On July 13, VA and the PenFed Foundation brought 80 women veteran entrepreneurs from 29 different states to participate in a six-month accelerator program to help guide and prepare them in federal and commercial marketplaces, according to a statement from the VA.

Participants are “VA center for Verification and evaluation verified, with three to five years in business and have past performance as a prime or subcontractor,” the statement said.

The six-month program was created to support women veteran entrepreneurs and bring empowerment to those seeking to grow their business. The program provides training and resources to start and grow businesses.

“It’s important we provide an environment where women entrepreneurs can receive strategic and deliberate education, empowerment, engagement and access to enhance their businesses,” said VA Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization Executive Director Sharon Ridley.

“Through entrepreneurship, women veterans have an opportunity to leverage their military and leadership skills to increase and create economic opportunities,” Ridley continued.

Classes are available with a focus on relationship building, product/market analysis, business development and growth preparation.

Coaching from industry leaders such as AstraZeneca and Halfaker and Associates and OptumServe will be available to participants, as well as small groups for participation.

The program closes with a pitch competition. One participant with a winning pitch will be awarded a PenFed Foundation grant to use toward their own business.

“We have shared a goal: to empower women Veterans and create access to capital and systems to support them,” PenFed Foundation President and retired Army Gen. John W. Nicholson, Jr. said.

“We believe in creating a business ecosystem that establishes service in the U.S. military as the most reliable pathway to a successful entrepreneurship,” said Nicholson.

Learn more about VA’s mission to empower and educate Women Veteran Entrepreneurs for success and economic opportunities at Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization.

On Tuesday, Amazon pledged to hire 100,000 US veterans and veterans’ spouses by the year 2024.

Over 40,000 veterans and military spouses are currently employed by Amazon, from operations to Alexa to sustainability to Amazon Web Services (AWS), company offiicials say.

“Amazon is focused on recruiting and developing military talent with training programs specifically designed to help veterans transition into roles in the private sector,” said John Quintas, Amazon’s director of Global Military Affairs.

Vice president at the US Chamber of Commerce, Eric Eversole, spoke highly on behalf of the company’s goal, according to a statement from Amazon.

“Amazon recognizes the diverse backgrounds and experiences veterans and military spouses bring and how they strengthen the workforce, through their commitment to provide upskilling and employment opportunities in high demand careers, Amazon is equalizing opportunity for veterans and military spouses,” said Eversole.

The company will continue to offer opportunities to help transitioning veterans and their spouses to find a career within their preferred interest. “This includes access to company-funder skills training in high-demand areas, such as cloud computing, through initiatives like the Amazon Technical Apprenticeship Program and AWS re/Start,” a statement from amazon said.

Free exclusive opportunities will be available for military members to gain new technical skills to move into higher paying jobs. Programs include Career Choice and Amazon Technical Academy.

Amazon’s goal is to hire 16,000 military spouses.

Military Spouse programs are available for military spouses to apply for jobs that best fit their skills. Amazon is also offering classes, and a mentorship program.

“Amazon truly, truly, values what military spouses bring to the work force.” Beth Conlin, program manager of Military Spouse Programs at Amazon told Military Times.

An affinity group known as Warriors@amazon, with a community of over 10,000 former service members spouses and allies across the company is also available for those looking for fellowship and support.

Amazon has more than 35,000 positions in the US open. To apply and learn more about career opportunities visit Amazon.Jobs.