Entrepreneur Expo Created To Help Military Families

In an effort to empower military spouses, retired military and others “take the leap” into starting their own business, Groton-based non-profit group Military SEEDS presented an Entrepreneur Expo on Thursday.

Military SEEDS, which stands for "Spouse Entrepreneurship Education Development Success" is a non-profit group that provides information and support for military spouses and families considering entrepreneurship and other employment that can be moved.

The Expo at the New London Radisson featured 3 franchisors, 7 home-based businesses, a franchise expert, and a broker to walk attendees through the “how-to’s” of creating their own business. The event was targeted for military families because of their transitory lifestyle.

“But we’ve also opened up to the general public because there are no jobs out there,” said Lorraine M. Sanborn, founder and president of Military SEEDS.

Vivian Gomez, of Groton, said she came to the expo for information and support.

“I kind of want to see if I could make (a small business) happen.”

Board member Jennifer Obrey, who designed the group’s web site, is a graphic designer who was available to help attendees explore opportunities and “accept you don’t have to be locked in to a 9 to 5.”

“Lots of businesses are virtual, worldwide, unlike a bricks-and-mortar store and that fits well for military families,” she said.

Fellow Military Seeds board member Dave Silvia offered to work with expo-goers on business start-up.

“From (the) idea to the next level,” said Silvia, who owns a small successful flag manufacturing business.

Among the presenters at the Expo:

Luc Deslauriers, of Frannet, helps people navigate franchise waters. Deslauriers said he talks to people interested in exploring self-employment, does an assessment and then advises them on what, if any, franchise would be a good fit.

Bob Eberle, of BeneTrends, Inc. helps entrepreneurs fund franchises and set up growth, asset and tax strategies including self-reliant 401k’s.

Home-based businesses at the Expo included two candle companies,and a toxin-free cosmetics company created by Rhode Island teenager Ava Anderson.

“We believe this expo, meeting these people and getting good information, is a great way for not just military families to consider self-employment but the general public, too,” Sanborn said.

Expo workshops offered guidance on developing a business plan and navigating Small Business Administration financial programs including the Patriot Express Pilot Loan Initiative.