In honor of Black History Month, we’re looking at some of the standout Black entrepreneurs from our IVMF entrepreneurship program portfolio. IVMF has a program for all veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs, no matter what your business or business idea is, or what stage of business you’re in. Let us help you chase your American Dream!
We encourage you to learn about all of these exceptional veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs, and think about their asks of the broader IVMF military community. Be sure to follow and connect with them on social media!
Paden Sickles
Army Veteran
SickFit
BBiE, V-Wise Alum
At SickFit, we engineer socks with innovative designs that combine durability, health, and performance to inspire resilience and confidence in every step. Our socks feature compression technology to enhance circulation, promote foot health, and support injury prevention. We focus on delivering high-quality products that meet the demands of athletes, military personnel, healthcare providers, and individuals needing reliable foot care.
Our mission is to transform the sock industry by creating products that not only provide comfort but also improve the performance and well-being of those who wear them.
Paden’s Ask: As we continue to scale SickFit, we’re seeking strategic partnerships to help accelerate our growth. Specifically, we would appreciate your support in connecting us with potential investors, retailers, and government organizations that align with our mission to innovate foot health and performance for athletes and military personnel.
Zane Johnson
Army Veteran
MZA Legal
BBiE Alum
Technology has made it easier than ever to start a small business or side hustle, but finding professional legal help that fits the needs of the average solopreneur is still a challenge. Enter MZA Legal—a one-of-a-kind virtual law firm offering flat-fee legal solutions for solopreneurs and side-hustlers. Whether you’re negotiating an agreement or registering a trademark, we offer the quality and affordable support you need to move forward with confidence.
Zane’s Ask: We recently launched the MZA Legal Café—a legal resource hub offering access to professionally drafted templates, guides, checklists, and legal workshops designed to help you navigate the legalities of running and owning a small business. Take advantage of our free one-week trial membership and let us know what you think of the Café! If you like it, feel free to stick around as a monthly or annual member, and spread the word to other entrepreneurs.
Milcah Ssebbowa
Army Veteran
Precious
ViR Alum
Founded in 2019, Precious is not just a beauty brand but a beacon of cultural heritage and holistic well-being. We bring you age-old beauty secrets from Africa, infused with natural ingredients directly sourced from Ugandan farmers. Precious addresses common skin, hair, and health concerns with products that are chemical-free and packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and omega fatty acids.
Our mission is simple: to celebrate and preserve the beauty rituals passed down through generations, promoting overall skin, hair, and holistic health.
Milcah’s Ask: Precious champions holistic beauty, educating customers on the power of our unique, ethically sourced products. We foster genuine community connections, offering solutions that resonate deeply. Our social mission, supporting women in Uganda, is woven into our brand.
Looking ahead, we seek funding and strategic partnerships to scale our impact. We’re a data-driven company committed to sustainability and continuous growth. By joining us, you invest in more than a business – you support cultural preservation and empower women globally.
Experience the magic of Precious. Let’s bring century-old beauty secrets to the world.
Lori Smith
Air Force Veteran
Acu-Elligent LLC
V-Wise, ViR Alum
Navigating the complexities of government and corporate contracting can be overwhelming. Acu-Elligent is your trusted partner, offering unmatched expertise to help your business thrive. With a team boasting 77+ years of combined experience, we provide end-to-end support, ensuring a seamless and successful contracting process.
Lori’s Ask: If your business is pursuing government contracts, we invite you to a complimentary 30-minute consultation. Let’s discuss how Acu-Elligent can tailor our strategies to maximize your success and drive long-term growth. Schedule your consultation today!
Treazure Owens
Army Veteran
Treazure Marketing
BBiE, O2O, V-Wise Alum
Treazure Marketing is a certified MBE, WBE, and SDVOSB marketing and communications firm specializing in helping businesses and nonprofits amplify their impact through strategic branding, digital marketing, and public relations. Beyond marketing, we connect changemakers with J/ROTC interns, providing hands-on experience and mentorship that builds the next generation of leaders. We also host the annual Black Veterans Expo, a critical initiative that connects underserved Black Veterans with employment and business resources, ensuring they have the support needed to thrive.
Treazure’s Ask: We’re seeking sponsors and partners to help expand the Black Veterans Expo and our J/ROTC Internship Program, both of which create meaningful opportunities for veterans and future leaders. For the Black Veterans Expo, we’re looking for businesses, veteran service organizations, and corporate partners to support and engage with our efforts to connect Black veterans with essential employment and business resources. Additionally, we invite business owners and organizations to hire J/ROTC cadets—either by becoming a Treazure Marketing client and leveraging their skills through our program or by directly employing them for internships—giving these young leaders valuable hands-on experience while strengthening their career pathways.
Mark Bryant
Navy Veteran
Floortex Integrated LLC
ViR, BBU Alum
Floortex Integrated LLC is a full service flooring contractor specializing in commercial flooring projects. Areas of practice include education, hospitality, national accounts and federal government flooring projects. Floortex Integrated LLC is an SBA Certified Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business entity.
Mark’s Ask: Floortex Integrated LLC is open to mentor-protege programs and teaming opportunities.
Support Black Veteran and Military Spouse-owned Businesses
In addition to the featured entrepreneurs presented above, there are dozens of Black-owned companies participating in our Breaking Barriers in Entrepreneurship (BBiE) program today that could use your support. Browse the many Black veteran and military spouse-owned businesses that have come through the program, including our most recent graduates in the 25A cohort, and show them some support and patronage.
Representation matters, especially in the entrepreneurial world. Through the power of community and connection, the BBiE workshop aims to help participants shatter society-erected barriers for entrepreneurs of historically underserved communities. Interested in going through the workshop? BBiE is currently accepting interest forms for its 25B cohort.