Syracuse.edu
Apply
Contact
Give

Military Founders Lab

Define Your Business and Build Your Network

Interest Form
Participants working together over laptops at EBV SU 2026

Build Your Business From Wherever You Are

Military Founders Lab is D’Aniello IVMF’s only fully online entrepreneurship program, giving veterans, military spouses, and military family entrepreneurs access to practical business education and a strong founder community from anywhere in the country. Over 10 weeks, you’ll work through the real decisions that come with starting and building a business, apply what you learn directly to your own venture, and connect with entrepreneurs navigating many of the same challenges. Military Founders Lab combines curated coursework, live expert-led sessions, weekly Founders Exchange meetings, and an active peer network designed to keep you learning, connecting, and moving your business forward.

Choosing Your Program Track

Entrepreneurs need different things depending on what they are building and where they are in the process. Military Founders Lab creates a more focused experience through four program tracks.

EBV participants working over laptops.

The Founders Exchange

Don’t Just Learn It. Talk It Through.

Each week, you’ll meet with entrepreneurs in your track through Founders Exchange, a live session built for conversation, problem-solving, and peer learning.

These smaller groups create space for candid conversation, shared resources, new perspectives, and relationships that extend beyond the program.

Military Founders Lab was intentionally designed to combine formal business education with the peer accountability and connection founders often find difficult to get from traditional entrepreneurship programs.

Back of a person attending a meeting

More Than An Online Course

When applying, identify the track that best fits your schedule and your needs as an entrepreneur, whether your goal is to grow your network of peers at a similar revenue stage, build a support system of entrepreneurs with shared experiences, or make connections within your industry. Participants are committed to attend their track’s weekly Founders Exchange meeting. 

IT tech giving thumbs up behind a computer.

Support System of Entrepreneurs

When applying, identify the track that best fits your needs as an entrepreneur, whether your goal is to grow your network of peers at a similar revenue stage, build a support system of entrepreneurs with shared experiences, or make connections within your industry.  

The Founders Exchange was especially valuable. It created space to go beyond theory and actually pressure-test business ideas in real time. Being able to hear how others were approaching similar challenges, and receive direct feedback on my own thinking, helped sharpen my clarity around my business model, positioning, and next steps...
Jay Hyler 26A Graduate
Jay Hyler

Real Support, Real Results

Over 10-weeks, this virtual program delivers immediate, practical impact and support for business growth and development with access to business tools, resources, mentorship, and a strong peer network. Military Founders Lab also provides multiple tracks that align participants by shared experiences or industries, creating a tailored support system and stronger connections within each cohort.

The Military Founders Lab operates three cohorts a year, one each in the spring, summer, and fall. problem solving to create sustainable growth.

Through practical learning, experienced mentors, and a network of veteran founders who understand the realities of business ownership, participants gain new perspectives, practical tools, and trusted peers to help navigate what comes next. Because growth is not about working hard. It's about building smarter. materials, lodging, and meals during the residency are provided at no cost.  

Track Options and Founders Exchange Times

Track OptionsTrack Meeting Time
Ideation/Seed stage – pre-revenue with capital investments Tuesdays at 2:30pm ET 
Startup stage – revenue-generating up to $250k Thursdays at 1:30pm ET 
Construction Skilled Trades – all business stages Thursdays at 2:30pm ET 
Non-Profit Founders Fridays at 11:00am ET 

Start building your network today

Our trusted partners:

PWC
Home depot foundation logo
Bank of America logo
Macy's logo
Travelers logo
Truist financial logo
General Motors GM logo

Frequently Asked Questions