Our Program

Launched officially in the last six months, the VetLaunch program contains two core components.

VetLaunch Business Accelerator- Starting January 2015, we will begin a 9-week program for five New Orleans military veterans focused on creating scalable and fundable businesses. In partnership with The Idea Village, our inaugural accelerator provides both a structured program to support the development of our veterans’ businesses and a curated network of professional experts committed to encouraging that development. We selected our five finalists on for our first class and are excited about their potential. Read more about the businesses here.

VetLaunch Workforce Development- We are additionally building a job training program for veterans seeking long term employment. From resume writing to technical training, VetLaunch is creating a comprehensive program that will provide the necessary skills for all transitioning vets to be successful in the workforce. Since May of 2014, VetLaunch has hired thirty vets through the Veteran’s Administration and provided job placement in the construction industry. Starting in spring of 2015, we are working hard to continue the development of our programming and workshops, as well as branch out into the food service industry.

VetLaunch will be operating out of The Landing Zone, a coworking space and incubator specifically targeting veteran owned businesses. As veterans, we want to create a collaborative and innovative environment that not only allows our members to connect/network with other veterans, but also provides them with the appropriate resources and services to grow their own business. From professional training to local mentors to networking events, we want to provide our veteran members the resources to professionally develop and succeed.

Our Mission

Our work is driven by the belief that veterans are the right investment. Not only does their record of service and sacrifice warrant such opportunities, but military veterans have the skill set and experience to thrive in our local community and more specifically, entrepreneurial market. Their combat training and experience required them to think on their feet in the most stressful situations. Because of that, they learned how to tackle serious challenges collectively and efficiently.

The U.S. service trained them in those necessary intangible skills that make them a savvy workforce. However, without the structure and brotherhood of the military environment, many veteran struggle to transition out of uniform and into successful, long term careers. With the proper guidance, tactical resources, and unrelenting support, VetLaunch will help veterans leverage their military experience to start new businesses, gain new employment, and continue to make a positive integration into society.

Our History

VetLaunch's founder and director is Robert Armbruster, 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. Robert and his young family now live in Uptown, New Orleans where he launched his own construction, design and build firm that is now based in the Lower Garden District.

While working with service disabled veterans to provide employment assistance, Robert noticed most of the vets he met were in need of the camaraderie, insight and the support of other veterans to help them with that difficult transition. Through this work, he found that vets deeply 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.

Robert recognized the power of that shared experience and wanted to create both a non-profit organization and physical space that connected veterans and more importantly, provided them the opportunity to collaborate and invest in each other.

VetLaunch Fundraiser

We are hosting our launch party on January 29th at the Landing Zone and want you to be there. Head over to event page listed below for more information