Since its founding on October 13th, 1775, the US Navy has continuously evolved. Today, it’s one of the most powerful strategic assets in the world. It keeps the seas safe and free, and is capable of parking a carrier battlegroup off the coast anywhere in the world within 48 hours.
To celebrate, we are showcasing some of our Entrepreneurship program alumni that also happen to be Navy veterans! We encourage you to explore their businesses, and pay specific attention to their asks of our community. If you can connect with them or connect them to someone who can help them reach the next level, take the extra step and reach out!
Giavona Williams
US Navy Veteran
Grova Creative
MFL (BBiE) and Veteran Edge Alum
Grova Creative is more than an award-winning marketing agency—we’re partners in bringing your brand to life. For nearly a decade, we’ve helped clients across industries discover their voice, tell their story, and connect meaningfully with the people who matter most through branding, design, digital solutions, websites, strategy, research, and storytelling. Our philosophy is simple: creativity works best when it’s in full bloom, crafted with personality, collaboration, and results that move people and grow brands.
Giavona’s Ask: As part of the IVMF entrepreneurial community, I’d love your support in spreading the word about Grova Creative. If you know anyone in need of a new website, refreshed branding, or strategic marketing to grow their business, please think of us and make the connection. Referrals mean the world to us, and we’re always excited to help fellow entrepreneurs bring their vision to life.
Shannon T. Waters-Mitchell
US Navy Veteran
Handle With Care Ranch and Holistic Center
MFL (BBiE) Alum
I turn horses, movement, and mindfulness into a powerful engine for personal and professional transformation. Drawing on my deep training in equine activities and holistic wellness, I create immersive retreats, classes, and programs that help veterans, families, teams, and individuals reset, recharge, and rise stronger. With me, people don’t just attend an event or a class—they leave with lasting skills, resilience, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Shannon’s Ask: I am seeking funding partners, mentors, and grant opportunities to move from renting to owning land so I can create a permanent home for my holistic, retreat-style programs serving veterans, employees, and wellness seekers.
I’m especially interested in introductions to non-profit organizations or corporate partners with established wellness budgets, as well as individuals experienced in navigating long-term government or institutional contracts related to mental health and wellness programming.
In addition, I would greatly value best practices, resources, or guidance on scaling a multi-acre property-based service business—while maintaining exceptional, personalized care—so this vision can grow into a sustainable center for transformation and community impact.
Raymond Giles
US Navy Veteran
Regal Luxury Travel with Raymond
EBV Alum
I design seamless, luxury travel experiences that eliminate stress, unlock hidden perks, and save valuable time. From families to executives, groups to wedding parties, I handle every detail so my clients can focus on what matters most—making memories, building connections, and enjoying the journey with confidence.
Raymond’s Ask: Continue to remember to refer brothers and sisters in their journey. Many businesses live on the referrals outside of our network.
Carolina Hernandez
US Navy Veteran
Veteran Couture
MFL (BBiE and ViR) and V-WISE Alum
Veteran Couture is a luxury fashion brand founded by a U.S. military veteran, where the discipline, strength, and legacy of military service meet the art and elegance of high fashion. Our brand exists to redefine what it means to wear your story with every piece reflecting the courage, precision, and pride that service members live by.
We design bold, refined, and statement-making fashion for leaders, trailblazers, and those who carry their purpose with confidence. Our collections are inspired by military heritage but made for the modern runway tailored silhouettes, premium materials, and detail-driven craftsmanship that speak to both legacy and innovation.
More than fashion, this is a movement: we honor service, empower veterans, and build community through design. Veteran Couture is fashion with a mission to elevate style while celebrating the warrior spirit behind it.
Carolina’s Ask: One of the greatest strengths of the IVMF community is the wealth of experience, creativity, and drive that we, as veteran entrepreneurs, bring to the table. As I work to grow my brand, I’m looking to connect and collaborate with fellow IVMF alumni who are open to exploring potential partnerships—whether in co-branding, cross-promotion, content creation, events, or simply sharing platforms to amplify each other’s voices.
Christopher Ferreira
US Navy Veteran
Aurora Eldercare Ministries, Inc
MFL (ViR) and O2O Alum
Aurora Eldercare Ministries is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit tax-exempt public charity that connects basic resources to those in need. We help the underserved through complex circumstances with tailored advocacy.
Christopher’s Ask: Funding stability has challenged our growth plans. I’d like to grow my network to include more veteran non-profit founders, particularly those with demonstrated success in growing a passion project into a sustainable business.
April Williams
US Navy (Retired)
Mom Mom’s Specialty Flavors
EBV, MFL (ViR), and V-WISE Alum
Mom Mom’s creates small-batch vanilla extracts, vanilla bean paste, alcohol-free vanilla, and specialty flavors using premium ingredients and time-honored techniques on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. We deliver chef-level, bakery-quality flavor for both home bakers and professional kitchens that is consistent and bold, so your desserts, beverages, and sauces taste unforgettable. From Direct-to-Consumer products to food-service formats, our mission is simple: elevate every recipe, one bottle at a time.
April’s Ask: I seek warm introductions to chefs, caterers, hospitality groups (casinos/resorts), and regional distributors who value artisan ingredients, and to dedicated commercial kitchen or co-packing partners in the Southeastern US to scale while preserving craft quality. I’m also open to menu collaborations, pilot placements, and private-label or corporate-gift projects. If you champion veteran-owned brands with bold flavor and real integrity, I’d love to connect.
Wendy Burnley
US Navy Veteran
Spread & Soul, LLC
EBV-F, MFL (ViR), and V-WISE Alum
Spread & Soul is a gourmet, plant-based butter brand that is transforming the way we think about conscious eating and cultural experience. Infused with global flavors and meticulously crafted free from the top nine allergens, each spread is a celebration of connection, identity, and inclusivity. We’re not merely enhancing dishes with flavor; we’re fostering a sense of belonging and unity, one soulful bite at a time.
Wendy’s Ask: I am seeking partnerships and mentorship from individuals who are passionate about building inclusive, mission-driven food brands and empowering veteran entrepreneurs. My goal is to collaborate with others on aspects such as co-packing, scaling, and retail strategies. I welcome opportunities to grow Spread & Soul sustainably, ensuring that our message of culture, belonging, and community reaches more tables and inspires others along the way.
Chris Diaz
US Navy Veteran
Aspis Intelligence
EBV Alum
Aspis Intelligence helps organizations see the risks others miss. We combine cutting-edge technology with national security expertise to map vulnerabilities and monitor emerging threats. Our intelligence-as-a-service empowers leaders to act decisively and protect their innovations and investments.
Chris’ Ask: We are looking to partner with pilot projects in the biotech and/or defense industry.
Judy Chmelik
US Navy Veteran
Valor Ventures Consulting
EBV-WWP Alum
Valor Ventures Consulting helps federal and DoD clients transform operations through strategic transformation, digital communications, and technology solutions — all in direct support of the warfighter. As a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned and Economically Disadvantaged Woman-Owned company, we bring mission-driven discipline, integrity, and innovative problem solving. We partner closely with agencies to deliver measurable outcomes and lasting impact beyond just a contract.
Judy’s Ask: As a proud member of the IVMF community, I’m seeking subcontracting opportunities with established government contractors and teaming partners who share a mission-driven focus on supporting the warfighter. Valor Ventures Consulting brings expertise in strategic transformation, communications, and technology solutions, with a proven commitment to excellence and collaboration. I welcome the opportunity to connect, contribute, and grow together within this exceptional network of veteran entrepreneurs.
Is Your Business Ready for the Next Step?
IVMF’s entrepreneurship programs welcome all veterans and military spouses chase their American Dream of business ownership. Are you ready to start your entrepreneurial journey with IVMF? Explore our portfolio of entrepreneurship programming, much of it available virtually or at locations across the country. Find the program that will take your business to the next level today!