Legion to host veteran, military spouse resource event
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Together, The American Legion, the GCO Consulting Group and The Veteran Market will host "The DC Metro Veteran and Military Spouse Entrepreneur & Resource Event" for veterans and military spouses on May 24 from 4-7 p.m. The event will be held at the Legion’s Washington office, at 1608 K Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20006.

The event will feature networking opportunities, entrepreneur and veteran benefit workshops, single malt scotch and bourbon tasting and the official launch of The Veteran Market, a new online marketplace for veterans and their spouses to sell goods and services.

“(The DC Metro event) is a little bit of a different spin. We are bringing the best in class when it comes to making sure that military spouses, and of course veterans, know what’s available to them," said GCO Consulting Group Managing Principal Scott Davidson. "The American Legion is at the top of the list when it comes to making sure that people know about their benefits and that they’re well represented for different programs, especially if you are a veteran.”

Davidson, a retired U.S. Army captain who is an Operation Iraq and Enduring Freedom (OIF/OEF) veteran, said veterans and military spouses will get to enjoy entrepreneur networking with subject matter experts on different topics related to business start-ups, access to capital, compliance accounting and marketing. The other part of the event includes getting the word out about other resource organizations like Blue Star Families, StreetShares, The Millennium Group, Ranger Up, Baker Tilly, Kilpatrick Townsend, BOOST and govmates.

“That’s where the marrying of the event takes place,” said Davidson. “It’s great timing for veteran entrepreneurs and military spouses to get access to capital, especially if they are starting a business or somewhere in between it.”

The red carpet launch of The Veteran Market, which is currently open for veterans and their spouses to sell their wares, enables veterans and their spouses to start a virtual store within minutes and sell anything they want, but also gives some assurance to civilians in knowing that they can buy with confidence, Davidson said.

“It’s very harsh to kind of weed through what’s good and bad,” he said. “If the American public wants to put forth and show veterans its support for veterans, (The Veteran Market) is the place to do it.”

For Davidson, The DC Metro is more than just an event; it’s a new beginning for aspiring entrepreneurs seeking to serve others on and off the battlefield.

“We want to make things easier. That’s the whole point of what we’re doing,” Davidson said. “I want everyone to understand that … there are ways and resources that are reputable, credible and you can build a business from it (if) you know what sources to go to.”

Admission is free for all veterans, National Guard, active duty, military spouses, caregivers and additional family members upon registration.

For those who wish to apply for a table at the event, emailIsabella.Edelman@govconops.com for an application.