals striving to comprehend the complexities and challenges surrounding small business insurance

Military spouses who participated had the opportunity to offer perspectives and insights, contributing to the development of future initiatives tailored to the needs of the military spouse small business community as it pertains to small business insurance.

ROUNDTABLE CONVERSATIONS WITH WITH MILSPOUSE CEO’S

06

At the core of our mission lies the power of conversations and mentorship, where we actively share stories, provide transparent advice, and offer tactics and shortcuts to spouses who are embarking on their entrepreneurial journeys. The roundtable's goal was for spouses who are paving the way, to generously share their highs and lows, offering invaluable insights along the way.

Networking and connection are not just goals; they are promises we uphold. The event was open to all spouses, regardless of their stage in business.

Time together was attended by seasoned business owners from all backgrounds and industries. Their expertise and firsthand experiences provided military spouses with the guidance and support to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities as they built a business while living the miltiary life.

Program Diversification

AMSE INAUGURAL MILITARY SPOUSE ENTREPRENEUR AWARD

WE UNDERSTAND THAT MILITARY SPOUSES ARE SOME OF THE MOST RESILIENT AND HARDWORKING INDIVIDUALS. THEY MAKE INCREDIBLE SACRIFICES FOR THEIR FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES WHILE SUPPORTING THEIR LOVED ONES IN UNIFORM.

2023 Winner Krystalore Crews

MilitarySpouseandownerof CrewsBeyondLimits

06

FOCUS ON THE WHOLE MILSPOUSE

After reviewing surveys from 2022 and learning more about the wellness of our military spouses entrepreneurs we decided to expand and add a program that targets the whole military spouse that would also improve their business

In spring 2023 we launched, Elevate to Impact Collective, a 90-day live transformation program to help military spouses transform their lives & businesses by accelerating their goals through a design process and implementing a clear plan with accountability support and, most importantly, results. During our time together, you will experience the power of community, get expert coaching, and attend a 4-day in-person transformational retreat to ignite your journey!

CROWDFUNDING

During the summer of 2023, a pivotal moment unfolded as we embarked on our inaugural crowdfunding campaign: Empower Military Spouses: Ignite Futures. This groundbreaking initiative aimed not only to secure vital funding: raising an impressive $37,000.

The success of this campaign not only provided essential financial resources but served as a beacon, shining a spotlight on the importance of empowering military spouses in entrepreneurship. Every dollar raised was strategically allocated toward fostering growth and scalability for our community's businesses

Funds enabled us to expand our team, advance our technology, implement innovative solutions, and streamline operations, allowing us to keep our programs free or low-cost, and allocated towards amplifying our advocacy efforts, enabling us to amplify our voice and effect positive change on behalf of the military spouse entrepreneur community.

This tangible demonstration of support underscored the collective commitment to uplifting military spouse entrepreneurs and igniting a future filled with boundless opportunities and prosperity.

MILITARY SPOUSE UNEMPLOYMENT ADVOCACY

AMSE has been an active participant in numerous events, seizing every opportunity to shed light on the profound impact that military life has on the employment opportunities of military spouses We have passionately advocated for the transformative role that entrepreneurship can play in addressing a multitude of challenges faced by military families

Beyond simply addressing mental health concerns, entrepreneurship offers a holistic solution, providing avenues for enhanced financial stability and combatting food insecurity within the military community

Empowering military spouses to become entrepreneurs, we not only bolster their mental resilience but also equip them with the tools and resources needed to achieve greater financial independence and security.

LEGISLATIVE ACTION

In November 2020, the Center for American Entrepreneurship utilized data provided by AMSE to craft a report, urging legislative action for military spouse empowerment. This report advocated for governmental measures aimed at reducing barriers hindering military spouses from initiating and transferring businesses, as well as securing access to capital for business endeavors

In 2023, Senators Klobuchar and Tillis re-introduced the bipartisan NDAA Amendment, titled "The Enhancing Military Spouse Entrepreneurship Act," with the intent to bolster support for military spouse entrepreneurship. Despite the amendment not gaining traction, AMSE remains steadfast in its mission to shed light on the challenges faced by military spouse entrepreneurs. We remain committed to our legislative endeavors, striving to amplify the voices and address the needs of small business owners within the military spouse community

MORE TO COME IN 2024

At the heart of our mission lies the cornerstone of collaboration; it's through collective effort that we elevate our community

Looking forward, AMSE remains steadfast in our commitment to forging partnerships with some of the most sought-after organizations, ensuring that we deliver top-notch strategies, expert insights, exclusive discounts, and invaluable resources to our military spouse entrepreneurs These partnerships are pivotal in providing our members with the support they need to thrive in their entrepreneurial journeys

As we journey through 2024, we are proud to announce collaborations with leading organizations such as Meta, Blue Cross Blue

Shield, First Command, and many others.

These esteemed partners bring with them a wealth of expertise and resources that will empower our community to reach new heights of success and fulfillment Together, we are building a network of support and opportunity that propels military spouse entrepreneurs toward their goals and aspirations

AMSE'S IMPACT DRIVEN MISSION

Founded on the fundamental principles of impact and advocacy, AMSE recognized the importance of data to drive progress in both areas From the outset, we have collaborated closely with our members, community, and partners to underscore the necessity of programs tailored specifically for military spouse entrepreneurs

Yet, AMSE understood that raising the bar required collective effort In December 2019, we released our inaugural Impact Report, comprising a modest 288 data points. While seemingly small in scale, it served as a significant milestone, offering a glimpse into our trajectory and demonstrating our commitment to the cause. Fast forward to 2023, our latest report boasts a remarkable 1,319 data points, a testament to our continued growth and impact.

Amidst the evolving landscape, it became abundantly clear that our military spouses required exclusive programming, mentorship, and resources tailored to their unique

circumstances and aspirations. Recognizing the urgency of the need, AMSE mobilized to provide these essential offerings, ensuring that our community had the support it needed to thrive and succeed.

AMSE remains steadfast in its collaboration with esteemed global partners, including the Global Entrepreneurship Network, Hello Alice, the Center for American Entrepreneurship, and Excelsior College. Together, we diligently compile, analyze, and disseminate data about our community, ensuring that our funding, programs, and resources are strategically aligned with the insights gleaned.

With the release of the 2023 data, which now encompasses over 2,300 military spouse members and nearly 1,500 complete profiles, we have gained invaluable insights into the diverse needs and aspirations of military spouses seeking support from AMSE This comprehensive dataset equips us with a deeper understanding of our community's challenges and opportunities, empowering us to tailor our initiatives to better serve their needs

AMSE Member Data

BREAKDOWN OF AMSE MEMBER PROFILES

1319

ETHNICITY

Among AMSE's members, there is a rich diversity of ethnic and racial backgrounds, which is a reflection of America By highlighting the struggles and successes of all military spouses, AMSE stays true to its core values of equality by uplifting the underserved and underrepresented.

BY BRANCH

AMSE's largest demographic comes from the Army (39.7%) followed by Air Force (22 3%), Navy (14 9%), and Marines (9 9%) The National Guard (5%) Reserves (4 4%) and Coast Guard (3.7%) comprise the smallest demographic population.

24%

Of members are also U S Veterans

85% Of members operate their business from home

19% Of companies have employees

PAY GRADE

The largest number of AMSE members appear to fall within the pay grades of E5 & E6 (28.4%) on the enlisted side, as well as O1- O4 (25 7%) on the officer side This assumes that spouses traditionally venture into entrepreneurship once they have had their bearings as military spouses or become a little more "seasoned" in military life.

36%

Of members operated their business during a deployment

30%

Of members hire other military spouses, and another 64% intend to once they start hiring

80%

Of AMSE members live outside of a military installation (non-military housing)

and beyond by introducing strategies to scale their business models.

TOP

NEEDS

The vast majority of our members are at different stages of ideation, so we seek to meet their needs at every stage. In identifying the needs of milspouse entrepreneurs, we see that growth is the top priority. Getting started and marketing are also high priorities.

OTHER RESOURCES USED

When asking our members what other resources they had used to support them on their business journey other than AMSE, the results varied. Among the highest were Boots to Business (11 5%), followed by the SBA and SCORE (17.7%). The answers showed a wide range of resources: iFundWomen, Women's Business Center, VBOC, and more, all scoring <6%

ENTITY OF COMPANIES

More than half of AMSE's businesses are LLCs or Sole Proprietorships. The number one question within our community is the question of formation or transfer of formation as a military spouse-owned business

AMSE MEMBER ANNUAL REVENUES

Prefer not to answer 12 84

“Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.”

We were blown away when we started collecting revenue data on our members. We found in 2019 that 62% of our members were making <$10K in revenue per year, and 2023, this continues to be the most significant revenue bracket in our community with an increase to 65%. This shocking figure showed that our program continues to be needed to support spouses.

Military spouses were highly unemployed and underemployed and were turning to

entrepreneurship as a way to make money - ANY kind of money.

Unfortunately, they lack the basic business principles to have a solid business model beyond a "side hustle." This is where AMSE comes in. Our niche is to serve the milspouse by walking spouses from ideation to launch and helping them to achieve a solid foundation to build business success, leading to economic impact and stability.

AMSE MEMBER TOP BUSINESSES

BY CATEGORY

AMSE continues to be the first of its kind by military spouse entrepreneurs for military spouse entrepreneurs. Our military spouses continue to build mobile, remote careers in fields not being served or addressed by "at the time" programs. This is why AMSE is vital.

Our spouses are 97% female and work in fields such as Marketing, Health & Fitness, Writing, and E-Commerce

Other "employment programs" were servicing brick-and-mortar small businesses, VC tech founders, or traditional

Veterans in government contracting/consulting roles.

None of these fit the traditional military spouse demographic. This is the data to prove it.

Our spouses need resources to build digital online businesses with passive revenue streams and a remote, global presence.

They are the creatives and the freelancers, the designers and the bookkeepers, the social media gurus and the PR geniuses. And we need to have resources that cater to those industries.

HOW AMSE STACKS UP

COMPARED TO OTHER RESOURCES

OTHER RESOURCES USED

According to AMSE members, AMSE ranked 82% higher across the board than other programs This approval covers everything from serving the Military Spouse entrepreneur to our education and resources to our programming and community

84%

Rank AMSE better than other programs for Community

ECONOMIC IMPACT

Despite a global pandemic, 54% of AMSE members reported that their revenues have increased since joining the program. 33% also reported a stronger sense of financial stability

GOAL SETTING

AMSE utilizes community to help our members set tangible goals and achieve them. Since joining AMSE, 54% of members report achieving their goals has been easier

54% of members report that their revenues have increased since joining AMSE

82%

Rank AMSE better than other programs in serving the Military Spouse Entrepreneur

59%

Rank AMSE better than other programs in Military Spouse Entrepreneur Education + Resources

93%

Report that their selfworth has increased

SELF-CONFIDENCE AND SELF-WORTH

Military Spouses often suffer from low efficacy due to the trials, tribulations, and stressors of military life. They are struggling to find a meaningful and rewarding career as well as to be able to financially contribute to their family

93% of AMSE members reported that, since joining, their self-worth has increased 85% of members reported that their confidence in their future careers has also increased

Entrepreneurship empowers military spouses to chart their career paths, set their rates, and tailor their work schedules to accommodate their family's needs. This flexibility is essential for military families, allowing for careers rich in passion, purpose, and financial independence

At AMSE, we recognize the transformative power of entrepreneurship and step in to provide the essential foundations of education, resources, and support. Most importantly, we foster a vibrant community

85%

Report that their confidence in their future career has increased

here military spouse entrepreneurs from around the globe come together to share experiences, offer encouragement, and build businesses side by side.

This sense of camaraderie and shared experience is the true value of AMSE We are an organization created by military spouse entrepreneurs, for military spouse entrepreneurs. Together, we empower each other to thrive in the entrepreneurial world while navigating the unique challenges of military life.

TESTIMONIALS

OUR GOALS FOR 2024

Expand our AMSE Community Chapters with additional Global Chapters

Launch MSEG 9 & 10 EOY 2024

Hire military spouses and furthering our economic impact mission as a social enterprise

Obtain mass media exposure for our members to elevate their businesses, products, and services

Advocacy work towards Legislative

Change in partnership with Meta + The Center of American Entrepreneurship

Grow the military spouse directory

Add and expand our education and curriculum

Expand Partners and Resources

Connect our Military Spouse Entrepreneurs with opportunities to sell their products and services

Work with our partners to elevate opportunities and exposure for Military Spouse Entrepreneurs

Celebrate our 5th year in business in June 2024

MARKING MILESTONES AND MAINTAINING MOMENTUM

At AMSE, our team is comprised entirely of Military Spouse Entrepreneurs. This unique composition gives us a distinct advantage –we are agile, innovative, and adept at making swift decisions with precision execution

Despite being a small organization, AMSE

has achieved remarkable progress and global influence in under four years. However, this success has not been a solitary endeavor; it has been achieved through the collective efforts of our community.

As we look ahead, we are excited to announce our established program for expansion in the coming year. This initiative will open doors to new opportunities and enable us to reach places where our programming is needed most.

The purpose of this impact report is to illustrate the incredible power of a team of Military Spouse Entrepreneurs working in tandem with a community that shares a steadfast belief in our vision Together, we are dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of military families through our programming focused on military spouse entrepreneurship.

BUILT BY MILITARY SPOUSE ENTREPRENEURS FOR MILITARY SPOUSE ENTREPRENEURS

In 2024, we joyously commemorated the four-year milestone since the inception of AMSE, marking a significant journey of growth and empowerment. Four years ago, we opened our doors to military spouses seeking a centralized hub for accessing the resources necessary to embark on, expand, and sustain their entrepreneurial endeavors. We envisioned not just a resource center but a vibrant, supportive community where military spouses could find solidarity, guidance, and encouragement in their entrepreneurial pursuits.

Since our inception, we've made it an annual tradition to host a virtual celebration, a momentous occasion where we gather to share updates, unveil exciting announcements, and shine a spotlight on the remarkable members of our community. It's a time of reflection, celebration, and camaraderie, as we acknowledge the collective achievements and resilience of our members while fostering a spirit of unity and connection.

As we embark on the journey ahead, we remain steadfast in our commitment to empowering military spouses and providing them with the tools, support, and community they need to thrive in entrepreneurship. Together, we continue to build a legacy of resilience, innovation, and success within the military spouse entrepreneurial community.

TEAM PLAYERS

Advocacy lies at the heart of our mission at AMSE, and it's a value we uphold with unwavering dedication every day Each member of our team, all of whom are military spouses themselves, is passionately committed to developing programs that not only advance but also enrich the lives of military spouse entrepreneurs, whether they're connecting in person or virtually from around the globe

Many of our team members have been with AMSE since its inception, and their dedication has been instrumental in our growth over the past four years. Every achievement and milestone reached in 2023 was the result of the collective effort and hard work contributed by every member of our team.

"GREAT THINGS IN BUSINESS ARE NEVER DONE BY ONE PERSON; THEY'RE DONE BY A TEAM OF PEOPLE." – STEVE JOBS