FREE Veterans Entrepreneurship Program (VEP) Being Offered To Interested Veterans

Attention Florida Veteran Business Owners and veterans interested in becoming an Entrepreneur:

Application Deadline Extended to 2/28

Veterans Entrepreneurship Program (VEP) provides a rigorous entrepreneurial learning and development opportunity for service disabled veterans and those who have uniquely distinguished themselves in the military. VEP is designed for veterans interested in starting a new venture as a means to financial independence and for veterans who have an existing business for which they would like to increase profit.

The VEP is comprised of three phases: a five-week self-study component, an intense eight-day training program at the University of Florida, and an eight-month mentor-ship period with online peer-to-peer networking.

* Phase I: Concept Development and Self Study 
Over the initial five-week period, delegates will participate in a self-study curriculum developed for the VEP, facilitated by an online discussion and assessment module, which will be moderated by entrepreneurship faculty. This phase enables delegates to work on development of business concepts and prepare for Boot camp at the University of Florida campus in May. Those with existing businesses will work on understanding and shaping relevant business issues.

* Phase II: VEP Boot Camp

Like a military boot camp, this eight-day residency in Gainesville, FL is intense, rigorous and demanding. It is an opportunity for hands-on learning and interaction with faculty, guest entrepreneurs, business experts and peer delegates. The boot camp exposes VEP participants to the “nuts and bolts” of business ownership through experiential workshops and lessons from world-class faculty representing nationally ranked programs around the country.

* Phase III: Mentoring and Venture Development

Delegates are provided with 8 months of ongoing mentor-ship from entrepreneurs and subject matter experts and online peer-to-peer networking. This phase of the VEP will enable delegates to get feedback specific to their ventures and offer extended hands-on learning that is critical to success.

Or click here to download the: Veterans Entrepreneurship Program Brochure

Program Schedule

* February 28,2014 – Application Deadline

* March 1, 2014 – Final Notification of Admission
* March 24 – April 26, 2014 -(Phase I) – Self Study and Business Concept/ Issues Development
* May 3 – May 10, 2014 (Phase II) – VEP Entrepreneurs Boot camp
* May 19, 2014 – January 1, 2015 (Phase III) – Mentoring and Business Development Support, Online Peer to Peer Networking

Cost:

* The VEP is FREE to veterans who are selected for the program. Instruction, materials, travel expenses, lodging and meals for the Phase II Boot camp will be provided at no cost to each delegate.

* The costs of the VEP is underwritten by sponsors and private donors, with operations and program development provided by the Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at the University of Florida.

Eligibility:

VEP targets veterans who meet the following three requirements:
* Have separated from active duty service (or are currently in the administrative process of separating) with an honorable discharge
* Identified as disabled by the Veteran’s Administration or Department of Defense based on a service connected disability or “Service distinguished” based on exemplary military conduct
* Demonstrate an intense interest in entrepreneurship and small business ownership/management
Contact: Program Director: Dr. Michael Morrise if you have any questions
Phone: (352) 273-0330
Web: www.warrington.ufl.edu/VEP