"I will shout from the roof tops that [The Military Spouse Entrepreneurial Readiness Program] has made all the difference in the success that my business has had. Though very intensive, we all learned more than we ever imagined in those three weeks. We were supplied with information about:

• ownership- sole proproprietor, corporation, etc.
• financing- who needs it, where to get it, how to go aboutit
• marketing- how essential it is, on a shoestring, become the business
• accounting- tax requirements, CPAs, cash flow, preparing for the worst, etc.
• legal requirements- protecting yourself, preparing for the worst, contracts, etc.
• insurance- protecting ourself, preparing for the worst, packaging, etc.
• networking- the importance of it, how to overcome shyness, etc.
• business plans- how very essential it is for every business to have a business plan, no matter how small/large, indebted/debt-free, etc.

Even a one man band needs a business plan. I disagreed until I was forced to write my own. Since then I have referred to it often and rewritten it twice. Definitely one of the most important things I learned there. It tells you where you are, reminds you of where you've been, and shows you where you are going, and how you plan to get there. We should all have one for our private lives!

MSERP prepared me for the days when the adrenaline and euphoria wear off and my work is fueled by willpower alone--Those days when there are no orders coming in and I ask myself, 'why did I do this?' MSERP made me understand that owning your own business is extremely rewarding, but very hard work. Ultimately, it all comes down to you. No one else takes the credit, but no one else takes the blame. It's up to you.

Then MSERP showed me how to make it happen. I know that most of my classmates agree and are currently actively working on or toward their own businesses.

[The Military Spouse Entrepreneurial Readiness Program] was the best thing to come out of the DoD as far as helping military spouses become more self-reliant and productive for ourselves, our spouses, our families, and our communities. The stronger we are, the stronger our military is."

---Rhonda Mollenkopf, Halcyon Hills Studios
Designer and Manufacturer of Distinctive American Art Glass Prairie Lamps