More than 85 entrepreneurs and coaches were on hand to provide free business coaching and mentoring from top business experts and Boston leaders, in disciplines such as Marketing, Brand Strategy, Technology, Legal, Sales & Partnerships, Financing, and more.
Three semi-finalists who had successfully moved to the next round from the Military Entrepreneur Challenge earlier in the month also participated in a pitch challenge at the event. Jordan Foley from Chow Corp. took home the top prize, which was voted by the attendees of the event, and received $15,000 in cash grants from StreetShares Foundation and Samuel Adams, $25,000 in legal services from Holland & Knight LLP, and free business coaching services.
The Military Entrepreneur Challenge began with 120 military veteran or military spouse entrepreneurs from all over the United States competing for the prize. The three winners received a share of $25,000 in grant funding, mentoring from Brewing the American Dream.
Teresa Guerin, military spouse and Founder of The Produce Squad, a produce delivery business, took third place and was awarded a $4,000 grant.
Nick Padlo, Army veteran and Founder of Sophros Recovery, an outpatient treatment clinic for military veterans struggling with mental health issues, was award second place and received a $6,000 grant from the StreetShares Foundation.
First place was awarded to Jordan Foley, an active duty Naval Officer and CEO of Chow Corp., a nonprofit training American heroes in the culinary arts to become future business owners.