12th Entrepreneurship Bootcamp For Veterans Set For July 20-27

A group of 25 military veterans-turned-entrepreneurs will gather at Texas A&M University this weekend to participate in the 12th Reynolds & Reynolds Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans (EBV).

During the weeklong program hosted by the Mays Business School’s McFerrin Center for Entrepreneurship, participants will engage in an intensive, experiential training program where they will learn and practice the skills needed to succeed as small business owners. They will receive instruction from Texas A&M faculty and staff, network with local entrepreneurs and will depart as honorary members of the Aggie family.

McFerrin Center Director Blake Petty said the EBV stands out among the center’s 30 annual programs because of the positive impact it has on the participants, many of whom live with service-related disabilities.

“We recognize that transition back into civilian life can be daunting. Accepting additional risks by deciding to launch their own business only compounds these challenges,” Petty said. “We aim to provide a comprehensive educational experience and support network to help ensure the success of our EBV participants. We’ve seen this one-week intensive experience save careers, change lives and build lasting relationships between Texas A&M and these military heroes.”

EBV is a 12-month long program divided into three phases:

• Phase 1: A three-week online, instructor-led course where participants shape their business plans.
• Phase 2: An intensive eight-day residency at a university where participants learn the “nuts and bolts” of business ownership from established entrepreneurs and educators.
• Phase 3: Post-graduation support and mentorship though EBV Technical Assistance — managed by the IVMF.

Founded in 2007 at the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) at Syracuse University, EBV has expanded to include 10 universities. These institutions deliver EBV to post-9/11 veterans who desire to develop the skills and tools needed to launch and maintain successful businesses. Assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), corporate partners, foundations and private donors allow participants to attend the program cost-free.