Rider University is offering the Veterans Entrepreneurship Training Program for the 10th consecutive year. The free program is open to veterans, their spouses and dependents who are interested in starting or growing a business.
Over the course of seven weeks, participants will conduct market research, draft a market plan, and study operations and financials for their business. Upon completion of the program, veterans can apply for one year of mentoring as they pursue their plans further.
Offered through Rider’s Center for Entrepreneurial Studies, the program is limited to 20 students to allow for instructor feedback and individualized attention, and can be taken for college credit.
“We’re proud to once again offer this free program to our valued veterans,” says Dr. Ronald Cook, professor of entrepreneurial studies. “Utilizing a structured approach, participants will examine the feasibility of their business concept while receiving lots of feedback as to which ideas have potential and which ideas need additional improvement.”
Matt Miller, a U.S. Army veteran and participant in the 2022 program, notes that he always wanted to start his own watch business but didn’t know where to start. “The instructor was extremely knowledgeable and helped me understand what needed to be done to make my idea a reality,” he says.
Miller’s business LUQ Watches, is currently in the production phase and is set to officially launch next month. “I highly recommend this program to any veteran looking to see if their business idea is worth pursuing,” says Miller.
Rider has a long history of assisting veterans and service members. Since 1865, the University has opened its doors to veterans and military service members with most of the inaugural class comprised of Civil War veterans. Today, the University continues its proud tradition of helping current and former members of the Armed Forces transition from enlistment to enrollment.
The Veteran Entrepreneurship Training Program is made possible through a partnership with the Uncommon Individual Foundation, which shares Rider’s vision of supporting veterans’ personal and professional growth through entrepreneurial training.
Applications are open now through May 11. Classes will meet on the Rider University campus Wednesday evenings from 6-9 p.m., beginning May 17. For more information and to apply, please visit rider.edu/vetprogram.
