Veterans Startup Ventures: Serving Those Who Served

Launch Your Business with Expert Guidance.

Veterans Startup Ventures is a nine-week program for military veterans aspiring to start their businesses. This unique program combines business plan and pitch development with support for obtaining veteran-owned business certification. Becoming a certified veteran-owned business allows you to:

• Bid on federal government contracts specifically set aside for veteran-owned businesses
• Access opportunities to purchase surplus government property
• Gain competitive advantage in government procurement worth billions annually

What you'll learn

• Analyze and develop viable business ideas
• Create comprehensive business plans
• Transform plans into working enterprises
• Access specialized government contracting opportunities
• Compete for startup funding

Program structure

• Alternating schedule:
  • Odd weeks (1,3,5,7): 2-3 hours of in-person instruction at the Parkade Center, Suite 105
  • Even weeks (2,4,6,8): 1-2 hour one-on-one business consultation
  • Week 9: Final pitch competition
• Tools provided: Access to LivePlan business planning software and other professional resources
• Hands-on support: Personalized guidance for obtaining veteran-owned business certification
• Culminating event: Pitch competition with expert judges and cash prizes
• Post-program support: 3 months of follow-up mentoring and alumni network access

Investment

• Regular program fee: $399 – Limited scholarship available
• $250 scholarship for the first 10 participants
• Your cost with scholarship: $149 (A $399 value!)

Pitch competition

Showcase your business concept to expert judges and compete for:

• 1st place: $2,500
• 2nd place: $1,000
• 3rd place: $500

Partners

Missouri Small Business Development Center at Mizzou

MU Extension, Business and Communities