Hundreds of people flock to their local “Mom and Pop” shops, restaurants, and services during National Business Week to recognize the critical contribution they make to their local economy. For Military Families constantly on the move, this is a great time to recognize the businesses local to your Military Community by supporting the dozens of Military Spouse and Veteran-owned small business around the country. These businesses often cater to the unique needs of the Military Community by offering items designed with its members in mind, and many support the community through donations to various organizations.
Below are 10 MilSpouse and Veteran-owned businesses we’re excited to shop with this National Small Business Week (April 29-May 5, 2018).
1. Nomadic Nation
The Military Spouse behind Nomadic Nation, isn’t afraid to show her sense of humor. She personalizes plates, prints, hairbands, and more with clever quotes and uplifting phrases meant to encourage pride in Military Families.
Her Military Wine Bottle Stoppers are a tasteful addition to the dinner table while her Pull to Eject Bottle Openers add humor to backyard barbecues.
2. Alpha Coffee
Awesome coffee that serves its customers, employees, and suppliers with respect and integrity. That’s what you’re tasting in every freshly brewed cup of Alpha Coffee.
That and the assurance your deployed friends and family are starting their mornings with a fresh cup of joe, as Alpha’s Veteran and MilSpouse owners send a portion of every batch of coffee roasted to troops overseas.
3. Mutt’s Sauce
Developed by Air Force Crew Chief Charles “Mutt” Ferrell, Jr., Mutt’s Sauce was brought along to Japan on deployment during the Vietnam War where it became the star of countless dinner parties.
The recipe was left to Mutt’s granddaughter, another Air Force member, who is now bottling it as a symbol of the friendship it fostered between her grandfather and his Military Community.
4. Nomadés
Tell the story of your military life with hand-crafted, sterling silver jewelry. After years of swapping stories and milestones unique to the military life, the four Military Wives behind Nomadés designed a way to help others chronical their journeys.
They offer custom-designed charms for most duty stations and have expanded their unique collection to rings, bottle openers, and more.
5. Dashfire Beards
This Veteran-owned beard oil company ensures that Veterans who grow a beard after they EAS do so in style.
The all-natural oils used in Dashfire Beards’ two distinct formulas are produced in the U.S. and are purchased from other small businesses whenever possible.
6. Combat Flip Flops
This Veteran-owned company is building far more than just flip-flops. By employing workers in war-torn countries, Combat Flip Flops aims to help rebuild communities and contribute to women’s education overseas.
Profits from their shoes, clothing, and accessories go to sending girls to school in Afghanistan and clearing landmines and other weapons remaining after conflict.
7. Rosie
Organize your Military Life with planners by Military Wives. Inspired by the confidence of cultural icon Rosie the Riveter, Rosie planners strengthen and support Military Families through all the often un-plannable twists and turns of military life.
The stylish planners include military holidays, as well as checklists for PCS moves and deployments.
8. K9 Salute
Honor man’s best friend with wholesome dog treats made from ingredients sourced from local Veteran-owned farms in the U.S.
The Veteran-owners of K9 Salute delight your dogs with interesting flavors like coconut cranberry while raising funds to connect veterans with service dogs and help police departments support their K-9 units with continued training and protective vests.
9. Salt
The Military Spouse behind this company collected the various ingredients for her products over 26 years of traveling with her Marine husband.
Salt makes artisan bath products with therapeutic grade essential oils and other natural ingredients. They ship their bath bombs, soaps, and men’s care products throughout the country.
10. Sword & Plough
Help bridge the civilian-military divide through sustainable fashion. Created by an Army Veteran and her sister, Sword & Plough repurposes military surplus material into durable and fashionable bags meant to spark conversation between the civilian and veteran communities.
Veterans are incorporated into every stage of the business (from manufacturing to management to sales and even modeling), and a portion of their proceeds go to veteran organizations.
You can also help support the Military Community by engaging with other Veteran entrepreneurs. JoshuaHarris.co has pulled together a list of accomplished Veterans “who harnessed the skills they learned in the military to create successful businesses of their own.” Their hope is that “these role models inspire veterans to do great things with the invaluable skills they utilized in the military as well as increase support for veteran owned businesses.”
More Ways to Support Your Military Community:
Solutions for Your Military Family:
Life Insurance, Wealth Management, Home Mortgages, Survivor Services, and more. Learn more about AAFMAA.
