Veteran’s Business Bootcamp
Are you a Veteran with a startup or business idea?
No affiliation with Penn State is required for participation. Program is by application only. Applications are welcomed from any Pennsylvania-based entrepreneur. See details below.
- Build your business plan over 8 weeks
- 1:1 coaching support
- Chance to win up to $4000 in funding (a total of $10k awarded)
- Continued support after program
- Brought to you by Rotary Veterans Initiative (RVI)
- October 1, 8, 22 and November 12 / Attend 4 LIVE classes
- 1:1 coaching sessions (5 required between 9/24-11/5/24
- November 12th from 6-7:30 pm via ZOOM / Draft Pitch Night
- November 15th at 5:00pm / Business plans and final presentations are due
- November 17th from 3pm-5 pm / Pitch competition event at Penn State Harrisburg (EAB Building)
Application Eligibility Requirements
- You must be a Veteran or currently enlisted or commissioned in the US military
- You can apply with a business idea or as a startup, but you must have less than $500k in revenue
- You and/or your business must be based in Pennsylvania.
- Please apply by September 27, 2024.
You do NOT have to be affiliated with Penn State or the Harrisburg LaunchBox
Program Sponsors:
This program is made possible through the generous support of the Rotary Veterans Initiative. The program is also sponsored by Harrisburg LaunchBox and the Small Business Development Center.
FAQ
What are the requirements to apply?
- You must be a Veteran or currently enlisted or commissioned in the US military
- You can apply with a business idea or as a startup, but you must have less than $500k in sales.
- You and/or your business must be based in Pennsylvania.
- You must apply by September 20, 2024 using the link above.
You do NOT have to be affiliated with Penn State or currently working with the SBDC or Harrisburg LaunchBox
Do I have to have a team to apply?
Nope. You can absolutely apply as a team but we also welcome individual applicants.
If I have others working with me, does everyone have to participate?
Not required, but recommended.
How many participants will be selected for the program?
- We expect the program size to be 12-15 participants
Do I have to attend all required sessions?
Yes. At least 1 person must attend all required sessions and complete 1:1 coaching to be able to compete for funding. When you accept the invitation to join the cohort, you are committing to attending all required sessions and completing all required coaching.
What is the time commitment?
It is our expectation that all participants are serious about and dedicated to investing the time to build their best business plan. We estimate that participants will spend about 5 hours/week working on their business plans over 8 weeks, which includes coaching sessions. Participants have the flexibility to schedule their coaching sessions and work on their plan when it works for them.
Who are the coaches of the program?
Program coaches are the experienced business professionals and experts in the community who are involved with the Harrisburg LaunchBox. Participants will be assigned a coach for the duration of the program. Your facilitator is Amma Johnson, Director of the Penn State Harrisburg Center for Innovation an Entrepreneurship.
Who is judging the business plans and awarding funding?
Our judges are experienced entrepreneurs and business and economic development experts who have a passion for supporting entrepreneurship across PA. They will be reviewing your business plans and assisting in developing your pitch.
How much funding is available to win?
The program offers up to $10,000 in funding to distribute to winners, with $4,000 as the top prize.
What kind of support do you provide after the program?
Participants are urged to continue working with their coaches upon completion of the program. Participants will also be included in the Harrisburg LaunchBox innovation network and included in post-program follow up to stay connected with ecosystem.
Do you take equity in my company?
No. We take zero equity and charge no fees.
Will Penn State own any intellectual property I bring to the Bootcamp?
No, you own your own intellectual property (IP), unless you are a faculty member or current graduate student of Penn State who is commercializing your university research. Your IP safely stays with you! What’s more, Penn State can even help you protect your IP. The Penn State Law Intellectual Property Clinic provides free legal services related to intellectual property to Pennsylvania entrepreneurs. No affiliation with Penn State is required to work with the Clinic.