Start-up Training Resources Inspiring Veteran Entrepreneurship (STRIVE)

Geographic Scope: Tennessee (offered in multiple locations including Kingsport and primary ETSU location)

Focus Areas: Veteran entrepreneurship, business planning, startup training

Program Description: An eight-week intensive course designed to assist veterans through all stages of business development, whether they have a business idea, are in early-stage development, or have an established business looking to grow.

Eligibility:

• All veterans
• Current or former members of the National Guard or Reserves
• Spouses of veterans/military service members
• Must be ready to start or grow a business

Delivery:

• In-person instruction
• Virtual attendance option available
• Held at Kingsport Higher Education Center (Kingsport location)

Support Provided:

• Business plan development
• Entrepreneurial skills training
• Post-program support

Background: ETSU is the second institution in the country selected to host STRIVE through a partnership with Syracuse University's Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF). IVMF has trained over 70,000 veteran entrepreneurs. STRIVE is supported by Sync Space Entrepreneur Center, BoxDrop, and the ETSU Research Corporation.

Contact:
Program Director: William H. Heise, Ph.D.

Application Process

1. Visit www.etsu.edu/strive
2. Complete application form
3. Submit by application deadline

Application Deadline: December 31 (for spring cohort)

Program Start: March (spring cohort)

Duration: Eight weeks