MilSpouse CEO Monthly Newsletter — August 2026

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✦ AUGUST 2026 EDITION ✦
MilSpouse CEO Monthly Newsletter
Association of Military Spouse Entrepreneurs

Hey CEO! 👋 We're back with another packed issue — featured spouses, August events, summit news, MSEG updates, and community perks just for you. Let's get into it!

✦ Summit Alert

More Than a MilSpouse Summit 2026

Mark your calendar, gather your girls, and get your tickets — the More Than a MilSpouse Summit is officially happening and it's going to be bigger than ever.

October 7–9, 2026 · Arlington, Texas

More Than a MilSpouse Summit

Three days. Real talk. Real connection. Real transformation. This is the premier event for military spouse entrepreneurs and we want YOU in the room.

Ticket Price
$125

For just $125, you'll get three days of transformation, connection, and community — plus over $250 in swag. You will get more than you invest.

🎁 Swag Bag — Valued at $250+

Laurel Denise Planner

Leather Valet from Guerrero Leather Curated

More Than a MilSpouse Bracelet from Valor Craftworks

Products from Prados Beauty

▶ Watch the Official Summit Video
Get Your $125 Ticket Now →
✦ Featured MilSpouse

Spotlight: Amber Budzynski

Every issue, we shine the light on a military spouse entrepreneur doing the work, telling the truth, and making real impact. This month, that's Amber Budzynski, founder of Bud Fam Co.

Amber Budzynski
Founder · Bud Fam Co. · Latina · Military Spouse · Mama-Owned
"Fun & whimsical handmade accessories that celebrate who you are — because every bow, every piece, is made with love and creativity."

Bud Fam Co. is a Latina, military spouse, and mama-owned small business creating handmade hair bows and accessories that are as fun and unique as the women who wear them. Amber handcrafts every piece — from classic hair bows and clips to embroidery, laser designs, custom creations, and apparel.

Based out of Fort Irwin, CA, Amber has built a loyal community of customers across the country who keep coming back for her seasonal drops, custom orders, and signature whimsical style. Whether you need a bold statement bow, a custom creation for a special occasion, or a gift that actually stands out — Bud Fam Co. delivers. Bulk and wholesale orders welcome!

🎀 Special AMSE Member Discount

Use code AMSE at checkout for 10% off your Bud Fam Co. order!

Shop Bud Fam Co. →

Learn more at www.budfamco.com

✦ New Partnership

AMSE × Scout Local 📍

We have some exciting news — AMSE has partnered with Scout Local, a mobile app directory built to help military families find trusted businesses near base and online, especially during PCS transitions and local community rebuilds.

Military spouse businesses, easier to find after every move.

Through this partnership, AMSE members can submit their business listing for Scout Local review — free. Businesses never pay to be listed or ranked. If approved, your listing goes live with Scout Local's Verified label.

How It Works
1

Submit your business through our dedicated AMSE member page — it takes a few minutes.

2

Scout Local reviews and routes it to a Fort Polk local listing, the Explore virtual discovery experience, or a future-base hold.

3

If approved, your listing goes live with Scout Local's Verified label. We're reviewing on a rolling basis!

Read the full press release at joinscoutlocal.com · Submitting is your opt-in — your info is used only to review and publish your listing.

✦ Q3 Support ✦

Let's Finish 2026 Strong 💪

Q3 is here. If you've been waiting for the right time to get support in your business — this is it. AMSE Agency offers done-for-you services exclusively for military spouse entrepreneurs at up to 60% off standard agency rates.

📣
Press & PR Placement

Get your story in front of journalists, podcasts & publications. From $997/mo.

✍🏽
Done-For-You Content

Social captions, LinkedIn articles, newsletters — done for you. From $797/mo.

🤖
AI Integration

Automate workflows & operate like a full agency on a lean budget. From $1,497.

🗂️
VA & Operations

Milspouse-trained VAs for inbox, calendar, CRM & more. From $697/mo.

View All Services & Book a Call →
✦ MSEG Update

Military Spouse Entrepreneur Guide

The Military Spouse Entrepreneur Guide (MSEG) continues to be one of the most powerful free resources in our community — distributed globally to 85,000+ military spouses across 27 countries. Issue 11 is out now and it's one you'll want to read cover to cover.

📣 Advertise With Us
⚠️ Extended — 4 Spots Remaining!

Secure Your Ad Space in Issue 12 — Fall Edition

We've extended the deadline — and 4 ad slots are now available for the Fall Issue 12! Deadline is August 21st. Get your brand in front of 85,000+ military spouse entrepreneurs worldwide before it's gone!

Secure Your Spot by Aug 21 →
✦ Now Playing

Latest on Owning Up 🎙️

NEW
Build It Bold: The Ultimate Military Spouse Summit 2026 · August 2026
EP
Level Up Your Business with AI: MSEG Issue 11 · Apr 7
EP
Sober, Social & Thriving: Free Life Revolution · Mar 9

⭐ Loving the show? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify — it helps more milspouse entrepreneurs find us. 🙌

✦ This Month Inside AMSE Circle

August Events 📅

August is here and we are showing up — in person AND online. Here's everything happening inside your AMSE Circle this month.

Sat, Aug 15 · 1:30 – 3:00 PM EDT
[Chapter Event] Launch Event — San Antonio, TX
Chapter Leaders: Annette Hammond & Keisha Bolden · Schertz Public Library, Schertz, TX
📍 In Person
Going ✓
Thu, Aug 20 · 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM EDT
Monthly Office Hours w/ Moni — PR & Visibility Coaching
📺 Live Stream
Going ✓
Fri, Aug 21 · 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM EDT
AMSE Open House Info & Networking Session
📍 Location TBD
Going ✓
Wed, Aug 26 · 12:30 – 2:00 PM EDT
AI in Action: From Prompting to Running Next-Level AI for Your Business
with AI Strategist Vimbo Watson
📹 Live Room
Going ✓

To access these events, join at amsemembers.com or log into your exclusive AMSE Circle community. 🔒

Join or Log In at amsemembers.com →
✦ Member Perks

Your AMSE Circle Resource Vault 🔓

Your membership isn't just community — it's a full vault of resources built to help you run, grow, and scale your business. Log into your AMSE Circle and start digging in.

📋
Worksheets

Practical tools to work through your business goals, strategy, and growth.

📘
Business Action Guides

Step-by-step guides created to help you take action and move your business forward.

🏷️
Discounts

Exclusive member-only deals on tools, products, and services for your business.

✨ Inside Biz Owner Life
💼Business Information
🏆Share A Small Biz Win
🤝Connect + Collab
💰Get Funding
🎟️MTMS Attendees

These channels are where the real conversations happen — wins, funding leads, collabs, and connection. Don't miss out!

🎁 Have a discount or deal for our members? Email hello@amseagency.com and we'll add it to the Circle.

✦ Money on the Table

Grants You Should Apply For Now 💰

CEO, there is free money out there with your name on it. Here are grants worth your attention right now — bookmark them, share them, and apply before the deadlines close.

The Stephen L. Tadlock Veteran Business Grant
$1,000 + Program Access

A $20,000 fund awarding $1,000 micro-grants to 20 U.S. military veterans running employer-based small businesses — that includes military spouses who are veterans! Each finalist also receives free access to Founders First CDC's Passport Community or Zebra Leadership program (valued up to $1,699).

Pre-registration open now · Full application opens Sept 15, 2026 · Closes Oct 15, 2026
Must have 2–100 employees · 1+ year in business · Revenue under $5M · U.S.-based
Pre-Register Now →
StreetShares Foundation Veteran Small Business Award
$4K–$15K

One of the best-known private grant programs for veteran entrepreneurs — and it explicitly includes military spouses! The StreetShares Foundation awards funding to veteran and milspouse-owned businesses making a positive community impact. Must own at least 51% of your business and be a legal entity (LLC, S-Corp, C-Corp, or sole prop).

Deadline: October annually · Open to veterans, active duty, reserve members, and military spouses · Must be 21+ · U.S.-based business
Apply Now →
Warrior Rising Pitch Competition & Grant
Up to $20,000

Warrior Rising is a free one-stop shop for veterans launching or growing a business. Their 6-step module covers entrepreneurial education, training, coaching, and mentorship — plus access to investors and grant funding through their pitch competition. Open to veterans and immediate family members.

Rolling applications · Open to veterans & immediate family members · Startups and established businesses welcome
Apply Now →

💡 Pro tip from Moni: Don't wait for the "perfect" application. Apply now, apply often, and keep a grant tracker so you never miss a deadline. Your business is worth the investment.

📊 Free Grant Tracker
Never Miss a Grant Deadline Again

Drop "SPREADSHEET" in the comments on our Instagram post and get Moni's free grant tracker spreadsheet sent straight to you. Stay organized, stay applying, and stay winning. 🙌

Drop "SPREADSHEET" in Comments →
✦ Find Your People

Join an AMSE Chapter Near You 📍

Community is everything. AMSE Chapters are popping up across the country — bringing military spouse entrepreneurs together locally to connect, collaborate, and grow. Find your chapter and get in the room.

🎉 New Chapters Launching Now
📍 San Antonio, TX
📍 USAG Bavaria, Germany
📍 Iwakuni, Japan
📍 MCLB Albany, GA

We are growing — stateside and around the world! 🌍 If your installation isn't on the list yet, stay tuned. More chapters are coming.

🌟 Your Chapter Needs You
Leadership Spots Are Open Across AMSE Chapters!

We are looking for co-chairs across multiple chapters to help lead and grow the AMSE community locally. If you're ready to step up and make an impact in your area, this is your moment. Here's what we need:

👑 Leader / Co-Leader
🤝 Membership Chair
🎉 Events Chair
📲 Social Media Chair
📚 Resource Chair
Apply for a Leadership Role →
✦ Not a Member Yet? ✦

What Are You Waiting For?

Join the largest community of military spouse entrepreneurs in the world. Thousands of members. Dozens of countries. 19+ time zones. One powerful milspousehood.

In partnership with GovX — verify your military affiliation and get instant access to your exclusive member benefits.

Verify your status through GovX
Access the exclusive AMSE Circle community
Unlock events, discounts, coaching & more
Connect with military spouse CEOs worldwide
Join Now at amsemembers.com →

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It's free to get started. Join thousands of military spouse entrepreneurs building bold businesses — no matter where you're stationed.

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www.amsemembers.com