Startup Training Resources to Inspire Veteran Entrepreneurship (STRIVE) - D'Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families

About STRIVE

The Startup Training Resources to Inspire Veteran Entrepreneurship (STRIVE) program is part of a landmark initiative that transforms veterans and military family members into entrepreneurs. Delivered by the IVMF, STRIVE leverages networks and education resources in local communities to support and advance veteran owned businesses.

STRIVE is a local three-phase program for veterans with a budding business by developing their competencies in creating and sustaining an entrepreneurial venture. The program helps to identify, overcome and mitigate challenges for the new venture to pave the way for veteran business ownership success. It empowers veterans, military members and their families to live the American dream.

VPPCE participant speaking during class.

Eligibility

A complete application package will include the following:

Completed STRIVE Application – including responses to personal statement (5 questions)

Résumé
Letter of Recommendation
- The writer should include the following:
- Who they are
- Their contact information
- How they know the applicant
- Why they feel the applicant would be suited to entrepreneurship; their experience in working with the applicant, etc.
Veterans: DD214 (Member-4 or Service-2) showing discharge status.
Active Duty: Most current Leave or Earning Statement (LES) showing discharge date.
Dependents: Summary of Benefits (SOB), Certificate of Eligibility (COE), DD1300 – Report of Casualty, or DD214 member-4 of the sponsor/veteran.
- Summary of Benefits can be found on the dependents Ebenefits account after they have applied for VA education benefits.
- Certificate of Eligibility (COE) forms are mailed to the applicant after they apply for VA Education benefits through the VA education portal.
- DD1300 is the Report of Casualty. This is provided to the dependents of a servicemember who has died while on active-duty.
*Optional, VA Disability Rating OR proof of request for Disability Rating (PDF, .jpeg or .png)

Ability to Save and Resume application:

You will have the opportunity to “Save and Resume” your application. You will receive an email with the link to access the application. Enter a valid email address, as we will not be able to access information entered or the link before you submit the application. Please make sure that you are prepared to submit the required documents listed above; you will only have 30 days to access your in-progress application after the first time you have saved your application.

There are four required uploads for successful completion of this application. While you will have the opportunity to save and resume your application, please make sure that you are prepared to submit the following as you will only have 30 days to access your in-progress application after the first time you have saved your application:

Letter of Recommendation
Resume
VA Disability Rating OR proof of request for Disability Rating
DD214 Member 4 (showing dates of active duty, discharge status and SSN darkened) OR Leave and Earning Statement (LES)
Summary of Benefits (SOB), Certificate of Eligibility (COE), or DD1300 – Report of Casualty