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

Register

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

Contact us: