thinkThin® Launches Donation Program to Advance Entrepreneurial Dreams of Veteran Women and Their Families

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- thinkThin®, a leading maker of protein-packed products created for active, busy women who care about what they eat, today announced its plan to elevate and amplify the entrepreneurial opportunities of the more than 15 million female veterans and military spouses/partners, through a donation program in partnership with V-WISE, Veteran Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship.

Through the end of 2017, any donation of $10 or more via vwisegive.org will be rewarded with a coupon for $5 off any thinkThin® products valued at $5 or more, including the company's newly launched Plant Based line of High Protein Bars and Protein and Probiotic Powders. The coupons can be redeemed at any participating retailer, including Walmart®, Target®, Whole Foods Market®, Kroger® and many more retailers across the country.

Founded in 2010, V-WISE is a premier training program in entrepreneurship and small business management. The organization helps female veterans and military spouses/partners find their passion and learn the business savvy skills necessary to turn an idea or start-up into a growing venture.

V-WISE is operated by the Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University (IVMF) in cooperation with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

Over the past seven years, V-WISE has supported the entrepreneurial dreams of military veterans and their spouses/partners through various programs and donations at the many V-WISE-hosted leadership conferences across the country. Recent V-WISE graduates who are now powering through their entrepreneurial journey include Kay Brown, owner of Sweat N Swag, LLC, Kristina Guerrero, who launched TurboPUP®, which was featured on the hit NBC program, Shark Tank®, and Erica McMannes and Liza Rodewald, who created MadSkills. MadSkills is an online portal for the more than 15 million veteran spouses to connect with businesses seeking to hire both contract and fulltime workers, regardless of sector.

"Our goal is to change the narrative surrounding the value and contributions that veteran and active duty military spouses/partners can offer, regardless of job sector," said McMannes, who co-founded MadSkills just over a year ago. "thinkThin®'s support of V-WISE has been one reason we've been able to bring our business to life and provide much needed resources to this underserved community."

"Our brand strives to provide the quality protein women need to seize the day, whether that's leading a growing company or coping with everyday life tasks," said Michele Kessler, CEO of thinkThin®. "Our brand was founded by a female entrepreneur, so we truly connect with this group of inspirational women, and look forward to further supporting them with our products and resources."

"Major companies recognizing the importance and positive impact women veterans and military connected families have on our economy are critical to the success of these heroes and to growing our programs," said Misty Stutsman, Director of Entrepreneurship & Small Business at the IVMF. "We are proud to partner with thinkThin® to embark on this exciting fundraising effort. We have nearly 2,600 entrepreneurs who have graduated from this program already and we look forward to building on that success thanks to thinkThin® and our corporate partners."

About thinkThin ®

Since launching in 1999, thinkThin® has been committed to making food that is as nutritious as it is delicious. From High Protein Bars that are certified gluten-free to Protein & Fiber Hot Oatmeal made from non-GMO ingredients, thinkThin® believes in using high quality ingredients that provide a good source of protein. thinkThin® has been recognized by media industry leaders such as The New York Times, Los Angeles Times and Forbes, as well as Entrepreneur Magazine, which named thinkThin® as one of the most innovative consumer brands. For more information, please visit www.thinkproducts.com.

About V-WISE

Veteran Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship (V-WISE) ? operated by the Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University (IVMF) and offered in cooperation with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) ? provides the tools women veterans, active duty and female family members need to become successful entrepreneurs. V-WISE enables women veterans to find their passion and learn business-savvy skills to turn ideas or businesses into growth ventures. A three-phase program, V-WISE is offered to 200 participants per session, and includes two tracks of training; a growth track for participants already in business, and a start-up track, focused on potential entrepreneurs. Courses include business planning, marketing, accounting/finance, operations/production, human resources and work-life balance. Ongoing support and mentorship is delivered online and through a robust, comprehensive network of mentors and partners.

Media Contacts

Joshua Levitt
PR for thinkThin
213.335.5671
[email protected]

SOURCE thinkThin