Trying to start a business in a shaky economy is a tall order under any circumstances, but disabled veterans hoping to do so face more than their fair share of hurdles. The Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities (EBV) seeks to make veterans aware of the challenges they’ll face while giving them the tools they’ll need to overcome them.
EBV instructors at six universities across the country are trying to give veterans a boost by offering an eight-day crash course in new businesses. The instructors are blunt—“why would anyone consult you when there are established businesses already providing the services you’re offering”—but it’s all for the cause. Sgt. Neil Avant explains that it’s to break him and other veterans down so they can be built back up, just like his military bootcamp experience.
With his instructors’ help, Avant realized he was “a little too cocky.” He figured that since in Iraq he was assigned to sort out microloans and financing in a combat environment, he could do those business anywhere. Not so, he learned—jobs are hard to find for everybody.
Hundreds of veterans apply for EBV, which is entirely paid for by contributors from the business community. It was founded by J. Michael Haynie, who served 14 years in the Air Force before joining Syracuse University as an assistant professor of entrepreneurship.
Haynie recognizes that not least of the employment hurdles facing veterans is the need for a flexible workweek. Veterans often need “specialized” careers, suited to their particular skills and limitations. One veteran noted that after 33 years in the army, he needs two or three medical appointments a week—and it’s a lot to ask of an employer to accommodate those needs. But by starting a business selling promotional products, the veteran is able to control his schedule.
Another issue is adapting military experience to the business world. Patrick Valdez was a command sergeant major and he knew what to do with rebellious and unruly soldiers. But when a vendor lets him down, he says, “you can’t call the guy in and chew his butt for half an hour.”
Despite the troubles adjusting to the civilian business world, Hayne believes that in many ways veterans are groomed for entrepreneurial success. Veterans were taught in the military to assess risk, overcome obstacles, build teams, and manage significant and scarce resources. And the statistics back him up: out of the first class of 20 at Syracuse University, 14 are running their own businesses full time. Four of those veterans generated more than $1 million in revenue last year.
To learn more about the program and to see if a class is offered near you, check out the EBV website.
