STRIVE — Veteran Entrepreneurship Initiative
Miami Valley SBDC · Syracuse University IVMF · The Entrepreneurs’ Center

Veteran Entrepreneurship Initiative

STRIVE

Startup Training Resources to Inspire Veteran Entrepreneurs

A seven-session intensive for those who’ve already proven they can do hard things.

Apply for Fall 2026 →
7 Sessions
100% Veteran-Focused
Free No Cost to You
1-on-1 Mentorship

Who It’s For

Built for Those Who Served

STRIVE isn’t a generic business course. It’s designed specifically for the military community — people who understand discipline, mission-focus, and the drive to succeed under pressure. If you have a business idea and the commitment to see it through, this program gives you the strategy, skills, and support to make it real.

★  Veterans
★  Active Duty Service Members
★  Reservists
★  National Guard Members
★  Military Spouses
★  Transitioning Service Members

Fall 2026 Schedule

Seven Sessions, September – November

All sessions run 5:00 – 8:00 pm. The first session is held online; sessions 2 through 7 are in-person.

Date Session Format Time
September 1 Session 1 — Kickoff Online 5:00 – 8:00 pm
September 8 Session 2 In-Person 5:00 – 8:00 pm
September 22 Session 3 In-Person 5:00 – 8:00 pm
October 6 Session 4 In-Person 5:00 – 8:00 pm
October 20 Session 5 In-Person 5:00 – 8:00 pm
November 3 Session 6 In-Person 5:00 – 8:00 pm
November 17 Session 7 — Graduation In-Person 5:00 – 8:00 pm

How It Works

Three Ways You’ll Learn

A structured, hands-on curriculum combining independent preparation, expert-led sessions, and personal mentorship — designed around how entrepreneurs actually build things.

Online

Prepare

Pre-class assignments and readings put you in the right frame of mind so every session goes deeper, faster. Session 1 is held virtually so you can hit the ground running.

In-Person

Engage

Six in-person evening sessions, every two weeks. Interactive, discussion-driven, and led by subject matter experts who’ve built businesses themselves.

Mentorship

Grow

Matched one-on-one with an experienced mentor who provides personalized guidance and accountability throughout the entire program.

What You’ll Walk Away With

Your Business. Ready to Launch.

Six concrete outcomes — not just knowledge, but deliverables, relationships, and the readiness to act.

A Refined Business Model

A clear value proposition built to withstand real-world scrutiny — not a classroom exercise.

A Business Plan or Pitch Deck

A polished, investor-ready document you can use to secure funding, partners, or customers.

Expert Insights

Practical knowledge from industry veterans and mentors who’ve built businesses themselves.

Risk Mitigation Strategies

The ability to identify challenges before they become problems — and a plan to navigate them.

Confidence to Execute

The mindset, frameworks, and real-world practice to move from idea to action with conviction.

A Lasting Network

Peers, mentors, and professionals invested in your success — long after the program ends.

Ready to STRIVE?

Applications are open now for the Fall 2026 cohort. Free to all eligible veterans, service members, and military spouses.

Start Your Application →

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