Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities

The Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities (EBV) is a novel, one-of-a-kind initiative designed to leverage the skills, resources and infrastructure of higher education to offer cutting-edge, experiential training in entrepreneurship and small business management to post-9/11 veterans with service-connected disabilities. The aim of the program is to open the door to economic opportunity for our veterans by developing their competencies in the steps and activities associated with creating and sustaining an entrepreneurial venture. The EBV program was founded at Syracuse University in 2007, and has been in continuous operation since that time. Program curriculum is designed to take participants through the steps and stages of venture creation, with a tailored emphasis on the unique challenges and opportunities associated with being a veteran business owner. Importantly, the entire EBV training program is offered without any cost to participating veterans. The EBV is operated by the Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University (IVMF).

EBV is delivered through a three-phased approach, providing premier training and support:

PHASE 1—is a 30-day instructor led, online course focused on basic skills of entrepreneurship and the language of business.

PHASE 2—is a nine-day residency at an EBV university where students are exposed to over 30 accomplished entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship educators from across the U.S. The residency includes more than 80 hours of instruction in the “nuts and bolts” of business ownership. The residency is intense, and designed to both educate and motivate.

PHASE 3—involves 12 months of support and mentorship delivered through the EBV Technical Assistance Program (EBV-TAP), a robust, comprehensive network of mentors, resources and national partnership