It’s often said that clichés are clichés for a reason. When business leaders manage to solve an impossible or seemingly impossible problem, they may celebrate the fact that they’ve “squared the circle.” Finding a solution to an onerous challenge is certainly satisfying.

Now, imagine facing a business challenge while surrounded by peers with whom you share a common experience, a mission-driven ethos and a deep-seated desire to serve. That’s what CEOcircle is all about.

Sponsored by JPMorgan Chase and founded by IVMF Bunker Labs, the 12-month curriculum-based program provides veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs the opportunity to advance their businesses through mentorship and education. Cohort members also gain access to notable business leaders and dedicated JPMorgan Chase Commercial Banking liaisons.

“JPMorgan Chase has sponsored CEOcircle for the past three years,” said Terry Hill, Co-Head of Veteran Initiatives for JPMorgan Chase Commercial Banking and a former U.S. Army field artillery captain. “We are very proud that the current cohort is diverse and includes service-disabled entrepreneurs. What’s more, 14 of our cohort members are military spouses.”

The impact to date has been far-reaching: Participating startups have generated more than $1.79 billion in revenue, created more than 6,302 jobs and raised more than $294 million in capital.

“After World War II, approximately 50% of military veterans returned home, started businesses and hired other military veterans,” said Alex McKindra, Co-Head of Veteran Initiatives for JPMorgan Chase Commercial Banking and a former Air Force captain. “But since Sept. 11, 2001, only 5% of military veterans have chosen the path of entrepreneurship. We want to change that by providing veterans with encouragement and resources to become successful business owners.”

That mission isn’t lost on the veteran entrepreneurs who apply to CEOcircle, said Barb Carson, retired Colonel in the U.S. Air Force Reserve, military spouse and managing director of programs and services at the IVMF.

“I understand the unique challenges that come with transitioning from military service to entrepreneurship,” Carson explained. “CEOcircle provides a peer connection and a sense of camaraderie where fellow veterans and military spouses come together and share experiences while supporting each other in growing their successful businesses. It's more than just a program—it’s a collective effort with success driven not only through our collaboration with JPMorgan Chase, but through the participants’ drive to continue creating impact in their civilian life.”

Your mission

• Learn more about the 78 veteran and military spouse founders and executives participating in the 2024 CEOcircle cohort.
• Bookmark and explore our resource hub featuring the insights and success stories of veteran and military spouse business owners.
• Find out how JPMorgan Chase’s Military and Veterans Affairs supports veterans and their families with career training, financial planning, business support, and more.