Veterans Entrepreneurship Program hosted by the UTC College of Business helps veterans translate skills from the battlefield to the boardroom

For the fourth consecutive year, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s Veterans Entrepreneurship Program will offer an accelerated hybrid learning program in entrepreneurship and small business management to our nation’s veterans.

The program, which is offered free of charge to participating veterans, includes an online concept development and self-study, a classroom style “boot camp” on the UTC campus, and a comprehensive mentorship and follow-through phase supported by faculty and successful Chattanooga business professionals.

Courtney Lewis, a graduate of the 2014 VEP class, served in the U.S. Army, and described her VEP experience as “tough, but rewarding. Through the VEP, I’ve gained insights and skills that will allow me to grow my production company successfully,” she said. “It’s been amazing being a part of this team.”

The program is hosted in partnership with Oklahoma State and the University of Florida.

“The VEP builds on the skills that veterans learn from their military careers and helps them focus those skills toward the creation of new ventures,” said Dr. Robert Dooley, Dean of the UTC College of Business. “Our goal is to help veterans create or grow their businesses as a means to financial well-being. We are honored to provide this program to those that have done so much for our country.”

Participants in the VEP begin by completing a five-week, online self-study to help develop their business concepts and prepare for the boot camp on the UTC campus in Chattanooga, Tenn. Chattanooga, also known as Gig City for its high-speed internet, is an emerging global entrepreneurial hub that is home to a variety of start-up businesses and business incubators.

The boot camp exposes VEP participants to the “nuts and bolts” of business ownership through workshops and lessons from faculty as well as guest speakers.
“I came in thinking I knew a lot, but working with the faculty in the VEP taught me how to start and run a business with emphasis on marketing, sales, how to pitch a project, the market... everything needed for a successful business,” said U.S. Army veteran Glen Shackley of Angels Camp, California. “I believe I’ve gained the leadership and ability to move forward.”

Following graduation, delegates receive 10 months of ongoing support from experts in the College of Business.

The VEP is free to eligible veterans. The costs of the VEP are underwritten by sponsors and private donors, with operations and program development provided by the UTC College of Business.

Since the program began in 2012, the VEP has had a total of 48 graduates and helped launch a variety of businesses.

Applications are now being accepted for the 2015 Class!

Application Deadline: April 15, 2015

Learn more and apply online at www.utc.edu/VEP