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The VEP

The National Veterans Entrepreneurship Program (VEP) provides a rigorous entrepreneurial learning and development opportunity for disabled veterans and those who distinguished themselves in their military careers. VEP is designed for veterans interested in starting a venture as a means to financial independence or have an existing business they would like to grow profitably.

Program Overview

Concept Development & Self-Study

Jan. 16 – Feb. 18, 2024

Phase One: Delegates participate in a five-week self-study curriculum facilitated by an online discussion and assessment module moderated by Riata Center staff.

VEP Boot Camp

Feb. 24 – Mar. 3, 2024

Phase Two: Like a military Boot Camp, this eight-day residency in Stillwater, Okla. is intense, rigorous, and demanding. Delegates are exposed to the “nuts and bolts” of business ownership through experiential workshops and liaison from world-class faculty and seasoned entrepreneurs representing nationally ranked programs around the country

Advising & Venture Development

April 1 – Aug. 31, 2024

Phase Three: Delegates are provided with five months of advising from entrepreneurs and subject matter experts across the nation, and online peer-to-peer networking.


Topics to be addressed include:

  • What’s a good business concept and how can I determine if my idea is a good one?
  • Do I really need a business plan and, if so, how can I write a great one?
  • What do I need to know about my customers and market, and where do I find answers?
  • How much money do I need and how do I get it?
  • How do I make sense of the numbers, and which numbers really matter?
  • What’s an economic or profit model, and does mine make sense?
  • What do I need to know about operations and service delivery?
  • What is guerrilla marketing? Are there ways to do more with marketing while spending less?
  • Which activities should I outsource and what do I need to know about hiring employees?
  • Where do I go to get the information I need to organize my new venture?
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