--- title: "Tom Hanks and the Rosie Network launch a searchable map of veteran-owned small businesses" description: "Those who specifically want to support veteran-owned businesses can now search via an interactive map, thanks to Hanks." date: "2026-06-18" modified: "2026-06-18" authors: - name: "Blake Stilwell" job_title: "Editor-In-Chief, Air Force Veteran" link: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/authors/blake/" url: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/feature/veteran-owned-business-map-tom-hanks/" categories: - "Entrepreneurship" - "Military News" tags: - "Quick Hits" --- # Tom Hanks and the Rosie Network launch a searchable map of veteran-owned small businesses ![veteran owned businesses tom hannks WWII]() *Executive Producer, Host and narrator Tom Hanks of 20-episode series "WWII With Tom Hanks." (A&E Television Networks, LLC/Art Streiber/A&E Television Networks)* Tom Hanks built his coffee brand [Hanks for Our Troops](), on a simple premise: buy coffee, support veterans. The Oscar winner donates 100% of profits to veteran-focused organizations, and takes nothing for himself.⁠[]()⁠ Now, the actor and his efforts are going a step further. **Also Read: [Tom Hanks’ new 20-part docuseries takes a new look at World War II]()** In partnership with [The Rosie Network](), a San Diego-based nonprofit dedicated to veteran and military spouse entrepreneurship, Hanks for Our Troops has launched an expanded Veteran Business Map, an interactive, searchable directory of verified veteran-owned and military spouse-owned small businesses across the country. ![veteran owned business map tom hanks]() *The Veteran Business Map. (Hanks for Our Troops)* About 60% of the businesses listed are owned by military spouses, a community that faces an unemployment rate of roughly 22%, the highest of any category in the country.⁠[]()⁠ The Rosie Network, founded in 2012 by Stephanie Brown, spouse of the late Rear Adm. Tom Brown, has supported more than 35,000 military entrepreneurs since.⁠[]()⁠​ "By providing a platform that gives the public direct access to verified veteran-owned small businesses, we are fostering a culture of intentional support," Brown said in a statement. "This map is a vital resource for entrepreneurs looking to grow their reach and for consumers who want to make a tangible difference in the lives of those who have served our country." The directory also includes veteran-supporting organizations, charities, and local resources for vets and families. Veteran-owned businesses can submit listings for verification directly through the site. It just has to be listed with Google. The [Veteran Business Map]() is live now. ## Author Blake Stilwell is We Are The Mighty's Editor-in-Chief, covering military news, entertainment, and history, along with veteran education, employment and entrepreneurship. He is a former U.S. Air Force combat cameraman with degrees in Graphic Design, Television and Film, International Relations, Public Relations, Business Management and Middle Eastern Affairs. After leaving the military, he began working in film and television production in New York and Los Angeles, work that included ABC News, NBC Olympics, and HBO Sports. He then spent two years in Washington with White House Communications, before joining the Near East Foundation. At NEF he served as an International Development Fellow, then Communications Officer, and finally, Media Officer for the Middle East and Africa. Based in the Palestinian Territory, he coordinated strategic communications between eight country offices, international media, and government and NGO partners. He began a career focused on writing and editing in 2015 with We Are The Mighty. He left in 2019 for Military.com, but returned as Editor-in-Chief in 2025. Blake’s work has been seen on CBS News, Fox News, CBC, The Chicago Tribune, Task & Purpose, Military Times, Recoil, Skillset, American History, and was shockingly even used in a Supreme Court argument. He is an avid traveler and small business owner in Ohio, where he spends most of his energy fixing up a very old house. ### Author social links [Facebook]() [Twitter]() [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()