With an eye toward helping veterans launch a business, ETSU announces program applications

STRIVE, a free entrepreneurship training program for veterans, reserve and National Guard members, is taking applications for a course that begins Sept. 19.  

East Tennessee State University is the second institution in the nation to host a STRIVE program thanks to a partnership with Syracuse University’s Institute for Veterans and Military Families, also known as IVMF. 

“If you’re a veteran with entrepreneurial aspirations, this is your chance to gain personalized assistance in developing early-stage businesses or ideas,” said ETSU’s Mark Bays, director of the Tennessee Small Business Development Center.  

The program teaches participants how to launch a business. Following the completion of STRIVE, graduates receive post-program support from the national IVMF network.   

Consisting of online coursework and evening meetings, the class takes place at the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center at Mountain Home. The program is free and lasts eight weeks. 

The university has a long and established history of helping veterans and has secured the respected Military Friendly® designation for more than a decade.   

The deadline to register is Aug. 1. Nationwide, IVMF has assisted more than 70,000 veteran entrepreneurs. 

For additional information and to apply, visit etsu.edu/strive. 

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.