It’s Hispanic Heritage Month through October 15th! To celebrate, we’re looking at some of the standout founders from IVMF’s entrepreneurship programming portfolio. Veterans from the Hispanic community have been making vital contributions to the American way of life since the beginning. The successful entrepreneurs here follow in the footsteps of great fellow veteran entrepreneurs from the Hispanic community like Bronze Star recipient Joseph Unanue, iconic CEO of Goya Foods, and Army veteran who fought at the Battle of the Bulge.
We encourage you to read about these incredible entrepreneurs and explore their businesses. 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!
Pricilla Black
Marine Corps Veteran
CHAUFUR Pet Transit
BBiE, O2O Alum
At CHAUFUR, we believe that every pet deserves to travel like the beloved family member they are, so we’ve said goodbye to cramped, lonely crates! From the moment your pet embarks on the journey to their destination, we prioritize their comfort, safety, and happiness. We proudly offer both individual and group pet transportation in West Tampa and across Pinellas County, as well as interstate transportation to and from Florida!
Pricilla’s Ask: Go to our website, follow us on social media, and share some of our content!
Jennifer Toro
Army Reserves
Rock Steady Wellness LLC
BBiE Alum
Rock Steady Wellness is a veteran-owned health management consulting company dedicated to helping individuals achieve balance in nutrition, fitness, and financial wellness. We provide high-quality protein drinks and snacks, group fitness classes, and financial literacy workshops to support the whole person—mind, body, and future. Our mission is to create a trusted community space where people can hustle, rise, and remain steady on their wellness journey to their best selves. By combining expert guidance with accessible tools and education, Rock Steady Wellness empowers clients to build healthier lifestyles and long-term stability.
Jennifer’s Ask: I’m excited to bring a multifaceted wellness café and community space to the Paseo Boricua corridor in the Humboldt Park neighborhood of Chicago where nothing of the sort currently exists. My challenge has been securing a lease space that’s café-ready—with a 3-compartment sink, hand sink, and ice machine—or raising the funds to add the necessary plumbing to a potential available space. I’m seeking $20K to jump start this effort, in addition to, referrals to available spaces that fit these needs, guidance, or collaboration opportunities.
Crystalee Protheroe
Air Force Veteran
CC Pro Fitness
BBiE Alum
CC Pro Fitness was founded to assist those who struggle to find accountability and have busy schedules. Crystalee struggled to find a trainer when she began her fitness journey. Moving and having an unpredictable schedule makes it difficult, so she created accessibility opportunities for others.
Crystalee’s Ask: I would like to let you know that references and referrals to those who can benefit from my assistance would be greatly appreciated. I am still at the very start of my journey, but I have a lot to offer.
Alejandra Amegin
Navy Veteran
Jacksonville Natural Healing
V-WISE, EBV, BBiE Alum, Latinx Track Facilitator for Military Founders Lab
We assist high-achieving individuals who feel burnt out, trapped in survival mode, and burdened by physical pain or emotional heaviness. Through integrative wellness services—including chiropractic care, functional medicine, trauma-informed mindfulness practices, yoga, and immersive wellness retreats—we guide them to reclaim their energy, heal deeply, and become part of our supportive community. This holistic approach empowers clients to lead with renewed vitality, clarity, and a profound sense of purpose. If this resonates with you, let’s connect. Your next level is waiting.
Alejandra’s Ask: We are seeking opportunities to collaborate with fellow veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs to expand our reach and impact. Specifically, we are interested in partnerships that can help us enhance our service offerings and connect with a global audience. Additionally, we welcome referrals to individuals or organizations that could benefit from our wellness retreats.
Erick Burgos
US Navy (retired)
Outdoor Patriot LLC
BBiE, O2O, STRIVE Alum
Outdoor Patriot is an outdoor adventure company dedicated to promoting exploration and recreation. Our platform offers tools, training, and incentives to encourage users to engage in outdoor activities. Our flagship product, an activity tracking platform available on web and mobile, combines social media features with tracking capabilities to connect adventurers, share experiences, and foster a vibrant outdoor community. Whether you’re seeking motivation, community, or insights into your adventures, Outdoor Patriot empowers individuals to explore more and stay active in nature.
Erick’s Ask: Outdoor Patriot is looking to connect with veterans in the Salt Lake City area for outdoor adventures while also seeking a Chief Technology Officer to join our team. As we continue to grow, we are also exploring opportunities to expand our business and network within the local community. If you’re interested in outdoor exploration, helping us build the future of our platform, or just want to stay updated on our latest offerings, connect with us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
Cesar Mayorga
Marine Corps
Bluberry Technologies, Inc
BBiE Alum
Bluberry is an intuitive, all-in-one AI-driven ERP system designed specifically for janitorial and service labor businesses. Our platform enhances operational efficiency and profitability by capturing and analyzing vast amounts of operational data. Leveraging AI and Business Intelligence (BI), Bluberry identifies patterns and insights from hundreds of data points, delivering actionable results through real-time telemetry dashboards. We prioritize critical financial and operational metrics, empowering businesses to make data-driven, growth-focused decisions with ease.
Cesar’s Ask: Our mission is to revolutionize the service labor industry by equipping entrepreneurs with the data and insights needed to drive growth. If you own a janitorial, facilities, landscaping, or snow removal business, we’d love to connect with you. Referrals to business owners in these industries are highly appreciated. Additionally, any introductions to seed-stage investors would be invaluable as we continue to expand our impact.
Liseth J. Velez
Army Veteran
LJV Development
BBiE, ViR, CEOcircle, Ambassador Alum
LJV excels in construction management, prioritizing safety in every project we undertake. We leverage advanced virtual design tools and agile methods to ensure precise planning and execution. We focus on preconstruction services, strategic scheduling, and thorough quality control. We effectively manage risks to deliver consistent, high-quality results.
Liseth’s Ask: At LJV, we are seeking partnerships with fellow veteran-owned businesses, skilled construction trade partners across all specialties, and talented Construction Superintendents and Project Managers. Join us in our mission to build spaces and places so that working and living are just…better. We also welcome introductions to organizations looking to collaborate on new construction ventures. Let’s build something great together!
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!