From service to startup: Supporting veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs

Married to her high school sweetheart, a U.S. Air Force member, Monica Fullerton recognized that there were many creators and entrepreneurs within her military community - many of them fellow military spouses - but there was no centralized platform to support and shop from these businesses. Drawing on her business and marketing experience, Fullerton launched Spouse-ly, an online marketplace exclusively featuring products from military and first responder families. She later expanded the site to include a podcast and Spouse-ly U, a resource hub empowering community members to achieve their entrepreneurial dreams.

But then she hit a roadblock.

"Entrepreneurship is filled with constant challenges," said Fullerton. "One big challenge I have continued to face is finding the right help and support from both a financial and marketing standpoint."

Fullerton signed up for ACP Ventures, a mentorship entrepreneurial program dedicated to assisting veterans and active-duty spouses in starting or building their small business. With support from Visa Foundation, ACP has supported more than 35,000 veterans and active-duty military spouses with yearlong mentorships, business resources and the ACP Village, where entrepreneurs and experts connect in real time.

Through its mentorship program, Fullerton connected with Shani Magosky, a fellow corporate exec turned entrepreneur. Magosky helped Fullerton explore innovative ways to expand Spouse-ly's reach and attract potential investors.

"Being able to have that type of support from a trusted community of individuals who simply want to help and are not seeking something in return is extremely valuable and impactful," said Fullerton.