ENTREPRENEURSHIP BOOTCAMP FOR VETERANS WITH DISABILITIES
The Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities (EBV) is a one-of-a-kind initiative that 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 with service-related disabilities (estimated at up to 30 percent of the 2.5 million post-9/11 veteran population). 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, Purdue University, UCLA, the University of Connecticut, Louisiana State University, The Florida State University, Cornell University, Saint Joseph’s University and the University of Missouri –with Syracuse University serving as national host. Over 1,200 veterans have graduated from EBV universities since 2007 and over 670 new jobs have been created. Currently, the cohort of EBV graduates is responsible for the creation of more than 180 new small businesses.
- In 2009, the EBV program was named a “National Best Practice” for serving veterans and their families by the Secretary of the Army.
- In 2011, Inc. Magazine named the EBV program as one of the “10-Best” entrepreneurship programs in the United States.
Program Overview
The Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities (EBV) is a novel, one-of-a-kind initiative designed to leverage 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 with service-connected disabilities and a passion for entrepreneurship. The aim of the program is to open the door to economic opportunity for our veterans by developing their competencies in creating and sustaining an entrepreneurial venture.
TOPICS ADDRESSED
- ACCOUNTING
- ECONOMICS
- FINANCING
- LEGAL ISSUES
- MARKETING
- BUSINESS PLANS
- HUMAN RESOURCES
- IDEA RECOGNITION
- OPERATIONS
- PROFIT MODELS
PROGRAM METRICS & OUTCOMES
As of January 2014, just over 760 veterans with disabilities have completed the EBV program.
- 56% venture creation rate within six months of completing the program
- 70% of graduates have launched a new venture
- 88% of graduates who have launched a new venture are still in business
- More than 1000 new jobs created
The EBV program has been widely recognized by external stakeholders as a best-in-class training experience:
- Featured on "60 Minutes" (2013)
- One of "10-Best" Entrepreneurship Training Programs in the U.S. by Inc. Magazine (2011)
- "National Best Practice" by the Secretary of the Army, Community Covenant Program (2010)
- McGraw-Hill "Innovation in Entrepreneurship Pedagogy" Award (2009)
- Major media outlet coverage, including USA Today, Forbes, Fortune, Inc. Magazine, Entrepreneur Magazine, American Legion Magazine, DAV Magazine, NPR and The New York Times
The EBV program represents a 14-month intervention, and consists of three phases of training and support:
PHASE 1-is a 30-day instructor led, online course focused on basic skills of entrepreneurship and the language of business.
PHASE 2-is a nine-day residency at an EBV university where students are exposed to over 30 accomplished entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship educators from across the U.S. The residency includes more than 80 hours of instruction in the "nuts and bolts" of business ownership. The residency is intense, and designed to both educate and motivate.
PHASE 3-involves 12 months of support and mentorship delivered through the EBV Technical Assistance Program (EBV-TAP), a robust, comprehensive network of mentors and national partnerships.
THE EBV CONSORTIUM
Today, each of these world-class institutions offers the EBV program on their campuses:
- Whitman School of Management at Syracuse University (EBV National Host School)
- College of Business at Florida State University
- Anderson School of Management at the University of California, Los Angeles
- Mays School of Business atTexas A&M University
- School of Business at the University of Connecticut
- Krannert School of Management at Purdue University
- E.J. Ourso College of Business at Louisiana State University
- The Leland C. and Mary M. Pillsbury Institute for Hospitality Entrepreneurship (School of Hotel Administration) at Cornell University
ELIGIBILITY
Post-9111 veterans with a service-connected disability and a passion
for entrepreneurship.
COSTS & LOGISTICS
The program is offered entirely free to participants through the generous support of the EBV universities and the private giving of individuals and corporations. Expenses covered by the program include transportation, lodging, food and textbooks. In addition, the program does not require use of GI Bill or VOC-Rehab benefits.
APPLY
We operate on a rolling admissions basis; therefore early application is highly encouraged.
Apply online at http://vets.syr.edu/ebv
QUESTIONS: (315) 443-6007 • ebvinfo@syr.edu
