V-WISE is a two-part program, starting with a 4-week online course that teaches fundamental business skills to women serving, who have served, or serve as military spouses/partners. You’ll learn the business basics that build a strong foundation for your business, and outline a clear path that gets you from where you are to where you want to be. Upon completion of the online course, you’ll attend a three-day capstone conference in-person and meet with fellow participants.
V-WISE is unique in that it combines the education of an entrepreneurship program with the community and networking of a business conference. You’ll join a community of women exploring entrepreneurship for the first time. Grow together with women who know where you’re coming from, and want to see you win.
Once you’ve learned the language of business by completing our online course, you’ll be invited to a three-day in person capstone conference. Here, you’ll hear from Fortune 500 speakers, participate in workshops, network, and make vital connections to a community of nearly 4,000+ graduates.
You don’t have to face the challenges of entrepreneurship alone, apply to V-WISE today!
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“I would absolutely recommend V-WISE because I now see how passionate and invested this entire organization is to women, veterans and spouses on their journey of changing their current situation. I love the support that is illuminated when it comes to starting one’s business. I look forward to the future and future IVMF events.”
Tricia-Ann Beckford
MBA V-WISE Jacksonville
V-WISE is for women with a new idea for a business or who have recently started a business, and who are serving on active-duty, honorably discharged veterans, or military spouses/partners.
A four-week online business fundamentals course with weekly live facilitated office hours, followed by an in-person capstone conference after completion. The $75 registration fee covers the 20+ module course, as well as two nights of lodging and most meals during the capstone conference.
V-WISE runs one to two cohorts per year. The online course requires 3-5 hours a week for four weeks. The capstone conference occurs a few weeks after course completion for participants.
V-WISE takes place online for the mandatory four-week phase. However, the capstone conference moves to a different city each cohort to facilitate easier travel for participants. Participants must pay for their own travel to the conference. Previous cities include Atlanta, Nashville, Chicago, Houston, Phoenix, San Antonio, Jacksonville, and Louisville.
Learn the fundamentals of launching and running a business, and connect with a community of women that understand the challenges and are rooting for you to find success.
Questions? View our FAQ.
3,400+
graduates to date.
81%
graduates in business today
Women who are active-duty military, honorably discharged veterans, or military spouses/partners.
No, you can only attend V-WISE once.
No, you can only attend the capstone conference for your cohort (the cohort you did the online coursework for).
Yes, it is required.
V-WISE requires approximately 3-5 hours of time and effort per week for four weeks. You should also prepare for three days of travel for your capstone conference (Friday-Sunday).
The online component is entirely remote and virtual. While much of the course can be done on your own time, there are live office hours where you can interact with a facilitator and ask questions. Upon completion of the course, there is an in-person three-day capstone conference.
Participants must pay a $75 registration fee. This covers the course, two nights of lodging, and most meals at the capstone conference. Participants are responsible for their own travel to and from the capstone conference.
Fill out an application, which is reviewed by our team, who also confirms your military affiliation.
No, the IVMF does not directly invest in alumni businesses. However, we do support alumni businesses in a number of capacities through our programming and resources, as well as other opportunities like the IVMF’s Military Shopping Guide.
No, the program is open to women serving active-duty in any branch, including the National Guard or Reserves. It’s also open to women military spouses and partners, including widowed spouses and partners.
Yes, applications to V-WISE remain active in our system for one year from the submission date. After this period, applications are considered expired and will need to be resubmitted or updated to ensure all information is current and aligns with your most recent entrepreneurial goals.
If your application is nearing expiration or has expired, we encourage you to reconnect with us. Our team can assist you in updating your application or exploring other programs that align with your aspirations.
Disclaimer: Funded in Part by A Grant Agreement with The U.S. Small Business Administration
EBV and EBV-F are programs offered that provide participants with the knowledge and tools that will help get their business up and running. Learn more about EBV & EBV-F.
The IVMF Digital Library was created as a one-stop resource for all IVMF research, past and present, as well as additional supplemental resources. These resources provide information and guidance for veterans, military spouses, families, and more. Explore the library.
A database of veteran-owned businesses is in development. If you are interested in having your business added, click here to learn more
