New York, Aug. 1, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Inc. magazine, one of the top business publications focused exclusively on fast-growing, privately held companies, has teamed up with Joining Forces to create the Inc./Joining Forces Military Entrepreneurs Program. Joining Forces is a national initiative led by First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden to mobilize all sectors of society to give members of our military community the opportunities and support they have earned. The Inc./Joining Forces Military Entrepreneurs Program will help veterans, service members, and their families start, run, and grow their own business through mentoring, education, networking, resources, and information provided through Inc.’s special events, business conferences, and www.Inc.com/militaryentrepreneurs.
The inaugural Inc./Joining Forces Military Entrepreneurs Program will kick off during the Inc. 500|5000 Conference & Awards Ceremony, held September 22-24, 2011, in Washington, D.C. On Thursday, September 22, from noon to 3 p.m., Inc. and Joining Forces will co-host an Inc./Joining Forces Military Entrepreneurs Mentoring Fair. Inc. 500|5000 CEOs will provide mentoring for the day to approximately 300 people, offering business insights, answering questions, and providing feedback to active and veteran service members as well as spouses of both groups.
Inc. will also host a delegation of service member entrepreneurs at the Inc. 500|5000 Conference & Awards Ceremony by providing complimentary registration to the event, which takes place at the Gaylord National Resort. Delegates will receive full access to educational sessions, keynote speakers, networking opportunities, and unforgettable special events.
"While our military service members and their families shoulder the responsibility of protecting our entire nation, they are making incredible sacrifices," says Inc. President Bob LaPointe. "Inc. is eager to show its gratitude by creating stronger connections between our service members and successful entrepreneurs."
Inc.com has an online section dedicated to this initiative which includes profiles of successful veteran entrepreneurs, advice from seasoned CEOs and business experts, tools for creating a business plan, and guidebooks on financing, hiring, and leadership.
"Inc.’s support in expanding employment and career development opportunities for veterans and military spouses is essential to reconnecting military families in our communities," says Brad Cooper, Executive Director of Joining Forces. "Our military service members’ and families’ skills, experience, and dedication will only strengthen our nation’s businesses and communities."
"Through this new and very important initiative with Joining Forces, Inc. now has the opportunity to work with the American Legion, Blue Star Families, National Military Family Association, and the Pat Tillman Foundation," says LaPointe. "Giving members of the military community access to the people and resources that can help them pursue entrepreneurial ventures falls in line with Inc.’s mission of guiding growing companies."
Service members and their spouses interested in participating in the entrepreneur mentoring fair should visit www.Inc.com/militaryentrepreneurs. To register for the Inc. 500|5000 Conference & Awards Ceremony, visit www.Inc5000conference.com.
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About Inc. and the Inc. 500|5000 Inc., the only major business magazine focused exclusively for CEOs of fast-growing, private companies, delivers real solutions for today’s innovative company builders. Inc. provides hands-on resources and market-tested strategies for managing people, finances, sales, marketing, and technology. The publication also looks beyond work to address the entrepreneurial lifestyle.
The Inc. 500|5000 is a list of the fastest-growing private companies in the nation. Started in 1982, this prestigious list of the nation’s most successful private companies has become the hallmark of entrepreneurial success. The Inc. 500|5000 Conference & Awards Ceremony is an annual event that celebrates their remarkable achievements. The event also offers informative workshops, celebrated keynote speakers, and evening functions.
For more information on Inc. and the Inc. 500|5000 Conference, visit www.Inc.com.
About Joining Forces Joining Forces is a national initiative led by First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden to mobilize all sectors of society to give our service members and their families the opportunities and support they have earned. The initiative aims to educate, challenge, and spark action from all sectors of our society: citizens, communities, businesses, nonprofits, faith-based institutions, philanthropic organizations, and government. JoiningForces.gov provides ways for all Americans to step up and show their gratitude to our service members and their families. Visitors can send messages of thanks, find opportunities to get involved, and share stories of service.