Stephanie Brown, CEO and Founder of The Rosie Network, started her journey in supporting the military and veteran community through a personal experience. As a military spouse, she sold her own business to relocate overseas with her husband. Over time, she noticed the significant challenges that military spouses and veterans faced in business. This realization led to the founding of The Rosie Network, an organization dedicated to providing military families with the resources, mentorship, and connections needed to thrive as entrepreneurs.
The Rosie Network serves a broad segment of the military community, including transitioning service members, reservists, veterans, and military spouses. “Those who have served our nation deserve access to the American Dream of small business ownership,” says Brown. The organization’s Service2CEO program — a college-accredited course — is one of its flagship initiatives, offering intensive, cohort-based training designed to meet entrepreneurs at every stage of their
journey. Through ongoing alumni programming, mentorship, and resources, The Rosie Network ensures that support doesn’t end at graduation; instead, members are continuously guided and connected.
Partnering with the NVBDC’s MVO Task Force is a natural step for The Rosie Network, and aligns with Stephanie’s belief in collaborative efforts to strengthen the veteran and military community. “A rising tide lifts all ships,” she explains. Working with the NVBDC MVO Task Force enables The Rosie Network to extend its reach and impact, combining efforts to create
more opportunities for veterans and military spouses.
The Rosie Network has achieved several significant milestones. One of the organization’s most impactful wins was helping to pass the federal Military Spouse Entrepreneur Act, which reimburses certain business expenses for spouses who incur costs due to Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves. This legislation is a critical step in breaking down the barriers that often hinder military families from pursuing their entrepreneurial dreams. The organization also is actively engaged in
advocating for policies that ease market entry and growth for veteran- and spouse-owned businesses.
Looking ahead, The Rosie Network plans to expand its programming in 2025 to meet the needs of its growing membership. This includes launching additional cohorts in the Service2CEO program and introducing new
initiatives designed to foster continued learning and support. The organization is especially excited about its Holiday
Buying Guide, which showcases hundreds of veteran- and spouse- owned businesses during National Veteran Small Business Week and throughout the holiday season. In addition, its Mentoring MATTERS series provides webinars that connect veterans and military spouses with expert mentors for valuable guidance.
In the words of her late husband, Rear Admiral Tom Brown, “Everyone needs a purpose in life, helping others find
theirs is a gift.” This sentiment, which Stephanie holds dear, underpins The Rosie Network’s mission to empower
military families to find purpose through entrepreneurship.
The Rosie Network is always seeking mentors and subject matter experts who are eager to support the military
community by sharing their knowledge and experience. For those interested in contributing or learning more,
Stephanie encourages them to visit The Rosie Network’s website or reach out via email.
The Rosie Network and NVBDC’s MVO Task Force are committed to building a future where military families have the
tools and opportunities to succeed by honoring their service through a pathway to entrepreneurial success.
