Military Spousal Founders Programme
For military spouses with dreams of starting or growing a business
Are you part of the armed forces community with plans to become a business founder? Our Military Spousal Founders Programme is designed just for you.
What is the Barclays Military Spousal Founders Programme?
We've partnered with Eagle Labs Academy to run this specially designed programme for military spouses who want to start and grow a business. Continuing our ongoing commitment to the armed forces covenant, the programme aims to assist spousal business owners establish a foundation to be successful in starting their own business.
Eagle Labs Academy is a digital learning platform that helps founders start and scale their business at their own pace.
Programme overview
Our academy covers the essential aspects of launching and growing a business. It’s delivered in bite-sized weekly learning blocks that lets you learn at your own pace.
You’ll be supported every step of the way by dedicated Eagle Lab champions.
Key features
- Flexible learning: access the weekly session online when you can during that week
- Mentorship: get guidance from experienced industry professionals
- Community: connect with fellow military spouses and veterans on the same journey
- Tailored support: we’ll customise your learning experience to suit your business goals.
Who can apply?
This programme is for:
- Military spouses and partners
- Military veterans or serving personnel (Royal Navy, Army, RAF).
Your business must be:
- A new business in any sector
- At idea stage with products or services
- At market and looking to scale.
Timeline
Applications open
4 April, 2025
Applications close
8 August, 2025
Successful applications
12 August, 2025
Programme begins
29 September, 2025
Programme ends
31 October, 2025
Application Process:
Stage 1: Online application
Please check that you meet the application criteria. If you do, then complete the application form.
Stage 2: Selection
You’ll be placed through a selection process to ensure you’re suitable for the programme.
Stage 3: Final stage and shortlist
If you’re successful, you’ll be invited to join the programme. You’ll have five days to accept the invitation and if we don’t get your acceptance, we’ll invite the next applicant on the shortlist to join.
Programme modules:
Week 1
- Starting a tech business
- Working with Co Founders
- Develop the right mindset
- Managing your Personal Circumstances
Week 2
- Leadership
- Product Development & Design
- Setting up
Week 3
- Raising Capital
- Finding Market Fit
- Marketing and Research
Week 4
- Sales
- Scaling and Growth
- Continuous Product Development
Typically we advise you to allow 2 ½ hours per week to complete the modules, plus one hour for your champion catch up.
FAQs:
What does the programme cover?
The programme includes a variety of self-learning modules which cover areas such as starting a business, working with Co-Founders, sales, marketing, and raising capital. In addition, we offer participants the chance to connect with a Champion who will act as a sounding board and support in any queries that may pop up.
What is a Champion?
As a champion will serve as a mentor; a strategic sounding board, connector and trusted guidance for the entrepreneurs on our programme. The commitment will be at least one session every two weeks (can be every week if required) with your assigned mentee over the 4 weeks of the programme [at least 2 mentor sessions].
What kind of mentorship will I receive from this programme?
Each company will be paired with a mentor/Champion selected specifically for their expertise relevant to the goals of this programme. They will communicate with their mentees on a regular basis and will provide them advice on growing and scaling their business.
I’ve applied for an Eagle Labs programme before. Can I apply again?
Repeat applications are always accepted, and prior applicants are encouraged to stay in touch.
Is this programme open to businesses from outside of UK?
This programme is open for businesses only in the UK.
Are these classes delivered online or offline?
These modules are only to be delivered online, however, there will be some networking events outside of the programme which participants are encouraged to register if they wish too.
Does the programme support the cohort after the program is over?
Yes, we stay in contact with the cohort members and follow their journey, continuing to offer support & advice through both Barclays Eagle Labs and the Military and Veterans Outreach Community.
Testimonials
Founders from the armed forces community share their experience of starting and growing their businesses through support from Eagle Labs – click on the relevant case study to find out more:
Military Talent. Ready for the future - Explorer Coffees
From a career in the Army, to supplying the military with his own blends of coffee, Neil’s business has gone from strength to strength – with a little help from Barclays.
Military Talent. Ready for the future - Fintellity
A military spouse, with an impressive background in Fintech, Shardai was well placed to take full advantage of the Barclays Black Founders Accelerator – and our military network – in her drive to develop a brand new fintech application.
What is the Military and Veterans Outreach (MVO)?
Barclays’ MVO support members of the armed forces community to develop the skills they need to transition into civilian life, and gain employment, and are enabling veterans and military spouses to grow their own businesses. The bank also offers tailored banking services for the military community and has a military leave policy, supporting serving reservists and military family members.