Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans (EBV)

EBV is a first-of-its-kind initiative that turns veterans into entrepreneurs! The EBV program leverages the skills, resources and infrastructure of higher education to offer cutting-edge, experiential training in entrepreneurship and small business management to post-9/11 veterans. EBV is a highly selective program with a competitive application process, which aims to bring together a broad cross-section of business owners and business types, including non-profits.

About EBV

The EBV opens the door to economic opportunity for veterans by developing their competencies in the many steps and activities associated with creating and sustaining an entrepreneurial venture. Founded at Syracuse University in 2007, the program has since expanded to additional universities across the U.S., including Texas A&M, UCLA, the University of Connecticut, Louisiana State University, The Florida State University, Saint Joseph’s University, University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (UCCS), and the University of Missouri –with Syracuse University serving as national host of the consortium of schools.

What You Will Experience

World class entrepreneurship training with fellow veterans (or family members)
Lifelong mentors and friends established at the course
A community of like-minded entrepreneurs, veterans and program graduates

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Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet one of the following service criteria:

Post-9/11 U.S. military veterans with an honorable discharge
Currently serving active-duty service members within 180 days of separation, with proof of honorable service
National Guard or Reserve members who served post-9/11 and received an honorable discharge at separation, verified by a DD-214 or NGB 22

For questions about eligibility, required documentation, or if your situation falls outside the listed criteria, please contact us at ivmfeducation@syr.edu. We review applications holistically and encourage outreach from those who believe they may still be a strong fit for the program

In addition, applicants must:

Be in the early start-up phase of business development
(typically within 12–24 months of launching or with a strong business concept close to launch)
Be committed to completing all three phases of the EBV program:
- Phase I: Online curriculum
- Phase II: In-person residency at a consortium university (8 days; full attendance required)
- Phase III: 12 months of post-program mentorship and support

Length

Phase I: 30 day online, instructor-led business fundamentals and research course work
Phase II: 9-day residency experience at one of the eight EBV consortium schools
Phase III: 12-month ongoing support focused on small business creation and growth

No Cost

The entire EBV experience, including travel and lodging, is offered without any cost to participating Veterans

Contact

Email: IVMFEducation@syr.edu
Phone: (315) 443-6898

Program Schedule

The 2026 schedule of EBV Programs is still being finalized. However, below you will find the standard time frames when each school typically hosts its programs throughout the year.

COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY	LOCATION	Phase	DATE(S)	PROGRAM NOTES
Saint Joseph’s University	Philadelphia, PA	I: Online II: Residency	TBA	PHASE I (Online): Late January- Mid February PHASE II (Residency): Early March
Syracuse University	Syracuse, NY	I: Online II: Residency	TBA	PHASE I (Online): June PHASE II (Residency): Mid-July
Texas A&M University (TAMU) - Summer	College Station, TX	I: Online II: Residency	TBA	PHASE I (Online): June PHASE II (Residency): Mid-July
Texas A&M University (TAMU) - Winter	College Station, TX	I: Online II: Residency	November 12 – December 12, 2025 January 3 – 10, 2026
University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA)	Los Angeles, CA	I: Online II: Residency	TBA	PHASE I (Online): June PHASE II (Residency): Mid-July
University of Connecticut	Storrs, CT	I: Online II: Residency	TBA	PHASE I (Online): July PHASE II (Residency): Early August
University of Missouri	Columbia, MO	I: Online II: Residency	TBA	PHASE I (Online): Late March – Mid-April PHASE II (Residency): Late May - Early June
Wright State University	Dayton, OH	I: Online II: Residency	TBA	PHASE I (Online): Late June - Mid July PHASE II (Residency): Mid-August
University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (UCCS)	Colorado Springs	I: Online II: Residency	TBA	PHASE I (Online): Late June - Mid July PHASE II (Residency): Mid-August