STRIVE

The STRIVE program is an entrepreneurship training program offered through Syracuse University's Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF), in partnership with Hillsborough Community College.

The STRIVE program offers Veterans, active duty, Reserve/Guard, and their spouses the opportunity to take an early stage business, or business idea through a rigorous 6-week training program. The program leads to post program support both locally as well as nationally through the IVMF network.

If accepted, this program is completely free of charge. Participants who complete the program, and meet certain requirements will qualify to apply for funding through the HCC Everyday Entrepreneur Venture Seed Fund. STRIVE graduates will be assigned to a designated InLab@HCC mentor.

Eligibility:

  • Open to all honorably discharged veterans, dependents (spouse or 1st generation child), active-duty service members (preferably with less than one year before discharge), and current or former members of the National Guard or Reserves.
  • If you are non-military affiliated, but are part owner of a company where 50% or more of the company is owned by a veteran, active-duty service member, reservist, national guard member, or spouse of any of the aforementioned military affiliated members, you are eligible to participate in the STRIVE program   
  • Graduates of other IVMF programs are eligible.

Spring 2023 Program Dates: April 21 - May 22, 2023.  The application period is OPEN for spring 2023.

Apply for the Spring 2023 Training

Program Phases

The 3-phase program provides Veterans with a nascent (budding) early stage business, or idea for a business, the opportunity to take action. This program helps to identify, overcome and mitigate trouble spots within the business model, leading to increased potential for success.

Spring 2023 Program Schedule

  • Application Closes: April 15, 2023
  • Orientation: Thursday, April 20, 2023, 5:30pm-7pm

Phase I Online Orientation (1 Week):  April 21 - April 28, 2023

Phase II Residency (5 Weeks):

  • Session 1 Saturday April 29, 2023, 8:30am-3:30pm
  • Session 2 Monday May 1, 2023, 5:30pm-8pm
  • Session 3 Saturday May 6, 2023, 8:30am-3:30pm
  • Session 4 Monday May 8, 2023, 5:30pm-8pm
  • Session 5 Saturday May 13, 2023, 8:30am-3:30pm
  • Session 6 Monday May 20,2023, 5:30pm-8pm
  • Session 7 Saturday May 22, 2023, 8:30am-3:30pm

Graduation: June 3, 2023 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Spring 2022 STRIVE Graduation Photos

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Introduction

Let us know if you have questions or would like more information about STRIVE.