Operation Jump Start

The USO is hosting Operation Jump Start. This two-day virtual summit, which will be held Wednesday, September 29 and Thursday, September 30, 2021, is offered to encourage and prepare active military personnel and their families to begin their entrepreneurial and employment journeys for a successful post-military future.

Each year, more than 200,000 service members leave the military and return to civilian life. Following their service to our country, veterans are building businesses, creating jobs, and making a lasting impact on their communities.

In addition to keynote presentations, the summit includes networking and a virtual exhibition hall, offering attendees the opportunity to engage with and learn from employers, franchise operators, and entrepreneurs.

• Booths are open 8:00 a.m. ET to 5:00 p.m. ET
• Keynote speakers present 11:00 a.m. ET to 3:00 p.m. ET*

There are two virtual exhibition halls allowing companies to showcase their products and services to the speaker lineup, venture capitalist firms, and attendees interested in going into entrepreneurship and future employment opportunities.

*Keynote speakers subject to change

DAY ONE - Sept. 29

8:00am – 11:00am Networking Forum – Exhibition Hall

10:30am-10:45am Participant Notification of Speakers Start

10:45am – 11:00am Transition Period Break

11:00am – 11:05am Opening Video

11:05am – 11:10am USO Opening Remarks

11:10am – 11:15am BHF Opening Remarks - Brian Hamilton

11:15am - 12:00pm Brian Hamilton

12:00pm – 12:15pm Break

12:15pm – 1:00pm Hill Harper, Humanitarian, Award-winning Actor

1:15pm – 2:00pm Theresa Payton

2:15pm – 2:50pm D'Shawn Russell and Cameron Cruse

2:50pm – 3:00pm Closing Reel

3:00pm – 5:00pm Networking Forum – Exhibition Hall

DAY TWO - Sept. 30

8:00am – 11:00am Networking Forum – Exhibition Hall

10:30am-10:45am Participant Notification of Speakers Start

10:45am – 11:00am Transition Period Break

11:00am – 11:05am USO Opening Remarks

11:05am – 11:10am Brian Hamilton Remarks

11:10am - 11:50am Marjorie K. Eastman

11:50am – 12:00pm Break

12:15pm - 1:00pm Dr. Tim Elmore

1:00pm – 1:30pm Julianne Hough

1:30pm - 2:00pm Will Ahmed

2:00pm – 2:30pm Jessica Iclisoy

2:30pm – 3:00pm Closing Remarks and Video Reel

3:00pm – 5:00pm Networking Forum – Exhibition Hall

Learn more about sponsorship opportunities by visiting this page or participating as an exhibitor by visiting this page.