Military experience builds resilient leaders and innovative problem-solvers. Both veterans and military spouses have a tolerance for risk and navigating the unknown that make them natural business founders. The D'Aniello IVMF equips veterans, transitioning servicemembers, military spouses, and military-connected families with the training, resources, and community support to launch, grow, and scale successful businesses.
Find Your Program by Business Stage
No matter if you’re launching your first company, scaling an established business, or somewhere in between, IVMF offers a portfolio of programs to help you move your business forward with confidence.
Ideation Stage
You have a business concept but need to test if it's viable. Learn how to validate your idea, understand the market, and build a foundation for success.
STRIVE
Startup Training Resources to Inspire Veteran Entrepreneurship (STRIVE) is a two-month in-person program offered through select community colleges. It equips veterans with practical business skills, mentorship, and resources to turn ideas into real business opportunities.
Boots to Business
Part of the military's official Transition Assistance Program (TAP), Boots to Business is a two-day course that educates separating servicemembers about the first steps on the path of entrepreneurship.
Start-Up Stage
For people getting started on their entrepreneurship journey or are still very new to the business world.
Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans (EBV)
An intensive program that combines online learning with a weeklong in-person residency at a leading university.
EBV equips veterans with the knowledge, tools, and connections to build and grow a business, with select cohorts available for military family members (EBV-F) and Wounded Warrior Project alumni (EBV-WWP).
Military Founders Lab
More than an online course, Military Founders Lab is a 10-week founder experience built for businesses already in motion.
Expert guidance, applied learning, and tailored peer cohorts give veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs the structure and connections to turn early traction into a stronger, more sustainable business.
Veteran Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship (V-WISE)
This hybrid program for women veterans and military spouses begins with a four-week online course, followed by a three-day in-person capstone conference. The energy and impact of V-WISE endures, with over 15 years of programming.
Military Entrepreneurship Forum (MEF)
These regional events offer entrepreneurship education, expert insights, and valuable connections directly to communities across the country. Through engaging panel discussions and intentional networking, this regional event series connects veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs with local business resources, experienced mentors, and corporate partners to support their next stage of growth.
Growth & Scale Stage
Your business is established and generating income. Now it's time to expand your team, increase sales, and scale your business.
EBV Accelerate (EBV-A)
EBV Accelerate helps entrepreneurs tackle growth challenges, strengthen business operations, and identify new opportunities for expansion.
EBV-A combines 30 days of virtual learning with an intensive four-day residency at an EBV consortium university. Eligible businesses must have operated for at least three years and have one or more employees.
Veteran EDGE
A three-day national conference for veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs generating $100K+ in annual revenue. Veteran EDGE connects established business owners with industry leaders, growth opportunities, and strategic relationships designed to accelerate expansion and long-term success.
CEOcircle
This 13-month hybrid peer accountability group has four fly-in events and nine virtual check-ins. CEOcircle helps growth-stage companies grossing $1M+ or that have raised $5M+ in capital scale.
D’Aniello Family Foundation Acceleration Challenge
Each year, ten IVMF Entrepreneurship program participants will be nominated to participate in a series of activities and workshops to assess the barriers confronting their business at one of IVMF’s conferences. They will also become eligible to apply for up to $10,000 in grant funding for their company!
Business Resources
Coalition for Veteran Owned Business (CVOB)
A coalition of private sector companies, businesses, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) working to connect military-owned business to supply chains of medium-sized and large corporations.
Center of Excellence for Veteran Entrepreneurship (COE)
Create, collect, organize, and share knowledge, resources, and networks to advance entrepreneurial opportunities for transitioning service members, veterans, and their families.
This network isn't just about business advice; it's about having people who understand where you've been and where you're trying to go. Whether I'm facing a supply chain crisis, exploring new markets, or simply need perspective on a tough decision, I have a community I can turn to.
Beth Benike
Army Veteran
Founder of Busy Baby
Entrepreneurship Newsletter
Stay in the know with monthly updates about IVMF's entrepreneurship programs and opportunities.