Program for vets who transitioned out of service in the last three years

The Regnier Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of Missouri-Kansas City is launching its first boot camp to provide exposure to an entrepreneurial environment for transitioning veterans.

The boot camp, Vets2Ventures, will take place from Friday, Aug. 21 to Sunday, Aug. 23 at the Bloch Executive Hall. Full scholarships will be awarded to all applicants accepted into the program, supported by the Regnier Institute and private sponsors.

“We look forward to supporting veterans and assisting them as they return to their civilian careers, armed with exposure to entrepreneurship,” said Jeff Hornsby, director of the Regnier Institute.

It includes introductory skills, as well as the confidence to pursue entrepreneurship; an intensive three-day on-campus curriculum designed and taught by faculty and experienced entrepreneurs especially for veterans; and a pre-program perspective and post-program mentorship support.

“Vets2Ventures focuses on building entrepreneurs rather than developing specific ventures,” said Michael Begelfer, program coordinator. “In doing so, our goal is to assist the veterans in building the necessary confidence to pursue an entrepreneurial path, said Begelfer.

Benefits of the camp include learning how to translate military skills into entrepreneurship; exposure to a network of entrepreneurial mentors; learning from UMKC’s world-class faculty; interaction with successful veteran entrepreneurs; and an overview of advanced programs such as E-Scholars, FastTrac and an entrepreneurship program at the Bloch School.

Camp times are 2 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 21; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 22; and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 23. The next session is scheduled for November.

Interested veterans can apply online at Bloch Vets2Ventures. For additional information, contact Michael Begelfer, program coordinator, at Vet2Ventures.