Veterans Entrepreneurship Programs

Focused on veterans in the early stages of business development, this 10-week cohort helps participants build a solid foundation by focusing on key areas such as identifying customer segments, refining value propositions, selecting channels, building customer relationships, defining revenue streams, managing key resources and activities, establishing partnerships, and optimizing cost structures—all while identifying unique competitive advantages. The program has a participant capacity of 15 veterans per cohort, ensuring a focused and supportive learning environment.

Expected Program Timeframe:

Late September - Early December

Tailored for veterans at the idea-to-startup stage, this 6-week cohort equips participants with a solid foundation in business essentials, including legal structures, marketing strategies, and financial management. The program, designed for a maximum of 15 participants, offers workshop-style sessions led by subject matter experts, covering key areas such as stakeholder management, launching strategies, and acquisitions. Additionally, specialized industry workshops on topics like government contracting, fundraising, and franchising address the specific needs of veteran entrepreneurs, ensuring comprehensive support for their business journey.

Expected Program Timeframe:

Mid January - Mid February

Geared toward veterans with established businesses, this 6-week cohort focuses on refining operations, scaling ventures, and setting strategic long-term goals. Designed for a maximum of 8 participants, the Growth Program provides training on key areas such as stakeholder management, timing, team growth, accessing capital, and financial planning. Participants will also explore topics like scalability, infrastructure, exit strategies, and pitching their business. Whether or not participants have employees, this program equips them with the tools needed to expand and optimize their businesses for sustained success.

Expected Program Timeframe:

Early March - Late April

All participants must meet the following criteria set by Veterans Florida:

• Must be a Florida resident.
• Must be a discharged veteran with a status other than bad conduct or dishonorable discharge; partners must collect the participant’s DD214 Member 4 copy or a letter from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs verifying discharge status.
• Must be an active duty member of the U.S. military within 12 months of ETS or a member of the Florida National Guard or U.S. Reserves; partners must collect confirmation of status.
• Must be a spouse or former spouse of a veteran or service member, who has not remarried, with documentation verifying marriage or former marriage and the veteran's discharge status.
• Must be registered, or plan to register, a for-profit business entity with the State of Florida on Sunbiz and the IRS.
• Participants are expected to attend at least 70% of the cohort.
• Repeat participants may only join if they do not take a seat from a first-time participant or if they are testing a new idea or business model.