In celebration of National Invest in Veterans Week (March 1–7), ITA International announced the formation of ITA Growth Partners, a family office dedicated to investing in veteran-owned businesses across various sectors. Founded by Mike and Kathy Melo, Katelyn (Melo) Byrd, and Meredith (Melo) Cline, ITA Growth Partners reflects the Melo family’s belief in the leadership, discipline, and resilience of veterans as business owners.
A Commitment to Veteran Entrepreneurs
The mission of ITA Growth Partners is rooted in the conviction that veterans possess the skills and mindset necessary for success in business. Whether it’s solving complex problems, leading teams under pressure, or adapting to ever-changing environments, the qualities that veterans develop in their service translate directly to entrepreneurship.
“We see veteran entrepreneurs as the kind of high-performance leaders we want to invest in,” said Mike Melo, executive chairman of ITA Growth Partners. “Veterans are trained to solve complex problems, lead under pressure, and adapt to change—all qualities that drive successful businesses. ITA Growth Partners is our way of betting on their success and providing the capital and resources to accelerate their growth.”
Empowering Veteran-Led Businesses
ITA Growth Partners is focused on making investments in veteran-led businesses, both within the defense industrial base and across a wide range of industries. The firm takes a unique approach by operating as a family office, which provides flexibility through patient capital, long-term partnerships, and strategic guidance. This model is designed to support sustainable growth, rather than short-term profits, ensuring that veteran entrepreneurs have the resources and mentorship they need to succeed.
Veteran-owned businesses already contribute over $1 trillion annually to the U.S. economy. ITA Growth Partners aims to amplify this impact by helping veteran entrepreneurs grow their businesses and expand their influence across various sectors. The firm’s long-term vision is to foster innovation and elevate veteran-led companies to the next level.
Why Veteran Entrepreneurs?
Veterans have a proven track record of excellence in leadership and decision-making, making them ideal candidates for successful entrepreneurship. By investing in these veteran-led companies, ITA Growth Partners aims to generate strong returns while showcasing the critical role that veteran entrepreneurs play in driving economic growth.
“Veterans are uniquely positioned to thrive in the business world,” said Mike Melo. “Their experience in high-pressure environments and their ability to lead diverse teams provides them with a strong foundation for entrepreneurial success. We’re excited to support these leaders and help their businesses scale.”
A Future of Strategic Growth
ITA Growth Partners is set to make a significant impact on the veteran entrepreneurial ecosystem, providing both capital and strategic support to help veterans achieve long-term business success. This initiative is a reflection of ITA International’s broader mission to drive innovation and foster strategic partnerships that enhance mission success across industries.
As ITA Growth Partners continues to expand, it remains focused on supporting veteran entrepreneurs who have the vision and determination to thrive in business. By investing in these high-performance leaders, ITA Growth Partners is not only helping build successful companies but also reinforcing the importance of veterans’ contributions to the U.S. economy.
For more information about ITA Growth Partners and investment opportunities, visit www.ita-intl.com.
As originally posted HERE