The VETS Boots 2 Business Program is a five-day retreat with a curriculum providing experiential training in entrepreneurship and small business management to post-9/11 veterans with service-connected disabilities. The aim of the program is to open the door to economic opportunity for veterans by developing their competencies in the steps and activities associated with creating and sustaining an entrepreneurial venture. Program curriculum is designed to take participants through the steps and stages of venture creation, with a tailored emphasis on the unique challenges and opportunities associated with being a veteran business owner. Importantly, the entire Boots 2 Business training program is offered without any cost to participating veterans. Boots 2 Business is a collaborative effort to give back to our heroes.

 

Like the boot camp familiar to all veterans, this program is intense, rigorous, and challenging. Building upon key elements of entrepreneurship, the Boots 2 Business program consists of a series of training modules designed to assist veterans in growing businesses successfully and profitably. A team of experienced and successful entrepreneurs work with vets to provide a fun, interactive, and informative experience. These experts introduce entrepreneurship ideas and concepts, and show how to apply them to current or potential businesses

 

Primarily focused on entrepreneurship, Boots 2 Business also reinforces the significance of mental, financial, physical, spiritual, emotional and social well-being to ensure long-term success for the individual.

All veterans write a personal development plan, business plan, network one-on-one with high profile professionals and vetpreneurs, learn about business and education resources, and partner with an existing vetpreneur who, like them, has made a successful transition out of the military to owning a successful business. 

 

The first cohort of students for 2016 will begin the Boots 2 Business program on February 21 – February 26, 2016.

 

Eligibility

B2B applications will be accepted from veterans with a service-connected disability, as designated by the Veterans Administration, who served on active duty after September 2001.

 

Costs and Logistics

This program is entirely free to eligible veterans. As a result of the generous support of private giving by individuals and corporations, all costs, including travel, lodging, and meals for delegates accepted to the Boots 2 Business, are covered.

 

Application Procedures

The B2B program represents a unique opportunity for men and women who have sacrificed for America's freedom to take an important step toward realizing their own freedom—economic freedom—through entrepreneurship. 

 

Successful candidates for admission will demonstrate a strong interest in entrepreneurship, high motivation for owning and managing a business, and a high likelihood of successful completion of this intense training program.