National Veterans Entrepreneurship Program
The National Veterans Entrepreneurship Program (VEP) provides a rigorous entrepreneurial learning and development opportunity for veterans with service-connected disabilities and those who have uniquely distinguished themselves in the military. VEP is designed for veterans interested in starting a new venture as a means to financial independence and for veterans who have an existing business for which they would like to increase profits.
Application deadline: June 1, 2022
Program Overview
The VEP is comprised of two online phases: a five-week self-study component and an intense five-day training program. This two phase program offers an innovative and effective combination of focused, practical training in venture creation and growth.
- Phase I: Concept Development and Self Study
Over the initial five-week period, delegates will participate in a self-study curriculum developed for the VEP, facilitated by an online discussion and assessment module, which will be moderated by entrepreneurship faculty. This phase enables delegates to work on development of business concepts and prepare for Bootcamp in August. Those with existing businesses will work on understanding and shaping relevant business issues. - Phase II: VEP Bootcamp
Like a military boot camp, this five-day online program is intense, rigorous and demanding. It is an opportunity for learning and interaction with faculty, guest entrepreneurs, business experts and peer delegates. The bootcamp exposes VEP participants to the “nuts and bolts” of business ownership through experiential workshops and lessons from world-class faculty.
Schedule
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| June 1, 2022 | Application Deadline (apply as early as possible) |
| Rolling Admissions | Acceptance Decisions |
| July 4 – August 5, 2022 | Phase I: Self Study and Business Concept / Issues Development |
| August 15 – 19, 2022 | Phase II: VEP Entrepreneurs Online Bootcamp |
Cost
The VEP is free to veterans who are selected for the program. The costs of the VEP are underwritten by sponsors and private donors, with operations and program development provided by the Entrepreneurship & Innovation Center at the University of Florida.
Eligibility
VEP targets veterans who meet the following three requirements:
Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
