GVSU launches entrepreneur accelerator for veterans

Studies show veterans are 45 percent more likely to be self-employed than those with no military experience.

Grand Valley State University has established the Michigan Veteran Entrepreneur-Lab (MVE-Lab), a new outreach program designed to give veteran entrepreneurs the know-how, resources and network to start or grow a company in the region.

The program is being led by Grand Valley's Richard M. and Helen DeVos Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation in the Seidman College of Business, in partnership with the GVSU Veterans Network.

"MVE-Lab is an intensive and accelerated program designed for veterans and military-connected families that combines instruction and hands-on learning with mentorship, networking and access to funding," said Julie Cowie, MVE-Lab program manager.

Michigan has some of the highest unemployment rates in the country for veterans (16.2 percent for those between the ages of 18-24).

The program begins with a two-day ideation boot camp August 23 and 24. Up to 15 participants will be selected for an accelerated nine-session course beginning in September which includes being paired with mentors. An MVE-Lab Pitch Night will be held in November. The MVE-Lab is free to veterans who are selected for the program.

"We know that many people with military experience prefer self-employment," said Shorouq Almallah, director of the Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation. "Through rigorous and supportive entrepreneurship education, MVE-Lab will help veterans launch a new business in about three months." 

Grand Valley has been recognized by GIJOBS.com, Military Advanced Education, and Military Times for exemplary support of veterans. The university has also been awarded Gold status for the past three years by the Michigan Veteran Affairs Agency. Grand Valley has a TRIO Veterans Upward Bound program which serves low-income, first-generation veterans from Kent, Ottawa, Muskegon and Allegan counties. 

To register for MVE-Lab, visit www.gvsu.edu/mve. For more information contact Julie Cowie at (269) 214-1227.