⭐ 8th Ascent™ — DIY Launch List
✔ Approved Vendors & Self-Guided Resources for Veteran Founders
This DIY Launch List is designed for veterans who want to independently research, set up, and prepare a business at their own pace using vetted tools and providers.
All resources listed are self-initiated. Outcomes depend on timing, execution, eligibility, and individual effort.
“Important:
8th Ascent™ does not broker funding, guarantee outcomes, perform outreach, or act as an intermediary.”
🔒 Important Disclosure
All tools listed are educational or optional resources.
No credit, funding, grant, or approval outcomes are guaranteed.
🗓 WEEK 1 — IDENTITY & FOUNDATION
Mission Focus: Validate demand and establish legitimate business foundations before spending money.
🔽 Market Validation (Day 1 Activity)
Purpose:
Confirm real demand before branding, websites, or ads.
“These tools support decision-making only. Validation comes before execution.”
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Best For: Market size, growth outlook, risks, saturation
https://www.ibisworld.com/ -
Best For: Understanding how competitors attract attention
https://www.similarweb.com/ -
Best For: Identifying crowded vs fragmented markets
https://www.semrush.com/market-explorer/ -
Best For: What your audience reads, watches, follows
https://sparktoro.com/ -
Best For: Spotting early momentum before markets peak
https://explodingtopics.com/
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Purpose: Help new business owners properly form and legitimize their business with guided legal and compliance services.
What LegalZoom Provides:
• LLC and business formation services
• Registered agent services
• Operating agreements and compliance documents
• Trademark and intellectual property filings
• Ongoing legal and compliance support options
Military Discount:
LegalZoom offers exclusive discounts for military members and veterans, making it easier to handle formation and legal setup without unnecessary cost.
Best For:
• First-time founders
• Veterans who want guided, structured setup
• Businesses that need compliance done correctly the first time
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Purpose:
Provide fast, affordable business formation services with a streamlined, beginner-friendly process.
What Bizee Provides:
• LLC and corporation formation
• Free registered agent (first year)
• EIN assistance
• Compliance alerts and filings
• Simple dashboard for new founders
Military-Friendly Note:
Bizee is widely used by budget-conscious founders and is often recommended to veterans looking for a low-cost, no-frills formation option.
Best For:
• Veterans launching on a tight budget
• Founders who want speed and simplicity
• Online and service-based businesses
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Purpose:
Provide ongoing legal document access and attorney-reviewed support for small business owners.
What Rocket Lawyer Provides:
• Business formation support
• Customizable legal documents and contracts
• E-signatures and document storage
• Access to on-call attorneys
• Compliance and legal guidance as the business grows
Military Discount:
Rocket Lawyer offers a military discount for active-duty service members, veterans, and their families.
Best For:
• Veterans who expect ongoing legal needs
• Businesses that use contracts, agreements, or client paperwork
• Founders who want legal access without hiring a full-time attorney
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Purpose: Learn LLC vs other entities
https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/choose-business-structure -
Purpose: Official EIN registration
https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online
Business setup guidance, address requirements, and formation considerations too much?
We got you!
🗓 WEEK 2 — CREDIT & FUNDING💰💸
Mission Focus: Banking, credit readiness, capital awareness.
Business Banking & Cash Management
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Access to Credit Repair and Funding Strategies deral Provides:
• Business Credit repair products
• Business Funding
• Military-focused member support
Military Eligibility:
Available to veterans, active duty, retirees, and eligible family members.
Best For:
• Veteran founders who qualify for membership
• Businesses wanting long-term banking relationships
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https://www.navyfederal.org/services/business/credit-cards.html
Purpose:
Provide veteran and military-affiliated founders with reliable, relationship-based business banking.
What Navy Federal Provides:
• Business checking and savings
• Business credit products
• Competitive rates
• Military-focused member support
Military Eligibility:
Available to veterans, active duty, retirees, and eligible family members.
Best For:
• Veteran founders who qualify for membership
• Businesses wanting long-term banking relationships
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https://www.usaa.com/membership/about/?wa_ref=pub_global_membership
Purpose:
Support veteran business owners with financial tools, education, and partner banking solutions.
What USAA Provides:
• Business banking resources and education
• Insurance and financial products
• Access to vetted partners for banking needs
Military Eligibility:
Veterans and military families.
Important Note:
USAA partners with third-party banks for some business services.
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Purpose:
Provide modern, no-fee business banking for early-stage founders.
What Relay Provides:
• No-fee business checking
• Multiple accounts for budgeting
• Easy approvals for new LLCs
• Online-first financial management
Military-Friendly Note:
Widely used by veteran-owned startups due to low friction and no minimums.
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Modern online banking options
https://mercury.com
https://www.bluevine.com
https://www.novo.co
0% INTRO APR “SOFT PULL” ONLY BUSINESS CREDIT CARDS (FOUNDATION FINANCING)
Purpose
Provide early-stage businesses with short-term, low-cost capital for operating expenses, tools, and setup costs while avoiding high-interest debt.
Important Notes
Terms and approvals vary by issuer
Prequalification typically uses a soft pull
A hard pull may occur only after acceptance
Instant or fast access usually means digital card numbers or virtual cards
These options are for disciplined, short-term use only
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Status: VERIFIED
% intro APR for 12 months
0 annual fee
Soft-pull “Check for Offers” flow common with Amex
Instant virtual card number upon approval
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Status: VERIFIED
0% intro APR for 12 months
$0 annual fee
Soft-pull prequalification available for some applicants
Digital wallet access may be available after approval
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Status: VERIFIED
0% intro APR for 12 months
$0 annual fee
“Check for prequalified offers” flow (no impact to credit score)
Digital card access available upon approval
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Status: VERIFIED
0% intro APR for 12 months
$0 annual fee
Prequalification flow states no credit score impact
Fast approval and digital servicing available
https://www.truist.com/small-business/credit-cards/business-card
CONDITIONAL — VERIFY DURING APPLICATION
(Included by user approval; issuer terms vary by applicant and region)
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Status: CONDITIONAL (USER-APPROVED)
0% intro APR for 12 months
$0 annual fee
Business pre-approval tool (soft pull)
Virtual card numbers may be available after approval
https://www.capitalone.com/small-business/credit-cards/spark-cash-select/
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Status: CONDITIONAL (USER-APPROVED)
0% intro APR for 9 billing cycles
$0 annual fee
Business prequalification tool available (soft pull)
Digital card access often provided after approval
🔽 EARLY-STAGE BRIDGE CAPITAL (PERSONAL → BUSINESS)
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PURPOSE
Provide immediate, low-friction access to capital for founders who are still in the early transition phase and need short-term liquidity before business credit is fully established.
WHAT APPLE CARD OFFERS
No hard credit pull to apply (soft inquiry during application)
Transparent approval process
Daily Cash rewards
No annual fee
Apple Wallet–based management
Fast access to a virtual card upon approval
This can be useful for:
Early setup expenses
Software subscriptions
Equipment or tools
Bridge spending while business accounts are being finalized
IMPORTANT CLARIFICATION (NON-NEGOTIABLE)
Apple Card is a personal credit card, not a business card
It does not build business credit
Should be used intentionally and temporarily
Must not replace proper business financial setup
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Purpose:
Provide funding solutions built specifically for veteran-owned businesses.
What StreetShares Provides:
• Veteran-focused small business loans
• Lines of credit
• Educational resources
Military Focus:
Founded to support the veteran business community.
Important Note:
Funding is not guaranteed and requires qualification.
Financing options too much to take on? Let our team support your search for capital!
🔽 BUSINESS CREDIT EDUCATION & READINESS
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Purpose:
Help business owners understand, build, and optimize business credit before pursuing funding.
What Credit Suite Provides:
• Business credit education
• Fundability assessments
• Guidance on separating personal and business credit
• Funding readiness strategies
Why This Matters for Veterans:
Many veterans are approved personally but blocked at the business level. Credit Suite helps close that gap with education-first support.
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Purpose:
Give founders visibility into their business and personal credit profiles while offering education on improving fundability.
What Nav Provides:
• Business credit monitoring
• Credit score insights
• Lender matching (optional)
• Educational tools for new businesses
Military-Friendly Note:
Widely used by veteran founders for visibility and self-guided improvement.
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Lendavo
https://app.lendavo.com/?afmc=9n
Purpose:
Match businesses with potential funding options based on profile, readiness, and needs.
What Lendavo Provides:
• Funding option matching
• Education on capital types
• Access to multiple lenders through one intake
Important Note:
• No funding is guaranteed
• Best used after business basics are complete
🔽 GRANTS, CERTIFICATIONS & READINESS RESOURCES
GRANTS, RESEARCH & NON-DILUTIVE CAPITAL (VETERAN-ALIGNED)
MISSION BRIEF: The following is here to help veteran founders research, prepare for, and pursue non-dilutive capital (grants and research-based funding) before pursuing debt or credit-heavy options.
VETERAN GRANTS & NON-DILUTIVE FUNDING
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https://streetsharesfoundation.org
Purpose:
Provide grant funding, education, and support specifically for veteran and military spouse–owned businesses.
What StreetShares Foundation Provides:
• Veteran Small Business Award grants
• Pitch competitions
• Educational resources
• Community support for early-stage founders
Military Eligibility:
Veterans and military spouses.
Important Note:
• Competitive application process
• No guarantees of award
• Best for businesses with a clear mission and use of funds
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Purpose:
Support veteran entrepreneurs through funding readiness, mentorship, and access to capital resources.
What Warrior Rising Provides:
• Grant opportunities
• Business development support
• Veteran mentorship network
• Capital readiness education
Military Eligibility:
Veteran-owned businesses.
Important Note:
Funding is paired with preparation and accountability.
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https://secondservicefoundation.org
Purpose:
Provide pitch-based grants and support to veteran entrepreneurs building scalable businesses.
What Second Service Foundation Provides:
• Competitive grant awards
• Pitch competitions
• Business training and exposure
• Access to veteran-focused investor communities
Military Eligibility:
Veterans, service members, and military spouses.
🔽 GRANT RESEARCH & DISCOVERY TOOLS
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Purpose:
Search and research federal grant opportunities across agencies and programs.
What Grants.gov Provides:
• Centralized federal grant listings
• Eligibility and application requirements
• Research tools for non-dilutive funding
Important Note:
Most grants are not for brand-new for-profit businesses, but this site is critical for research and long-term planning.
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Purpose:
Provide research and development funding to small businesses working on innovative technologies.
What SBIR/STTR Provides:
• Federal R&D grants
• Non-dilutive funding
• Long-term commercialization pathways
Military-Friendly Note:
Veteran-owned tech and research-based businesses are encouraged to apply.
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https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/all-programs
Purpose:
Provide grants and funding support for businesses operating in eligible rural areas.
What USDA Rural Development Provides:
• Business development grants
• Infrastructure and expansion support
• Community-based funding programs
Important Note:
Eligibility depends on geography and business type
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https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance/resource-partners/veterans-business-outreach-centers-vboc
Purpose:
Provide training, counseling, and preparation support for veteran-owned businesses.
What VBOCs Provide:
• Business planning assistance
• Funding readiness guidance
• Grant and certification education
• No-cost counseling
Military Eligibility:
Veterans, service members, and military spouses.
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https://www.sba.gov/sba-learning-platform/boots-business
Purpose:
Educate transitioning service members and veterans on entrepreneurship and funding fundamentals.
What Boots to Business Provides:
• Introductory business education
• Funding and capital basics
• Transition-friendly entrepreneurship training
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No credit or funding outcomes are guaranteed, need more help?? We’ve got your 6!
🗓 WEEK 3 — VISIBILITY & TRACTION
Mission Focus: Online presence, branding, communication.
🔽 Website, Branding & Communication Tools
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Purpose:
Create a professional website and landing pages to establish online credibility and capture leads.
What Squarespace Provides:
• Website and landing page builder
• Built-in templates for small businesses
• Hosting and security included
• Basic ecommerce and scheduling tools
Military-Friendly Note:
Often offers military and student discounts through partner programs and promotions.
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Purpose:
Secure domains and manage basic web infrastructure for business visibility.
What GoDaddy Provides:
• Domain registration
• Website hosting
• SSL certificates
• Email and website management tools
Military-Friendly Note:
GoDaddy regularly offers military discounts and promotions.
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Purpose:
Provide professional email and productivity tools for business communication and collaboration.
What Google Workspace Provides:
• Custom business email (name@yourcompany.com)
• Google Docs, Sheets, and Drive
• Calendar and meeting tools
• Secure cloud collaboration
Military-Friendly Note:
Free trial available. Widely used by veteran-owned small businesses.
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https://www.trademarkengine.com
Purpose:
Help business owners protect their brand name and intellectual property.
What Trademark Engine Provides:
• Trademark search tools
• Trademark filing services
• Brand protection guidance
Military-Friendly Note:
Often provides discounts and simplified pricing suitable for veteran founders.
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Purpose:
Create marketing visuals quickly without hiring a designer.
What Canva Provides:
• Social media graphics
• Flyers and digital ads
• Brand kits and templates
• Print-ready designs
Military-Friendly Note:
Free tier available and widely used by veteran founders.
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https://www.facebook.com/business/tools/meta-business-suite
Purpose:
Manage social media pages and advertising across Facebook and Instagram.
What Meta Business Suite Provides:
• Business page creation
• Organic posting tools
• Paid ad campaign management
• Messaging and engagement features
Military-Friendly Note:
No-cost setup. Paid ads are optional and fully controlled by the business owner.
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https://www.linkedin.com/company/setup/new
Purpose:
Establish a professional presence for networking, credibility, and B2B visibility.
What LinkedIn Company Pages Provide:
• Business profile creation
• Organic content distribution
• Networking and outreach visibility
• Optional paid ads
Military-Friendly Note:
Strong veteran and military professional community.
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Purpose:
Manage email marketing and customer communication.
What Mailchimp Provides:
• Email campaigns and templates
• Contact list management
• Basic automations
• Performance analytics
Military-Friendly Note:
Free tier available for early-stage businesses
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Purpose:
Produce physical marketing materials for offline visibility.
What Vistaprint Provides:
• Business cards
• Flyers and brochures
• Signage and apparel
Military-Friendly Note:
Offers military discounts for veterans and active-duty service members.
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Purpose:
Create branded apparel for teams, events, and customer-facing visibility.
What Custom Ink Provides:
• Custom shirts and apparel
• Bulk printing options
• Online design tools
Military-Friendly Note:
Frequently supports military and veteran organizations through discounts and programs.
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Purpose:
Create promotional items to support brand awareness.
What Sticker Mule Provides:
• Stickers and labels
• Promotional packaging materials
• Branded giveaways
Military-Friendly Note:
Frequently offers discounts suitable for small businesses.
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Purpose:
Access freelance support for marketing execution and social media setup.
What Fiverr Provides:
• Social media content creation
• Ad setup assistance
• Graphic design services
• Short-term marketing support
Military-Friendly Note:
Affordable entry point for founders delegating marketing tasks.
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What Is Unbounce
Unbounce helps businesses grow without increasing ad spend. The drag-and-drop builder gives marketing teams and agencies everything they need to get more return from their paid advertising. With Unbounce, they can create custom landing pages, pop-ups, and sticky bars to launch campaigns faster and convert more visitors.
🔽 Trademarking & Brand Protection (Optional)
Purpose: Help veteran founders protect their brand and create basic physical marketing assets without overspending. DIY / Self-Initiated
These services support early brand protection and visibility. Business owners are responsible for determining timing, necessity, and budget.
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Official U.S. government resource for understanding trademarks and the registration process.
Useful for:
Learning what can and cannot be trademarked
DIY trademark filing education
Avoiding common mistakes
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Online legal services platform offering trademark filing assistance and business legal tools.
Useful for:
Guided trademark filing
Veterans who want help navigating the process
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Lower-cost trademark filing service focused specifically on trademark registration.
Useful for:
Cost-conscious founders
Straightforward trademark filings
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Legal document access and consultations with discounted plans for service members and veterans.
Useful for:
Legal education
Contract and trademark-related guidance
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Print services for business cards, signage, flyers, apparel, and branded materials.
Useful for:
Business cards
Shirts and hats
Simple physical marketing assets
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Affordable printing service for business cards, postcards, flyers, and brochures.
Useful for:
Low-cost print runs
Simple, clean branding
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Commercial printing services for larger or specialty print needs.
Useful for:
Posters
Banners
Bulk marketing materials
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Custom apparel printing for shirts, hoodies, hats, and uniforms.
Useful for:
Team shirts
Event apparel
Branded merchandise
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Custom stickers, labels, and small promotional items.
Useful for:
Packaging
Giveaways
Brand reinforcement
🔽 PHYSICAL ADVERTISING & BRAND MATERIALS (Business cards, signage, shirts, promotional items)
IMPORTANT NOTES
Trademarking is optional and timing-dependent
Not all businesses need a trademark immediately
Physical marketing should support a clear business purpose
Military discounts and promotions may change
8th Ascent™ does not provide legal or marketing services
🗓 WEEK 4 — SYSTEMS, OPERATIONS & SCALE
Mission: Turn a legitimate business into an operating system that can execute, communicate, and grow without burning out the founder.
This week is about leverage, not hustle.
🔽 CRM, AUTOMATION & OPERATIONS
Purpose: Centralize leads, communication, workflows, and follow-ups so nothing falls through the cracks.
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https://www.gohighlevel.com/?fp_ref=8th-ascent-consulting77
Use this when:
Your website and business email are live
You need structured follow-up and client management
You want systems instead of spreadsheets
🔽 VIRTUAL ASSISTANTS & DELEGATION
Purpose: Offload repetitive, low-value tasks so the founder can focus on sales, strategy, and execution.
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https://www.fiverr.com/search/gigs?query=virtual%20assistant
Common Week 4 VA Tasks:
CRM cleanup and data entry
Lead list building
Calendar and inbox management
Simple research and admin tasks
Document formatting
Guidance:
Start small. Define tasks clearly. Expand scope only after trust is built.
🔽 COMMUNICATION, SALES & PRESENTATION SUPPORT
Purpose: Improve clarity, confidence, and delivery in sales calls, pitches, and presentations.
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Tool: Anyword
PURPOSE
Use data-driven AI to improve written messaging for websites, ads, emails, and landing pages before spending money on traffic or sales campaigns.
Anyword focuses on conversion performance, not just copy generation.
WHAT ANYWORD DOES
Anyword uses predictive performance scoring to help founders:
Improve headlines, CTAs, and page copy
Optimize website messaging for conversions
Test variations of copy before launch
Reduce guesswork in marketing language
Align messaging with specific audiences
This is especially useful for founders who struggle with what to say, not just how to build.
WANT THIS BUILT FOR YOU? (DONE-FOR-YOU OPTION)
If you don’t want to DIY this stage, 8th Ascent™ offers Done-For-You execution for veterans who want:
Systems built correctly the first time
CRM and automations fully configured
Delegation structured without guesswork
A clear operating system instead of tool chaos
Learn more about DFY support options here:
No pressure. No hype. Just structured execution
BONUS
NETWORKING & CAPITAL ACCESS — VETERAN & MISSION-ALIGNED CONNECTORS
Optional / Self-Initiated
Description: These organizations help veteran founders learn the fundraising landscape, build relationships, and gain exposure to capital-aligned communities. Participation does not guarantee funding and outcomes depend on individual effort and fit.
8th Ascent™ does not broker funding, facilitate introductions, or perform outreach on behalf of users.
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Ted Molek
Senior Claims Specialist at Veterans Guardian VA Claim Consulting
US Army Veteran
Address 75 Trotter Hills Circle, Pinehurst, NC 28374
Direct 910-420-3165 Main 833-577-8387 Ext.1062 Fax 888-806-0393
Email ted.molek@vetsguardian.com Website www.vetsguardian.com
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Veteran-focused venture ecosystem supporting veteran-led startups through community and education
https://www.theveteranfund.com -
Network connecting veteran founders with veteran investors, mentors, and educational opportunities
https://www.contextvc.com/van -
Founder education, office hours, and exposure to veteran-friendly VC firms
https://www.veteranvcs.org -
National veteran technology and startup network offering events and accelerators
https://vetsintech.co -
Item description
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Directory of veteran-friendly capital education, grants, and ecosystem resources
https://mytablon.com -
Platform to identify investors and networks aligned with military and veteran markets
https://angelmatch.io/investors/by-market/military
TAX Preparation and Filing Services
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Provides discounted or free federal and state tax filing for eligible service members and veterans.
Useful for:
Personal tax filing
Simple self-employed returns
Early-stage businesses with basic needs
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Offers special military pricing on tax prep services, including in-person and online options.
Useful for:
Veterans who prefer guided or human-assisted filing
More complex personal or small-business situations
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Affordable tax software with free and discounted filing options for military members.
Useful for:
Cost-conscious founders
Straightforward personal and business tax filings
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Low-cost federal filing with optional state filing at a reduced price.
Useful for:
Veterans who want a no-frills, budget-friendly option
Simple returns without premium add-ons
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Official IRS program offering free tax filing through approved partners for qualifying income levels.
Useful for:
Veterans who meet income eligibility
Straightforward federal filings
https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free
Business Legal Services and Insurance
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LegalShield Advantage i
Get started right with the business builder bundle. This bundle includes the Legal and IDShield products and the Associate Start-Up Kit. Everything you need to begin your LegalShield business!
Add to cart
Features Available
Personal and Business Legal Support
Comprehensive Identity Protection
Tools to Grow Your LegalShield Business
https://eugenecarter.legalshieldassociate.com/
12 minute family plan combo
https://eugenecarter.prospectbylegalshield.com/v2_ea6b2a8f142bd9acb28bf5b6f5a1a604
8 minute Small Business Plans
4 minute opportunity video
Free phone app to download
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https://www.usaa.com/insurance/business
Purpose:
Provide insurance solutions tailored to military members, veterans, and eligible family members who own businesses.
What USAA Provides:
Business property insurance
General liability coverage
Commercial auto insurance
Professional liability options (via partners)
Military-Friendly Note:
USAA is exclusively available to the military community. Business insurance offerings are provided directly or through vetted partner carriers for eligible members.
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https://www.geico.com/commercial-auto-insurance
Purpose:
Insure vehicles used for business operations, including service vehicles and fleets.
What GEICO Provides:
Commercial auto insurance
Coverage for sole proprietors and small fleets
Flexible policy options
Military-Friendly Note:
GEICO offers military discounts, including for commercial auto policies. Eligibility and discount amounts vary by state and policy type.
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Purpose:
Provide fast, online business insurance for small and early-stage companies.
What NEXT Insurance Provides:
General liability insurance
Professional liability
Workers’ compensation
Industry-specific coverage bundles
Military-Friendly Note:
No standing military discount, but widely used by veteran-owned small businesses due to low cost, simple setup, and fast approvals.
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https://www.hiscox.com/small-business-insurance
Purpose: Offer customizable insurance coverage for small businesses and independent professionals.
What Hiscox Provides:
General liability insurance
Professional liability insurance
Business owner policies (BOP)
Military-Friendly Note:
No formal military discount, but often recommended to veteran founders for flexible policies and small-business focus
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Item description
IMPORTANT NOTES
All resources listed are optional and self-initiated
No funding, investment, or partnership outcomes are guaranteed
8th Ascent™ does not act as a broker, intermediary, or agent
This list is provided for education and independent exploration only!