thinkThin(R) Announces Partnership With V-WISE (Veteran Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship)

LOS ANGELES, CA--(Marketwired - Mar 29, 2016) - thinkThin®, a leading maker of protein-packed products created for active, busy women who care about what they eat, today announced a partnership with the organization V-WISE, Veteran Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship.

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).

Since its inception, V-WISE has demonstrated that its curriculum sets up participants for success. Sixty-five percent of V-WISE graduates have either started or continued to grow their existing business, with more than $41 million in revenue generated by program alumni. Of businesses run by V-WISE graduates, more than 93 percent are still active today, each business employing an average of 4-5 people. The top five industries of which V-WISE graduates' businesses fall under include professional services, retail, health service, real estate and social services.

thinkThin® will partner with V-WISE by sponsoring multiple conferences throughout the year and providing nutrition bars and oatmeal for the welcome bags at each event. Additionally, thinkThin® will utilize its resources to amplify the organization's message and highlight V-WISE success stories across the company's social media channels, sharing stories of inspiration and triumph.

"Our partnership with V-WISE helps the organization provide women with the nutritional support they need: protein-rich food that's delicious and fits the lifestyle of these driven, busy, and successful female entrepreneurs. The support of thinkThin reinforces the importance of work-life balance and helps to build and maintain a healthy lifestyle as they embark into the world of entrepreneurship," said Michele Kessler, CEO of thinkThin. "As a company built on female entrepreneurship, we understand the challenges women face in the workplace, and therefore, strive to identify opportunities that make a difference and help women commit to and achieve entrepreneurial success."

"It is an honor to team up with thinkThin® and share in the goal of supporting women and their dedication, tenacity and strength," said Tina Kapral, director of residency education programs for the Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University. "Together, we hope to make a difference for budding women veterans and military spouse entrepreneurs who are launching and growing their businesses... and who are clearly 'Bold Enough to Make it Happen.'"

About thinkThin LLC®
Since launching in 1999, thinkThin LLC has been committed to making food that is as nutritious as it is delicious. From High Protein Bars that are certified gluten-free to the new 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. In 2014, Entrepreneur Magazine 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.