Grow with Google Asks Military Spouses to Share Their Employment Experiences

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes initiative is launching an online survey to identify specific challenges military spouses face participating in entrepreneurial endeavors; growing small businesses; participating in remote work; and reskilling or upskilling to growth industries. The survey is made possible by a grant by Google.org in support of the tech company’s Grow with Google initiative to create economic opportunities for all Americans.

“The survey hones in on these specific employment topic areas,” said Meredith Lozar, senior advisor for research and innovation at Hiring Our Heroes. “The goal is to identify what types of barriers exist to successful entrepreneurship for military spouses, along with the challenges in obtaining remote work opportunities and skills needed in high-demand industries.”

The survey aims to identify obstacles military spouses face when they attempt to launch businesses, upskill or reskill, or work remotely, and will inform stakeholders about what military spouses need to launch and grow thriving careers. Survey results will also give spouses information and resources they can use to meet their career goals.

“With this information, we are able to say ‘we heard from military spouses and this is what they need,’” Lozar said. This survey isn’t just for military spouses who are interested in entrepreneurship or remote work. It is open to all military spouses to ensure that the results reflect a variety of perspectives.

Record levels of job openings have become the norm across America in recent months. As a result, adult women have seen historically low levels of unemployment. Yet military spouses – a population that is 92% female – continue to face an unemployment rate of 16%. This unemployment rate, which is four times higher than the national average, persists despite a growing number of public and private sector military spouse hiring initiatives.