Military veterans and their families looking to trade their uniforms for business suits have a unique opportunity in Mercer County this summer. Rider University has announced that applications are now open for its Veteran Entrepreneurship Training program (VEP), a tuition-free, six-week intensive designed to turn raw business concepts into viable enterprises.
Now entering its 13th year, the program is open to veterans, their spouses, and dependents. Hosted by Rider’s Center for Entrepreneurial Studies, the course provides the foundational tools necessary to launch a startup or scale an existing small business.
To maintain a high level of academic and professional support, the program is strictly capped at 20 participants. This intimate setting allows students to receive one-on-one feedback from instructors and a dedicated business mentor drawn from the Center’s advisory board and alumni network.
“As the program enters its 13th year, I am continually impressed by the veterans,” Dr. Ron Cook, professor of entrepreneurship and program instructor said. “They are eager to learn, and I’ve seen some successful businesses develop as a result of their efforts. My goal is to show them a process to evaluate their ideas so they can make better business decisions.”
Participants will focus on:
- Concept Development: Refining a business idea from a vision to a plan.
- Feasibility Analysis: Utilizing data to determine if a venture is financially sustainable.
- Strategic Decision-Making: Learning the “Rider process” for evaluating market opportunities.
The VEP is part of Rider University’s broader commitment to the military community. A designated Yellow Ribbon school, Rider was recently ranked No. 21 on the U.S. News & World Report list of “Best Colleges for Veterans – Regional Universities North.”
The university’s veteran-centric culture has also earned it accolades from Colleges of Distinction, cementing its reputation as a premier destination for those transitioning from active duty to civilian professional life.
How to apply
The program meets on Wednesday evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Rider’s Lawrenceville campus, running from May 13 through June 24.
- Deadline: Applications are accepted through May 8, or until the 20-student capacity is reached.
- Cost: Free for veterans and their families.
- Apply Online: Interested candidates can visit rider.edu/vep to secure their spot.
