From Service to Startups: The Launch of Salute AI

When three friends in Watertown, Massachusetts—two lifelong entrepreneurs and one proud U.S. military veteran—sat down over coffee earlier this year, they shared a common frustration: too many veterans return home with incredible skills, discipline, and leadership experience, yet struggle to find their footing in the business world.

From that conversation, Salute AI was born.

We’re more than just a nonprofit—we’re a mission-driven 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to helping veterans launch, run, and grow their own businesses. We believe that those who served our country deserve more than a handshake and a “thank you”—they deserve a real chance to build lasting success in civilian life.

Why We Exist

The statistics are eye-opening: veterans are 45% more likely to start a business than non-veterans, yet many face barriers like lack of capital, limited mentorship, and little guidance on navigating the startup process. We saw an opportunity to change that.

Our mission is simple:To empower veterans with the funding, education, and support they need to thrive as entrepreneurs.

What We Offer

From day one, we’ve committed to creating practical, real-world resources for veteran entrepreneurs:

• Startup Support – Step-by-step help with business planning, registration, and launch

• Funding Access – Grants, introductions to veteran-friendly lenders, and investor connections

• Mentorship – Pairing veterans with experienced business owners for one-on-one guidance

• AI-Powered Tools – Innovative solutions to make running a business more efficient and cost-effective

A Mission Built on Service

Our veteran co-founder knows first-hand the challenges of transitioning from military service to civilian entrepreneurship. Combined with the business expertise of our two entrepreneurial co-founders, we bring both the heart and the know-how to make a real difference.

How You Can Join Us

Whether you’re a veteran ready to start your own company, a mentor with wisdom to share, or a supporter who believes in empowering those who served, there’s a place for you at Salute AI.

You can:

• Apply for our programs

• Volunteer as a mentor

• Make a tax-deductible donation to fund veteran-owned startups

• Partner with us to expand our reach

From Watertown to the Nation

We may have started in Watertown, MA, but our mission knows no borders. With your help, we can give veterans across the country the tools they need to build something extraordinary—just as they’ve already done in service to our nation.

Welcome to Salute AI.

This is where service meets entrepreneurship.