3 local entrepreneurs will gain access to resources, network to accelerate business growth through CEOcircle Program
Bunker Labs and JPMorgan Chase Commercial Banking announced a new cohort of business leaders, including three Nevada business owners, from around the nation who were selected for CEOcircle, a 13-month peer accountability training program is tailored to help mid-size veteran and military spouse executives scale their businesses.
Of the 82 individuals selected, three Nevada business owners, two retired and one currently active in the military, represent the cities of Las Vegas, Carson City and Reno.
· Kyle Aquino, CEO of NVIS Inc located in Las Vegas – Veteran, not retired; Marine Corps from 1994-2002.
· Renee Krieg, CEO of Vertical Athletics located in Carson City – National Guard; Army from 1997-2008
· Kandis Porter, CEO of Effective Flow Connections LLC, located in Reno – Veteran, not retired; Air Force from 1985-1986
Aquino, Kreig and Porter were selected following a rigorous evaluation process. To participate, their companies needed to meet specific qualifications:
- Being led by a military veteran and/or military spouse (CEO, senior executive and/or controlling shareholder)
- Having achieved an annual revenue of $1+ million or raised $5 million in capital
- Showing high growth potential via market size, industry and market saturation
Aquino, Kreig and Porter join the third CEOcircle cohort which consists of 74 veteran-owned companies and 14 companies owned by military spouses, six of whom are also veterans. The cohort is 52.4% diverse and 62% are service-disabled veterans. The companies span industries including technology, healthcare, agriculture and manufacturing, among others.
Since launching the joint effort to support veteran and military spouse founders in 2021, Bunker Labs and JPMorgan Chase Commercial Banking have shepherded 112 business owners through CEOcircle, helping them gain access to growth opportunities and a robust network of peers and experts to help them navigate their business journeys.
“It’s clear that our CEOcircle founders are applying coveted military service skills, such as leadership, detail orientation and work ethic, to advance their businesses every day,” said Alex McKindra, Co-Head of Veteran Initiatives, JPMorgan Chase Commercial Banking. “We’re proud to work alongside Bunker Labs to provide veteran business owners with access to the essential resources and guidance that will help them reach new heights.”
“CEOcircle is making a tangible difference in the lives of veteran and military spouse executives, and we’re excited to see all that this new cohort will achieve in the next thirteen months,” said Blake Hogan, CEO of Bunker Labs. “As our 2022 cohort wraps up their program this November, our team is energized and excited to dive in with the next generation of great entrepreneurs.”
The full list of companies selected to participate in the 2023 CEOcircle cohort is available at: bunkerlabs.org/welcome-ceocircle-2022-cohort
Companies interested in participating in the next CEOcircle can learn more at: bunkerlabs.org/ceo-circle
About Bunker Labs
Bunker Labs is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and a national network of veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs dedicated to helping members start their own businesses. Bunker Labs is committed to seeing veterans and military spouses have the network, tools, and resources they need to launch and grow their own business.
About JPMorgan Chase Commercial Banking:
JPMorgan Chase Commercial Banking is a business of JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM), a leading global financial services firm with assets of $3.9 trillion and operations worldwide. Through its Middle Market Banking & Specialized Industries, Corporate Client Banking & Specialized Industries and Commercial Real Estate businesses, Commercial Banking serves emerging startups to midsize businesses and large corporations as well as government entities, not-for-profit organizations, and commercial real estate investors, developers and owners. Clients are supported through every stage of growth with specialized industry expertise and tailored financial solutions including credit and financing, treasury and payment services, international banking and more. Information about JPMorgan Chase Commercial Banking is available at www.jpmorganchase.com/commercial.
