Veteran entrepreneurs: Apply now for DAV’s Patriot Boot Camp Spring 2023

The DAV Patriot Boot Camp Spring ‘23 event for entrepreneurs in the military and Veteran community will be held at MX headquarters in the Silicon Slopes of Lehi, Utah, from May 18-20. Applications to participate are open now through March 20.

Up to 50 new participants will receive invaluable insight and one-on-one guidance from mentors and business leaders. Each day will also include presentations by world-class experts covering an array of topics, including common legal startup mistakes, marketing and sales, and pitching. At the end of the program, select participants will be invited to participate in a pitch contest with thousands of dollars in no-obligation funding up for grabs.

“DAV Patriot Boot Camp is so much more than just a few days of programming and expert advice,” said Chief Communications and Outreach Officer Dan Clare. “The true magic is in the community of Veterans and military spouses, all of whom are driven to serve through innovative solutions and to support their fellow Vetrepreneurs in doing the same.”

That includes Veterans like DAV Patriot Boot Camp alumnus Dr. Simon Karmarkar, who was one of three Veterans selected for the most recent pitch contest, known as DAV Shark Tank. Karmarkar, an Army Veteran, is the founder and CEO of RefundWiz.com, a smartphone mobile e-filing tax return app. His company also offers MasRefund, an app designed specifically for the Spanish-speaking community. According to Karmarkar, there are fewer than 10,000 trained and regulated Spanish-speaking tax preparers supporting 63 million Hispanic and Latino people in the United States.

Fellow finalist, alumnus and Army National Guard Veteran Stephen Morel created JurisDeed, a business-to-business startup transforming what he calls the nation’s “archaic” property ownership system into a dynamic resource that’s accurate, accessible and affordable. The online platform empowers property professionals, investors and owners to unlock more opportunities in real estate.

Marine Corps Veteran Alan Parvis founded GOFASTER, the first Veteran-owned high performance running shoe brand that focuses on serving the military, Veteran and first responder communities. Parvis is also a DAV Shark Tank finalist.

All three Veterans will participate in a final round, to be held virtually in the coming weeks. They were among dozens of Veterans who received extensive training during the Winter ’23 boot camp. In addition to competing for thousands of dollars in unrestricted, no-obligation funding, they’ll each receive personal pitch coaching by an expert who has decades of experience.

Program alumni—many of whom return as mentors and presenters—have said the skills and connections made at DAV Patriot Boot Camp helped them secure financing and rapidly grow their businesses. Since the program’s founding, more than 1,000 alumni have raised over $150 million in venture capital and employ over 1,900 individuals. Among alumni, nearly 70% have a service-connected disability, more than 20% are women, and nearly 30% identify as being racially diverse.

Applications for DAV Patriot Boot Camp Spring ’23 can be found at patriotbootcamp.org. There is no cost for registration or participation beyond personal travel-related expenses and lodging. Those who apply will be contacted regarding future opportunities and programming to support their entrepreneurial journey.

DAV is also seeking leaders to serve as mentors, presenters, panelists and event volunteers. If you are interested in supporting the event and its community of entrepreneurs, please contact info@patriotbootcamp.org.