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 →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.
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 →STRIVE is a Syracuse University IVMF initiative delivered in collaboration with the Entrepreneurs’ Center & Miami Valley SBDC.