The STRIVE program offers veteran and military-connected entrepreneurs the opportunity to take an early-stage business idea through a rigorous six-week training program. The program leads to post program support both locally as well as nationally through the IVMF network.
Get Finance Ready With V-CAP
The VBRC is part of IVMF’s Veteran Capital Readiness Initiative (V-CAP) network and provides free technical assistance and educational resources to help veteran and military-connected entrepreneurs become financially ready and build a path to success.
Access to V-CAP resources is available to those enrolled in our STRIVE program, as well as alumni of STRIVE and other IVMF programs.
The initiative provides free resources and support in key areas, including:
- Capital access and financial readiness training
- Business training and mentorship
- Networking opportunities
- Alumni services and support
V-CAP is funded through the U.S. Department of Commerce Minority Business Development Agency’s (MBDA) Capital Readiness Program.
Eligibility
STRIVE and V-CAP are open to:
- Veterans
- Active-duty service members
- Reserve and Guard service members
- Military spouses
- Graduates of other IVMF programs
STRIVE and V-CAP are completely free of charge to program participants.
Get Started Today - CLICK HERE TO APPLY
Through online and in-person training, STRIVE and V-CAP will help you develop the core competencies needed to create and sustain an entrepreneurial venture. You’ll get connected to local networks and educational resources in your community to support and advance your entrepreneurship goals.
STRIVE and V-CAP Phases
- Phase 1: Establish connection with a VBRC/VBOC Business Advisor
- Register to meet with a business advisor through the VBRC and establish goals
- Apply to VBRC's STRIVE program
- Phase 2: Eight weeks of in-person training (hybrid online available for eligible and approved students)
- Classes include going from defining your business to market validation and business viability, to finance and capital readiness, and a final pitch about your business that you build during the course.
- You'll walk away with relevant research and a tangible presentation about your business.
- Phase 3: Post-program support
- The VBRC team as your squad in business providing ongoing business advising 1:1 support and mentorship, events, and opportunities to present your business to other veteran-owned businesses and audiences
- Invitation to attend the annual Utah Veteran Owned Business Conference (May) and the Southern Utah UNITE Conference (November)
- Recognition on social media by the VBRC
- Membership in the original online Utah Veteran Business Community Facebook Group (@UtahVeteranEntrepreneurs)
- IVMF alumni services and support
- Additional courses available through IVMF's programs
Disclaimer: Funded in Part by A Grant Agreement with The U.S. Small Business Administration.
vbrc offers two strive programs
traditional strive program
Two options to choose from and amazing resources:
- The traditional course is open to all veteran and military-connected entrepreneurs who are looking to build their business and take it to the next level.
- The women only course adds in the perspective of how to successfully navigate through the unique biases women can encounter in business.
In both courses, you'll walk away with a tangible presentation and research to help you define your business to your market and industry, gain a strong understanding of what it means to be capital ready, legal implications for your business, and a network of other like-minded entrepreneurs providing you with connections to last a lifetime. You will also receive the robust and tailored support from the VBRC business advising and network including the regional Veteran Business Outreach Center (VBOC) and your local Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Additional resource from the D'Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families are available to graduates upon completion of the program.
Get your Application in
Give your business its best shot at success. Apply to be admitted into the STRIVE Program. Classes start May 16.