SYRACUSE, NY, February 6, 2018 – The Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) at Syracuse University has received a $50,000 grant from Travelers. The IVMF provides career skills training and entrepreneurship programs that meet transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses where they are in their civilian transition to position them for future success. Two programs in IVMF’S entrepreneurship portfolio, Veteran EDGE and V-WISE, will use $25,000 each to support their conferences.
Veteran EDGE is the first-of-its-kind 3-day conference dedicated solely to veteran and military spouse business owners and the ecosystem that supports them. Stakeholders, IVMF program graduates, and veteran and military spouse-owned businesses from around the country gather to network, and learn about the latest opportunities, best practices, and resources available to their growing companies.
V-WISE is a women-focused training program in entrepreneurship and small business management that provides tools, ongoing support and business mentorship to veterans, active-duty service members and military spouses aspiring to become successful entrepreneurs. This year, the IVMF will be hosting its 20th V-WISE conference in San Diego. Over 2,667 women have graduated from this program since its inception, with 65% starting their own business and 92% who are still in business today.
In addition to supporting the conferences, the grant from Travelers will cover a V-WISE training program. Travelers will also offer a business continuity workshop geared toward veteran-owned businesses at each conference. The grant is a direct investment in our nation’s veterans, service members, and their family members.
“The team is very thankful for the generous support that Travelers has given to multiple programs in 2018,” said Deanna Parker, EBV & V-WISE program manager at the IVMF. “It is very important to us to work with likeminded partners who are just as passionate about supporting those who have served and their families. We are excited to include Travelers in the Veteran EDGE and V-WISE conferences this year!”
Travelers is ensuring opportunity by contributing to efforts that create strong, vibrant communities and offer pathways to success. Through corporate funding and the Travelers Foundation, Travelers targets its giving to three key outcomes: academic & career success, thriving neighborhoods and culturally enriched communities. With the primary focus of educating underrepresented students to lead tomorrow’s workforce, Travelers also contributes to organizations that aid in developing communities through small business support and neighborhood revitalization, and enriching lives and learning through arts & culture.
About the Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University
The Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) is the first interdisciplinary national institute in higher education focused on the social, economic, education, and policy issues impacting veterans and their families. Through its professional staff and experts, the IVMF delivers leading programs in career, vocational, and entrepreneurship education and training, while also conducting actionable research, policy analysis, and program evaluations. The IVMF also supports communities through collective impact efforts that enhance delivery and access to services and care. The Institute, supported by a distinguished advisory board, along with public and private partners, is committed to advancing the lives of those who have served in America’s armed forces and their families. For more information, visit IVMF and follow the IVMF on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Media Contact:
Stephanie Salanger
Director, Communications & Media
Office of Veteran and Military Affairs
Institute for Veterans and Military Families
Mobile: 315.378.8171; Email: ssalange@syr.edu