Explore the STRIVE Program
The Startup Training Resources to Inspire Veteran Entrepreneurship (STRIVE) program is an entrepreneurship training program offered through Syracuse University’s D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) and the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE), in partnership with the Utah Veteran Business Resource Center (VBRC) at Salt Lake Community College (SLCC).
Disclaimer: Funded in Part by a Grant Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
What STRIVE Offers
The STRIVE program offers veteran and military-connected entrepreneurs the opportunity to take an early-stage business idea through a rigorous six-week training program. The program leads to post-program support both locally and nationally through the IVMF network.
Eligibility
STRIVE is open to: veterans, active-duty service members, reserve and guard service members, military spouses, and graduates of other IVMF programs.
STRIVE is completely free of charge to program participants.
Get Started Today
Through online and in-person training, STRIVE will help you develop the competencies needed to create and sustain an entrepreneurial venture. You’ll get connected to local networks and educational resources in your community to support and advance your entrepreneurship goals.
STRIVE Phases
Phase One: Establish Connection with a VBRC/VBOC Business Advisor
- Register to meet with a business advisor through the VBRC and establish goals
- Apply to VBRC’s STRIVE program
Phase Two: Eight Weeks of In-Person Training
(Hybrid/online is available for eligible and approved students)
Classes include going from defining your business to market validation and business viability, to finance and capital readiness, and a final pitch about your business that you build during the course. You’ll walk away with relevant research and a tangible presentation about your business.
Phase Three: Post-Program Support
The VBRC team serves as your dedicated business squad, offering ongoing advising, one-on-one support, mentorship, events, and opportunities to showcase your business to other veteran-owned companies and broader audiences.
- Invitation to attend the annual Utah Veteran Owned Business Conference (May) and the Southern Utah UNITE Conference (November)
- Recognition on social media by the VBRC
- Membership in the original online Utah Veteran Business Community Facebook Group (@UtahVeteran Entrepreneurs)
- IVMF alumni services and support
- Additional courses available through IVMF’s programs
VBRC Offers Two STRIVE Programs
- The traditional course is open to all veterans and military-connected entrepreneurs who are looking to build their business and take it to the next level.
- The women-only course adds the perspective of how to navigate through the unique biases that successful women can encounter in business.
In both courses, you’ll create a presentation and conduct research to define your business, market, and industry. You’ll also learn what it means to be capital ready, understand key legal considerations, and connect with a network of fellow entrepreneurs. Graduates receive personalized support from VBRC business advisors, the regional Veteran Business Outreach Center (VBOC), and their local Small Business Development Center (SBDC), with additional resources available through the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families.
Program Curriculum
This curriculum outlines the eight-class STRIVE program guiding participants from idea development to final pitch presentations.
Minnow Tank Pitch Competition
The Minnow Tank is a pitch competition for STRIVE graduates in which participants present business ideas for seed funding prizes that vary, with potential increases based on donations. The event fosters networking and long-term relationships among entrepreneurs and supporters.
Business Spotlights
Founder of Refuge Industries, Ryan turned his military experience and passion for firearms into a Utah-based business focused on craftsmanship, innovation, and community impact.
