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.
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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.
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.
