In recognition of the significant contributions made by its collaborators towards advancing economic progress, the Nasdaq Foundation conducted interviews with several recipients of its quarterly grants. One of these interviews featured Meghan Ogilvie, Chief Executive Officer of Dog Tag Inc., which is dedicated to providing veterans, military spouses, and caregivers with the necessary tools and education to establish resilience, discover new purpose, and build communities beyond the military sphere.
Dog Tag Inc. offers a five-month Entrepreneurial Fellowship Program fueled by a comprehensive Business Administration Certificate at Georgetown University’s School of Continuing Studies. This program incorporates a Capstone presentation, research into funding avenues, and practical experiences within a Washington, D.C. bakery, which positions participants for success as small business owners. The program employs a holistic approach to wellness, allowing fellows to evolve personally within a nurturing community.
An integral component of Dog Tag Inc.’s social impact model includes a brick-and-mortar bakery located in Georgetown, Washington, D.C. This bakery supports the local economy by generating $400,000 annually through employment of local chefs, bakers, and catering staff. Profits from the bakery support the fellowship program, and offer partners and donors a tangible connection to the mission, as simple as enjoying a cup of coffee.
The program’s funding partners actively contribute to Dog Tag Inc.’s success by providing venues for pitch sessions, resume reviews, and networking while offering expertise in finance, business dynamics, and competitive markets. Over 40% of program alumni engage in supporting other veterans through their businesses or roles in other organizations, embodying the spirit of the initiative.
An illustrative success story from Dog Tag’s fellowship involves Nnana Obioha, an Army veteran who now works in cybersecurity for the EPA. Upon encountering George Jensen, another veteran with aspirations of entrepreneurship, Obioha recommended the Dog Tag fellowship. Jensen, a Marine veteran with a service-connected disability, joined and advanced his vending machine startup through the program. Inspired by his transformation, his wife, Sasha Savage, followed suit, joining a subsequent cohort to develop her leadership coaching business, The Savage Model.
This spirit of camaraderie and empowerment is echoed through the fellowship’s alumni network, as participants continue to engage with Dog Tag graduations and events, perpetuating the values of entrepreneurship, leadership, and community.
The mission of Dog Tag Inc. is vital, as reflected through alumni returning to educate current fellows about small business realities learned over the years. The impact of the Nasdaq Foundation’s Quarterly Grant is anticipated to enhance Dog Tag’s capacity to respond to feedback from fellows and perform strategic planning across organizations. This support aims to increase the accessibility and effectiveness of the hybrid program, broaden outreach to applicants nationwide, and promote diversity among veteran entrepreneurs.
Looking ahead to 2025, Dog Tag Inc. plans to refine its program format and delivery by incorporating insights gained over a decade and leveraging the unique impact of its bakery. Collaborating with stakeholders, Dog Tag aims to address the evolving workforce landscape and support veterans and military families in seeking new purposes. The organization will continue sharing entrepreneurship best practices with its community and invest in strengthening relationships, such as with Georgetown University School of Continuing Studies and expanding bakery partnerships, to sustain and elevate its impact.
