Veteran business grants? EBV, the veterans bootcamp, is free training, not cash
Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF), Syracuse University
Free (travel + housing paid)
Researched for this program: 4 rejection traps · 4 required documentsWhat decides this award ↓
EBV is not a cash grant. It is a free 30-day online course plus an in-person residency, with travel, lodging and meals paid, for post-9/11 veterans starting a business.
If you searched for veteran business grants: EBV pays no cash, but it removes the cost of a full entrepreneurship program for post-9/11 veterans in early-stage business development. Phase I is 30 days of online coursework; Phase II is a weeklong in-person residency at one of eight consortium universities with all travel and lodging paid; Phase III is 12 months of post-program mentorship. No tuition, no fees, no equity. The program covers travel, housing, and meals for the in-person residency. Consortium partners include Syracuse, Texas A&M, UCLA, University of Connecticut, University of Missouri, Saint Joseph's, Wright State, and University of Colorado Colorado Springs.
- Funding type
- Program
- Level
- Private
- Amount
- No cash grant. The program covers 100% of tuition, travel, lodging, and meals for the weeklong residential phase at no cost to the veteran. The estimated economic value of the program (training, lodging, travel, meals, 12-month mentorship) is approximately $5,000–$8,000 per participant depending on location.
- Realistic amount
- No direct cash award. Graduates report 79% business start or expansion rate; 83% of those businesses remain active. Graduate-founded businesses generate $194M+ in average annual revenue collectively.
- Deadline
- Rolling — 2026 cohorts run throughout the year at 8 universities. Apply at least 60 days before your preferred university's Phase II residency date.
- Status
- active
- States
- Nationwide
Who qualifies
- Post-9/11 veterans with honorable or general discharge
- Active-duty service members within 180 days of separation from post-9/11 service
- National Guard or Reserve members with post-9/11 active-duty service and honorable/general discharge
- Must be in early start-up phase — typically within 12–24 months of launch OR with a well-developed concept close to launch
- Must commit to all three program phases (online, residency, 12-month mentorship)
- No revenue or incorporation requirement at application
Hard requirements
- Veteran ownership required
- Demographic eligibility: veteran-owned
What it covers
Eligible expenses
- Not applicable — no cash award to participants
- Program pays: travel to and from residency location, lodging during weeklong residency, meals during residency, all curriculum materials and course access
Ineligible expenses
- Not applicable — does not provide startup capital, equipment funding, or operating expenses
- Does not cover: living expenses at home during online phase, childcare, lost wages
How to apply
-
1
Review eligibility and select a university cohort
Confirm post-9/11 service and discharge status. Review the 8 consortium universities and their 2026 residency dates to identify your preferred location and timeline.
~1 hrs
-
2
Submit application through the IVMF portal
Complete the application at ivmfsyr.formtitan.com. Include DD-214, business concept summary, and personal statement. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
~3 hrs
-
3
Application review and acceptance
IVMF reviews applications and notifies accepted participants. Acceptance is selective but not highly competitive relative to veteran population served. Expect 2–4 weeks for a decision.
-
4
Complete 30-day online Phase I curriculum
Instructor-led online coursework covering business fundamentals, market research, financial basics, and business model development. Attend live sessions and complete assignments.
~60 hrs
-
5
Attend the weeklong in-person residency (Phase II)
Full-attendance required residential intensive at your selected consortium university. Travel, housing, and meals covered. Deep-dive workshops, mentorship sessions, and peer cohort building.
~72 hrs
-
6
Complete 12-month post-program support (Phase III)
Ongoing mentorship, alumni network access, and business development support for one year following graduation.
~20 hrs
Choose your residency location strategically — UCLA and Texas A&M cohorts tend to attract more tech and ag entrepreneurs respectively, shaping your peer network. The 12-month Phase III is where the real connections form; actively use it.
Deadline & timing
2026 residency dates include: Syracuse University June 22–August 1; Texas A&M, UCLA, UConn, University of Missouri, Saint Joseph's, Wright State, and UC Colorado Springs all run programs at varying dates through 2026. Phase I online begins ~30 days before the residency. Apply through ivmfsyr.formtitan.com. Questions: IVMFEducation@syr.edu or (315) 443-6898.
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