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As X-Forces Enterprise embarks on a new channel partnership with Findr, now is an ideal time to reflect on the unique qualities of ex-military entrepreneurs and the benefits of partnering with businesses rooted in the Armed Forces community.
“Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success.”
Henry Ford
From my early career, I’ve been a strong advocate of partnerships and collaborations, so I am genuinely excited to have launched the new channel partnership between X-Forces Enterprise (XFE) and Findr, which will introduce the innovative platform to business owners within the Armed Forces community. When I first learned about Findr’s groundbreaking approach to fostering business connections, I could foresee it held the potential for significant benefits for military entrepreneurs, including the opening of new sales and supply channels.
Armed Forces Attributes
I firmly believe that enterprise skills are not just essential for business but for life in general. They have the power to benefit all careers, especially those within marginalised or disadvantaged communities. This is precisely why I started XFE in 2012. When you examine the values, skills, and attributes of the Armed Forces, you find a wealth of qualities that make its members exceptionally well-suited for entrepreneurship; resilience, adaptability, resourcefulness, integrity, and a great deal of digging deep.
Running a business involves navigating various intricacies – from finance and planning to managing cash flows, employing staff and taking a brand to market. It’s a steep learning curve, but the individuals from the Armed Forces community possess a unique combination of inner strength and valuable skills. They grasp these concepts quickly; they just need support to navigate their entrepreneurial journey, and that’s where XFE comes in.
XFE acts as a bridge, introducing enterprise skills, unlocking the inherent strengths of military entrepreneurs, and nurturing them as they embark on their path as business owners. The services we offer are free-to-access, and we have created a welcoming network of like-minded entrepreneurs from the same background.
The thousands of diverse businesses that have emerged through our support are truly inspiring. From brewing to beekeeping, coffee to cutlery, and tech to training, these enterprises now provide rewarding and sustainable second careers while making a positive contribution to the economy.
Connect for Success
In the military, cooperation and teamwork are paramount to a mission’s outcome. Similarly, I know that partnerships are crucial to business success, and from the very beginning of XFE, we’ve taken pride in collaborating with leading organisations from the charity, business, and government sectors. These partnerships open doors and champion the burgeoning Military In Business® community.
Finding the right partner is the most significant hurdle, and a challenge that the Findr platform efficiently addresses, of course. And, moving forward, a healthy collaboration is an investment of energy, passion, and integrity with the goal of achieving a greater good. Military entrepreneurs have these qualities in abundance and are ready to commit.
As Johnny Mercer MP, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, observed in his speech at our recent Soldiering On Awards finale: collaboration and working collectively are key to success. I’m absolutely delighted that Findr and XFE have embarked on this collaborative journey to work towards a greater good and my heartfelt thanks go out to the dedicated teams at XFE and Findr for their tireless commitment to this partnership. I eagerly anticipate the positive partnerships that will undoubtedly emerge as a result.
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