Capitol Post and Bunker Labs DC are fortunate to be supported by a number of local and national organizations who make it possible for us to serve as a platform for veterans in business. This month, we are highlighting JP Morgan Chase & Co, who have recently supported Bunker Labs in Chicago and Washington DC with a grant of $260,000.
Company Name: JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Year Founded: 1799
CEO Name: Jamie Dimon
HQ Address: 270 Park Avenue New York, NY
Website: www.jpmorganchase.com/veterans
Elevator Pitch: A strong small business sector means more local jobs and increased economic opportunity for owners and for the people they employ. That’s why JPMorgan Chase is proud to serve 3.9 million American small businesses, including many Veteran small businesses. Empowering Veterans to succeed in small business is a natural extension of the firm’s mission and talent. That’s why, the firm provides products, services, and support through organizations like Bunker Labs DC to make it easier for small businesses to operate and gain access to capital.
Little-known-fact about your company: JPMorgan Chase & Co. played a major role in financing the Allied victory during World War I. In September 1915, the firm arranged a $500 million Anglo-French loan, at that time the largest foreign loan in Wall Street history.
What makes your company unique?
As a leading small business lender with a long history of employing and supporting active-duty and veteran military personnel, our firm is uniquely positioned to understand the needs of Veterans and small businesses and provide resources to help them succeed.
What made your company want to support Capitol Post and/or Bunker Labs DC’s mission?
Veterans possess a number of skills, experience, and attributes that lend themselves to entrepreneurship, such as leadership, problem-solving, and resilience. Our entire community benefits from the jobs and economic growth generated by new businesses. Unfortunately, many veterans struggle to turn their ideas and passion into viable businesses. Bunker Labs helps Veteran business owners tap into the networks, mentors, and advice that will help them sustainably grow a high-impact business. That is why we recently announced a grant of $260,000 to help fund Bunker Labs cohorts in DC and Chicago.
Toot your company’s horn? What have you done that you’re most proud of recently?
This year marks the fifth anniversary of JPMorgan Chase’s Office of Military and Veterans Affairs, established to drive our firm-wide Veteran-related initiatives. Over the last five years, more than 10,000 Veterans have joined the ranks of JPMorgan Chase, and the firm has developed programs aimed at retaining and supporting them throughout their careers. We also help to lead the Veteran Jobs Mission – previously the 100,000 Jobs Mission – a coalition cofounded in 2011 by JPMorgan Chase and 10 other companies with the goal of hiring 100,000 Veterans. Now more than 200 members strong, the coalition has collectively hired more than 300,000 Veterans, and is now committed to hiring 1 million.
What’s one piece of advice you would give to one of Capitol Post’s members or start-up in the Bunker Labs DC?
Our Office of Military and Veterans Affairs is fortunate enough to be advised by an extremely talented and experienced External Advisory Council which includes former military and private sector leaders. In November, council member and former Army Chief of Staff General Raymond T. Odierno shared his thoughts on Bold Leadership. Our advice is to connect with and keep experienced advisors who can help guide you through the development and growth of your business.
Who (or what) has had the most positive influence on your organization recently and why?
We are inspired by the thousands of Veteran employees working beside us every day. Through their continued success at the firm, we see first-hand how much Veterans have to contribute to our country and our workforce. This is why we will continue to focus on their successful transitions into the private sector, especially as business leaders and owners.