Virtual

Industry Pathways | Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Startup Ecosystems

December 8, 2026 1:00pm - 3:00pm ET

About This Event

The entrepreneurial ecosystem is one of the most dynamic and accessible pathways available to transitioning veterans and military spouses. The discipline, adaptability, and mission-driven mindset forged through military service translate powerfully into the world of startups, innovation, and venture-backed business — and this Industry Pathways session is designed to show you exactly how to make that connection. FourBlock is proud to bring together experienced leaders who have navigated both the military and entrepreneurial worlds to help you chart your next mission.

This session will explore the full landscape of the startup and innovation ecosystem — from founding your own venture to joining an early-stage company, working within a corporate innovation lab, or supporting the broader entrepreneurial community through investing, advising, or ecosystem-building roles. Whether you are drawn to technology startups, social enterprises, defense-tech ventures, or small business ownership, this event will give you a grounded understanding of how the industry works and where your skills fit.

Speakers Gena Pirtle and Tommy Jones bring firsthand knowledge of how organizations like Zero Mills are bridging the gap between military talent and the innovation economy. You will leave with a clearer picture of the pathways available to you, the language and frameworks used in startup culture, and the confidence to take your next step into this exciting and fast-moving space.

What to Expect

Panel Discussion: Hear directly from Gena Pirtle and Tommy Jones as they share their career journeys, insights on the entrepreneurship and startup ecosystem, and advice tailored specifically for veterans and military spouses entering this space.
Industry Deep Dive: Gain a practical overview of how startup ecosystems are structured, how funding and venture capital work, and what roles exist beyond the founder — including operations, growth, partnerships, and product development.
Breakout Sessions: Connect in smaller groups to ask focused questions, discuss specific career interests, and explore how your military background maps to roles within startups and innovation-driven organizations.
Networking Opportunities: Engage with fellow transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses who share your interest in entrepreneurship, as well as with the speakers and FourBlock community members who can support your journey.
Live Q&A: Bring your questions about breaking into the startup world, launching a venture, or finding the right role within an innovation-focused company and get real answers from professionals who have been there.

Who Should Attend?

This event is designed for anyone from the military community who is curious about the world of entrepreneurship, startups, and innovation — regardless of where you are in your transition journey.

Transitioning Service Members: If you are preparing to leave active duty and are drawn to fast-paced, mission-driven environments where your leadership and problem-solving skills will be immediately valued, the startup ecosystem may be exactly the right fit for you.
Veterans at Any Career Stage: Whether you recently separated or have been in the civilian workforce for years and are looking for a new challenge, this session will help you understand how to leverage your experience in entrepreneurial and innovation-focused roles.
Military Spouses: With transferable skills in adaptability, resourcefulness, and community building, military spouses are exceptionally well-suited for careers in startups and entrepreneurship. This session will help you identify the opportunities that align with your background and goals.
Aspiring Founders: If you have a business idea or have been thinking about launching your own venture, this is a valuable opportunity to learn about the startup ecosystem, available resources for veteran entrepreneurs, and how to take your first steps.
Career Explorers: If you are not yet sure what industry is right for you but are energized by innovation, technology, and building something new, come with an open mind and discover the wide range of roles that exist within this space.

Explore Career Paths In:

Startup Founder or Co-Founder: Launch and lead your own venture, applying military leadership and mission planning skills to build a business from the ground up.
Business Development Manager: Drive growth for early-stage companies by identifying partnerships, expanding markets, and building strategic relationships.
Product Manager: Guide the development of products and services within a startup, translating customer needs and business goals into actionable roadmaps.
Venture Capital Analyst or Associate: Evaluate and support investment opportunities within the startup ecosystem, connecting promising founders with the capital they need to grow.
Startup Operations Manager: Build the internal systems, processes, and infrastructure that allow fast-growing companies to scale efficiently and effectively.
Corporate Innovation Lead: Work within an established company to develop new products, pilot emerging technologies, and foster an entrepreneurial culture from the inside.
Ecosystem Builder or Community Manager: Support networks of founders, investors, and innovators through accelerators, incubators, coworking spaces, or nonprofit organizations.
Growth and Marketing Strategist: Drive user acquisition, brand awareness, and revenue growth for startups through data-driven marketing and go-to-market strategies.
Defense Tech or GovTech Entrepreneur: Build ventures focused on solving national security, logistics, or government efficiency challenges — a space where veteran insight provides a genuine competitive advantage.
Startup Advisor or Fractional Executive: Offer strategic guidance and executive-level expertise to multiple early-stage companies simultaneously, building a portfolio of meaningful engagements.
Small Business Owner: Apply entrepreneurial skills to launch and operate an independent business, from service-based firms to product companies and franchises.
Social Enterprise Leader: Lead a mission-driven organization that blends business principles with social impact, addressing community challenges through innovative and sustainable models.

What You'll Get

AI-Powered Career Tools via CareerFlow: As a FourBlock community member, you will have access to CareerFlow AI tools to help you build a standout resume, optimize your LinkedIn profile, and identify startup and entrepreneurship roles that align with your military experience and career goals.
Post-Event Resources: Following the session, you will receive curated resources including recommended reading on startup culture and entrepreneurship, veteran-focused funding and accelerator programs, and guides for translating military skills into startup-ready language.
Community and Peer Networking: Gain access to FourBlock's growing network of veterans, military spouses, and military-connected professionals who are already working in or building businesses within the entrepreneurship and innovation space.
Ongoing FourBlock Support: This event is one part of FourBlock's broader mission to help the military community build meaningful, lasting careers. Attendees are encouraged to explore FourBlock's full suite of programs, workshops, and community resources designed to support every stage of your career transition.

Participating Companies

Zero Mills

Speakers

Gena Pirtle

VP of Corporate Partnerships

Tommy Jones

Director of Military Engagement and Strategic Partnerships