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

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Phase 1 - Orientation (1 week)

Phase 2 - Residency (5 weeks)

The in-person residency training sessions are held on consecutive Saturdays, and alternating Monday evenings (see schedule below). Access to online curriculum, assignments, and resources will be provided upon enrollment, and for 12 months after completion of the program.

Throughout the program, participants will be introduced to many subject matter experts who will be available to participants during the 6-week training.

Toward the end of phase 2, participants will be assigned to a designated adviser/mentor. In addition, participants will have access to a network of local, regional, and national entrepreneurs, mentors, advisers, and subject matter experts. Participants will also have access to free co-working space, SBDC/Score advisers, and access to nearly 30 ongoing workshops offered each month through Operation Startup @ Hillsborough Community College, powered by the InLab@HCC.

Upon completion of Phase 2, participants who meet specific criteria (i.e. legal business entity, validated business model, website, functional financials, feasibility plan, and an explainer video) will qualify to apply for funding through the HCC Everyday Entrepreneur Venture Seed Fund.

Phase 3 - Support

Spring 2023 Program Schedule