ETSU celebrates veteran entrepreneurs
East Tennessee State University is celebrating the graduates of this year’s STRIVE program, a specialized entrepreneurship training course for veterans, service members and their families.
Over eight weeks, participants engaged in both coursework and hands-on sessions at ETSU, developing the skills to launch and grow their own businesses.
This year’s class brought a range of ventures to the table, including leadership coaching, 3D baby imaging, mobile dog walking and real estate media. Some graduates came in with established business plans. Others started with just an idea.
“We are incredibly proud of these STRIVE graduates,” said Mark Bays, director of STRIVE and the Tennessee Small Business Development Center at ETSU. “Their dedication, resilience and entrepreneurial spirit have been truly inspiring. Working with these talented individuals has been a privilege, and we are excited to see the positive impact they will make in their communities and beyond.”
Launched in 2019, STRIVE at ETSU is based on Syracuse University’s Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans and has supported dozens of veterans and their families since its inception. This year’s graduating class of 11 joins a national network of veteran entrepreneurs through the Institute for Veterans and Military Families, providing them with continued resources and support.
Throughout the program, participants benefited from guest lectures by ETSU faculty in the College of Business and Technology. ETSU marketing students from the American Marketing Association also contributed their expertise, helping STRIVE participants develop business strategies and refine marketing plans – all at no cost to the veterans.
STRIVE is part of a larger university commitment of helping veterans.
For more than a decade, ETSU has secured the respected Military Friendly® designation. Earlier this fall, the institution launched training aimed at equipping faculty and staff with the knowledge and skills to create a welcoming and supportive environment for student veterans and military-affiliated individuals. The Military Times included ETSU in the “Best for Vets: Colleges” ranking.
East Tennessee State University was founded in 1911 with a singular mission: to improve the quality of life for people in the region and beyond. Through its world-class health sciences programs and interprofessional approach to health care education, ETSU is a highly respected leader in rural health research and practices. The university also boasts nationally ranked programs in the arts, technology, computing, and media studies. ETSU serves approximately 14,000 students each year and is ranked among the top 10 percent of colleges in the nation for students graduating with the least amount of debt.
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