Serving Those Who Served
Veterans Startup Ventures
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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
Current program details
Dates: June 3 – July 22, 2025 *Pitch Competition on July 29th
- Sessions: 6/3/25, 6/10/25, 6/17/25, 6/24/25, 7/1/25, 7/8/25, 7/15/25, 7/22/25
- Pitch Competition: 7/29/25
Format: In-Person *In-person or virtual one-on-one sessions
Location: Missouri SBDC, Parkade Center, Suite 105, Columbia, MO
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