NEW ORLEANS – As part of New Orleans Entrepreneur Week, five veteran entrepreneurs will be pitching their businesses to an audience and a panel of veteran entrepreneurs today, March 23, 2015, at The Landing Zone New Orleans, 625 Celeste St., from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
After the showcase, VetLaunch will host a networking lunch followed by free entrepreneurial workshops including Introduction to the Entrepreneur Experience, Economics of Small Business and Small Business Planning from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Doors will open at 9:30 a.m., a light breakfast will be available before the 10:00 a.m. showcase and a free happy hour event wraps up the day at The Landing Zone.
The Landing Zone is a co-working environment and small business incubator targeting veteran and service disabled veteran owned start-up companies. Out of a newly renovated 20,000 square foot warehouse, co-working space is where veteran entrepreneurs work alongside other veterans and seasoned professionals with similar skills and values cultivated through military service. Veterans are provided with the ability to build stable and independent lives after service by getting help to launch successful new businesses.
Landing Zone's founder, director and New Orleans local, Robert Armbruster, is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy who after serving a tour in Iraq as a Marine officer suffered military career-ending injuries during combat operations. Armbruster launched his own construction, design and build firm that is now based in the Lower Garden District.
While working with veterans to provide employment assistance, Robert noticed most of the vets he met were in need of the camaraderie, insight and support of other veterans to help them with the often difficult transition from military to civilian life. He found vets trusted their fellow veterans and wanted to be around those that experienced similar combat abroad, as well as those that had already returned to face ordinary everyday challenges back at home.
Armbruster recognized the power of that shared experience and wanted to create a space that not only connected veterans, but provided them the opportunity to collaborate and grow together while empowering them to recognize their amazing skill sets fostered from their military experience – including a role that's bigger than one's self, leadership and a strong sense of community.
The Landing Zone offers a complete set of services and network of mentors to best insure the continued improvement and growth for members’ businesses. From administrative services to legal support to digital media training, Landing Zone is a work place and a central hub for veteran entrepreneurs to grow and develop their business.
