STRIVE Veteran Entrepreneurship Program
STRIVE stands for Startup Training Resources to Inspire Veteran Entrepreneurs
A free, seven-session intensive for veterans, service members and military spouses in Dayton and the Miami Valley: one virtual kickoff followed by six in-person sessions. Built for those who've already proven they can do hard things.
Register- 7 sessions: 1 virtual, 6 in person
- 100% veteran-focused
- Free, no cost to you
- 1-on-1 mentorship
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.
Who can join
- Veterans
- Active duty service members
- Reservists
- National Guard members
- Military spouses
- Transitioning service members
How you'll learn
Prepare
Pre-class assignments and readings put you in the right frame of mind so every session goes deeper, faster.
Engage
After the virtual kickoff, six in-person evening sessions, every two weeks. Interactive, discussion-driven, and led by subject matter experts.
Grow
Matched one-on-one with an experienced mentor who provides personalized guidance and accountability throughout.
What you'll leave with
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.
What each session covers
Seven sessions: one virtual kickoff (Session 1) followed by six in-person sessions (Sessions 2 through 7).
Session 1
Introductions, course guidelines, mission and vision, value proposition, and the Business Model Canvas
Session 2
Customer discovery, market analysis, competitive intelligence, and market research tools
Session 3
Messaging, branding, and sales
Session 4
Financial statements and projections
Session 5
Pricing mastery: service-based and product-based pricing
Session 6
Operations: HR, inventory, and access to capital
Session 7
Finalizing the business plan, business feasibility audit, and next steps
Ready to build your business?
STRIVE is free to all eligible veterans, service members, and military spouses.
STRIVE is a Syracuse University Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) initiative, delivered in collaboration with the Entrepreneurs' Center and the Miami Valley SBDC.
Questions? Call 937-210-9460