Editor’s note: The sharing of any non-VA information does not constitute an endorsement of products and services on the part of VA. Veterans should verify the information with the organization offering.

Syracuse University’s D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) has two programs aimed exclusively at helping women in the Veteran and military spouse community launch their entrepreneurial journeys. Both programs have helped hundreds of women launch businesses on stronger foundations, providing inspiration, education and a community of women who want to see them win.

“The training I received from the IVMF helped me sharpen my business skills and gain the actionable information I needed to get my business to the next phase,” said Rachel Bell, military spouse and owner of RBG Communications.

Veteran Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship (V-WISE)

The V-WISE program features a four-week online course that teaches business fundamentals, followed by a capstone in-person event.

Tricia-Ann B., who attended V-Wise Jacksonville said, “I found the breakout sessions to be extremely helpful for my growth. The life experience that was shared by the presenters was the most helpful. I appreciate the vulnerability that was shown, as well as the honesty. If I had to pay for all the information that was given this weekend, I couldn’t afford it.”

“The quality of the speakers, the information shared, the opportunity to network and connect with the speakers separately, and the ability to go back and re-watch the courses to assist in really absorbing the information. All of these things make this program worth its weight in gold. Additionally, the facilitators did an amazing job in ensuring everyone receives touch points, follow-up, and any other necessary information so this is an enriched experience full of connections beyond just the training program,” added Keyani M., a V-WISE Atlanta graduate.

Group photo of participants at the Institute for Veterans and Military Families' V-Wise program for women Veterans and military spouses.

Breaking Barriers in Entrepreneurship (BBiE)

IVMF also offers the 8-week virtual Bunker Labs Breaking Barriers in Entrepreneurship (BBiE) three times a year, providing community and business fundamentals training.

Malika H., a recent BBiE graduate said, “Breaking Barriers has been instrumental in my journey, providing me with the knowledge and tools to pivot my business model effectively. Through the workshop, I gained valuable insights into AI, raising capital and certifying my business. This program not only strengthened my understanding but also boosted my confidence, enabling me to drive my business towards greater success. It truly transformed my approach to entrepreneurship, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the support and guidance they provided.”

Find the perfect free program for your business or idea

IVMF has over a dozen entrepreneurship programs ready to meet Veterans and military spouses wherever they’re at in their entrepreneurial journey. It doesn’t matter if you have a business empire generating millions in revenue, an idea scribbled on a napkin or anywhere in between. IVMF has a program that can help you move forward with a community of Veterans eager to see women Veterans and military spouses win.

Find out more about IVMF and their programs and join a community of Veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs by applying to V-WISE or Breaking Barriers today. Want to talk with graduates today? Follow IVMF on LinkedIn.

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25 Comments

  1. Dawn N McKenzie March 9, 2025 at 21:55 - Reply

    I am a female veteran and tried to sign ip for the Cohort. I received a message that the classes were full. I do not believe five virtual classes were full. They are virtual classes. I think they are coded against black veterans from participating.

  2. Brian March 9, 2025 at 17:27 - Reply

    For all the people complaining “what about me” , blah blah bigoted BS, here there are 100s of programs for every one. I believe the VA creating one just for women will give women more opportunity to not have to compete with all of the white males for spaces in those other programs….stop whining and Google it.

    https://www.sba.gov/sba-learning-platform/boots-business

  3. Daniel Bradshaw March 8, 2025 at 07:22 - Reply

    As a disabled combat vet with 12 yrs of service I am grateful for the VA to have opportunities that take care of my wife too. I swore an oath to this country but my wife swore an oath to me and she lives up to it everyday. If something happens to me, the VA isn’t going to take care of her like I will but atleast they are helping her reach her goals so she can take care of herself. I know im talking about my wife but Female vets deserve these classes too. Whether or not you agree with women in the military, they have already served and earned their benefits just as much as any AF Supply guy. I hope to see the VA roll out more stuff like this.

  4. True Veteran March 7, 2025 at 10:04 - Reply

    For all of the men crying about what about the men, there are several programs available to us and you should be ashamed of yourself. Your behavior is exactly why this country is headed towards another Great Depression. Furthermore, I’ve been deployed with women warfighters that would mop the floor with all of you. Lastly, I’d rather be on the battlefield with any of them vs you; I foresee you running and leaving a fallen soldier, saying “what about me and my life.” All of you are truly a disappointment.

    • Daniel Bradshaw March 8, 2025 at 07:17 - Reply

      Glad to see another veteran speak up. I see these classes all the time that are not gender specific. I’m grateful the VA has things from time to time that take care of my wife too. There are plenty of female vets I would GLADLY serve with again bc they did the job well, they deserve training just for them. The issues men and women face are not always the same and I’m cool if a spouse or female vet gets classes aimed at them. Why these knuckleheads are crying about DEI and “what about me?” Is nuts. Sounds like a bunch of whining.

    • Brian March 9, 2025 at 17:28 - Reply

      Exactly! Well put!

  5. Disgruntled Veteran March 6, 2025 at 19:31 - Reply

    I wish I had known the direction this country was going before I joined the Army and became a disabled veteran. Why are these programs only for women? What about men, the real war fighters. I wish I had never served in the military. I do not believe in the direction that this country has taken.

    • Rachael Chandler March 8, 2025 at 07:00 - Reply

      There are separate programs for veterans that are not centered around women. My husband just completed an entrepreneurship class through the VA.

  6. Lisa March 6, 2025 at 17:56 - Reply

    All of you weirdos in the comment, go cry to your MAGA cult. Go Ladies!

  7. Beverly March 6, 2025 at 15:47 - Reply

    What is available for widows of Veterans? My husband was a Purple Heart recipient for the Korean War. Although we were 18 yrs. in age difference, our 35 yrs. together was wonderful. I do not get widows benefits. Is there anything else I can look into for financial support?

  8. Eric March 6, 2025 at 14:17 - Reply

    What about the veteran men interested in the entrepreneurial program? This DEI sexism at its finest.

    • Rachael Chandler March 8, 2025 at 07:01 - Reply

      There are separate programs for veterans that are not centered around women. My husband just completed an entrepreneurship class through the VA.

  9. Paul Desillier March 6, 2025 at 13:54 - Reply

    Why just women and spouses. This program seems sexist. I am starting a new business and could use some advice but cannot get help because I am a male????????

    • Rachael Chandler March 8, 2025 at 07:02 - Reply

      There are separate programs for veterans that are not centered around women. My husband just completed an entrepreneurship class through the VA.

  10. Regina Washington March 6, 2025 at 13:24 - Reply

    This is wonderful. Thank you for the information.

  11. Namenotrequired March 5, 2025 at 23:14 - Reply

    So anyone who isn’t a white male. Got it. That’s definitely not racist or sexist.

    • True Veteran March 7, 2025 at 10:05 - Reply

      Tell me you’re racist without saying I’m racist ^^^

    • Rachael Chandler March 8, 2025 at 07:02 - Reply

      There are separate programs for veterans that are not centered around women. My husband just completed an entrepreneurship class through the VA.

  12. Philip Forsberg March 5, 2025 at 23:14 - Reply

    Thanks for minimizing the contribution of men in the service of their country. We never faced the hardships that women faced in military service, and for our luxury and safety in serving, we should be disadvantaged. Keep up the great work making America’s hero feel like something stuck to the bottom of the taxpayer’s shoe. If you were NGO, you would be in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

    • Daniel Bradshaw March 8, 2025 at 07:05 - Reply

      Buddy, you need to get the VA newsletter or read it better they have VA programs and classes for small business all the time. I have taken them. This is one of the first I have seen that was just for women.

  13. Brian March 5, 2025 at 20:53 - Reply

    This gender bias program is in violation of POTUS EO.

    • Brian March 10, 2025 at 15:27 - Reply

      So…..programs can only exist if it calls out white men as benefiting. We benefit from every opportunity out there every day of the week. Quit complaining.

  14. JoAnn Chumley March 5, 2025 at 19:36 - Reply

    I am a spouse Of a disability husband do you have any classes on chair exercises? I’m not able to go exercise. Would love to have a free class.

  15. Paula Payne March 5, 2025 at 19:20 - Reply

    What about entrepreneur programs with a focus on women veterans needing spiritual care and counseling?

  16. Casey Cameron March 5, 2025 at 18:25 - Reply

    This is stupid!!

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