Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans

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Turning business dreams into reality, one veteran at a time

The Reynolds & Reynolds Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans (EBV) at Texas A&M is a novel, one-of-a-kind initiative designed to leverage the skills, resources and infrastructure of higher education to offer cutting-edge, experiential training in entrepreneurship and small business management to post-9/11 veterans with a passion for entrepreneurship. The aim of the program is to open the door to economic opportunity for our veterans and their families by developing their competencies in creating and sustaining an entrepreneurial venture.


“Fantastic experience. I went in with high hopes and some concerns that they wouldn’t be met, but I was blown away by the resources committed to the program and the caliber of presenters and mentors.”

EBV Graduate

“McFerrin is developing us as new business leaders! I recommend EBV to any Veteran interested in starting their own business.”

EBV Graduate

“This experience has been life-changing. I do believe I will be successful and I know it will be something rewarding and fulfilling, and I owe all of that to EBV.”

EBV Graduate

Cost of the Program

Thanks to a generous endowment from Reynolds & Reynolds the Texas A&M University EBV program is provided completely free of charge to veteran participants. As a result of the generous support of the EBV universities and the private giving of individuals and corporations, we are able to cover all costs (including travel, lodging and meals) for our veteran entrepreneurs.

Program Schedule

Specific dates for the EBV will vary by university. You will be assigned to an EBV campus following your admission to the program. That assignment will be determined, in large part, based on your proximity to an EBV campus. EBV is delivered through a three-phased approach, providing premier training and support:

PHASE 1—is a 30-day instructor led, online course focused on basic skills of entrepreneurship and the language of business. Phase I is hosted online and must be completed in order to attend Phase 2 on campus.

PHASE 2—is a nine-day residency at an EBV university where students are exposed to over 30 accomplished entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship educators from across the U.S. The residency includes more than 80 hours of instruction in the “nuts and bolts” of business ownership. The residency is intense, and designed to both educate and motivate.

PHASE 3—involves 12 months of support and mentorship delivered through the EBV Technical Assistance Program (EBV-TAP), a robust, comprehensive network of mentors, resources and national partnerships.

Important Dates

Winter 2025 Cohort

  • Phase 1 (Online): Nov. 6 – Dec. 13, 2024
  • Phase 2 (In-Person): Jan. 4-11, 2025

Connect a Veteran with McFerrin

If you are a veteran (or know a veteran) who would benefit from EBV or other programs offered through the McFerrin Center for Entrepreneurship, use the survey below to connect with McFerrin!

Mays Business School is a founding member of the EBV Consortium of universities dedicated to developing veterans in entrepreneurship.  Through this network of universities, EBV gives our veterans an opportunity to develop and implement their entrepreneurial goals.

Learn more about the EBV Consortium.

Important Dates

Winter 2025 Cohort

  • Phase I (Online): Nov. 6-Dec. 13, 2024
  • Phase II (In-Person): Jan. 4-11, 2025

Reunion

  • Summer 2025

Applications for the Reynolds & Reynolds Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans (EBV) program are open on a rolling basis throughout the year! Typically, students are assigned to an EBV campus closest to their home with matching date availability once admitted to the program.

Eligibility

Applications are welcome from Veterans who: 

  • Have separated from active duty service after 2001 (or currently in the administrative process of separating)
  • Have been identified as having a ‘service-connected disability’ as a result of their military service (including activated National Guard and Reserves) Note: Can be in process of evaluation of disability through VA
  • Demonstrate a strong interest in entrepreneurship & small business ownership/management
  • Beyond the criteria identified above, a complete application is the only remaining requirement to be considered for the program. Use the Application Link above

Application Procedures

The EBV program represents a unique opportunity for men and women who have sacrificed for America’s freedom to take an important step toward realizing their own freedom – economic freedom – through entrepreneurship. EBV is a selective, rigorous, and intense educational initiative that has been created to make a difference. Accordingly, the application process itself is rigorous and selective.

Successful candidates for admission will demonstrate a strong interest in entrepreneurship, high motivation for owning or managing a business and a high likelihood of successful completion of this intense training program. Click here to apply online. (You will be redirected to Syracuse University’s Institute for Veteran and Military Families website.)

All applications are reviewed by IVMF. Those candidates that meet the requirements for Texas A&M will be notified by the Enrollment Services staff at IVMF and then contacted by the Texas A&M program directors.

Texas A&M will conduct 2-3 virtual interviews with each candidate.

The Reynolds and Reynolds Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans (EBV) at Texas A&M University is unique from any other program in the country for one main reason; we introduce our EBV participants to the McFerrin Center network of over 13,000 Aggie entrepreneurs and friends of Texas A&M University. We are always in search of entrepreneurs, business leaders, and enthusiastic professionals to serve as mentors for our EBV cohorts each year.

Whether you’re a founder, business leader, or service provider, our mentors are valuable because of their experiences and first-hand knowledge. Below are just a few ways you can help veteran entrepreneurs by serving as a mentor each year.

Share Your Keys to Success
By the time the veterans meet you in person at Texas A&M University, they will have completed a month’s long virtual course on business fundamentals. We need your real-world, experience-based knowledge to help balance their in-classroom education. Share how you overcame certain challenges, common pitfalls to avoid, and your keys to success as an entrepreneur.

Provide Focus and Develop Goals
One major way mentors can help EBV participants is to provide feedback about a veteran’s venture. Learn about their venture, their mission, and help identify areas of weakness that they can address before launch. Help them develop measurable, attainable goals that will enable their business to flourish after they leave Aggieland.

Introduce Them To Your Network
Each year there’s an overwhelming consensus that the connections mentors provide to our veteran entrepreneurs is the most beneficial part of their EBV experience. Your network is valuable. Introducing a veteran entrepreneur to a potential partner, resource, or business advisor may seem like a small act but it has a huge impact on the success of their venture.

The Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans 2024 REUNION was held July 11-13. Dates for the 2025 REUNION will be announced as available.

All graduates of the EBV program at Texas A&M University must first apply if interested in attending, with applications reviewed and accepted on a rolling, first-come/first-served basis until the program is full.

A number of individuals and organizations have sponsored the EBV program over the years by providing financial support and other valuable services. Sponsorship opportunities allow organizations to demonstrate their commitment to supporting U.S. veterans and increase awareness of their brand among the military and entrepreneurship communities. Sponsorship support is vital to the EBV program and is deeply appreciated by the McFerrin Center for Entrepreneurship.

Thank you to our EBV Sponsors & Donors

Online Donations & Sponsorships

Financial contributions to support the EBV can be made online through the Texas A&M Foundation. 

Thank you to all past and current EBV Sponsors & Donors

  • Abe Zale Foundation
  • Advent GX
  • Aggieland Outfitters
  • John Anderson
  • The Association of Former Students | Texas A&M
  • AT&T
  • Avalon HR Advisors
  • Bank of America
  • BlueForge Alliance
  • BNSF Railway Foundation
  • CareerPhysician
  • Leonard Casiple
  • Joseph R. Cerami
  • Bill P. Cicherski ’54 Family
  • Citi Bank
  • The Cockrell Foundation
  • Dell Computers
  • DLA Piper
  • Don & Ellie Knauss Veteran Resource & Support Center
  • Amy Duvanich ’08 with Scale LLP
  • EBV Foundation
  • Ernst & Young
  • evolve Performance Group | Melissa Yerxa Ortiz
  • Rep. Bill Flores ’76
  • Fluor
  • Mack Forrester ’81
  • In Honor of Major Bill Frost
  • William J. Gardiner ’76
  • Gazoo & Seed Sumo
  • George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum
  • Rick J.W. Graham ’66
  • Kathryn Greenwade ’88
  • Harvest Returns
  • Hashmark Strategies, LLC
  • Lewis Hiltpold ’72
  • The Houston A&M Club
  • Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
  • Humana
  • In Memory of Joseph A. Ida
  • Jim Jett ’66 | Aggieland Business Park
  • Daniel Jones
  • Raymond H. Kopecky Jr. ’72
  • Larry Levine ’71
  • Lyness Construction LP
  • Harold E. McGowen III ’82 & Diane Boswell McGowen ’83
  • New Republic Brewing
  • Tami and Stacy A. Overby LTC USA (Ret)
  • Pepsico
  • Howard Perry ’68 (COL Ret.)
  • Plains Capital Bank
  • Tim Prichard
  • Railroad Controls Limited
  • Stephanie ’85 and Todd Routh ’85
  • Joseph Sawyer ’80
  • Southwood Valley 4-H
  • Susan ’79 and Andy Smolenski
  • Daniel L. Sparks ’89
  • Nancy & William C. Starnes
  • Robin ’76 and Bob Starnes ’72
  • Texas A&M University Corps of Cadets
  • Texas Pride Fuels, Ltd.
  • Todd Brock Family Foundation
  • Traditions Club
  • USAA
  • Cathy Vann
  • Mrs. Robin A. Veal ‘00
  • Vistage Group 3843
  • Mr. and Mrs. W.R. Wallace
  • Walmart
  • Wells Fargo
  • Benjamin White
  • Wounded Warrior Project