West Virginia University is now offering a new option for military personnel or veterans who have served their country, an option that provides entrepreneurial business education.
Current or discharged military personnel can develop their entrepreneurial skills starting this summer, as WVU’s College of Business and Economics offers its first-ever Veteran’s Entrepreneurship Essentials program.
Major General James A. Hoyer, The Adjutant General, State of West Virginia, said the program fits into the economic plans of Joint Forces Headquarters for the state.
“West Virginia National Guard looks forward to working with West Virginia University and the BrickStreet Center to create opportunities for veterans to create small businesses and provide opportunities for the expansion of our state’s economy,” said Maj. Gen. Hoyer. “This fits perfectly in our organizational vision of creating opportunities for West Virginia.”
The program will run from May 13 through August 6, and was developed through B&E’s BrickStreet Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. The online hybrid course has two on-campus residencies, the first of which will be held May 13-14 at Camp Dawson with Major General James A. Hoyer, Adjutant General of West Virginia. Program participants will have the opportunity to develop a business plan that spans both WVUsummer sessions, and their final business plans will be presented at the final residency August 5-6.
“Veterans Entrepreneurship Essentials will start with the foundations of entrepreneurship and cover topics that are important to know when you’re working at a business or looking to start a business,” said Steven Cutright, director of the BrickStreet Center. “Topics will range from building a solid strategic plan to crafting a winning business plan, and from building a powerful marketing plan to creating a successful financial plan. This program is a great opportunity for currently serving military personnel or those who have been discharged to learn business essentials they can use for the rest of their lives.”
Those participating in the program can have a high school diploma or equivalent, and do not have to be currently enrolled at a college or university. A certificate of completion will be awarded to participants at the conclusion of the program, as well as credit toward an undergraduate or MBA degree.
For more information on the program, visit http://www.be.wvu.edu/cie/veterans-entrep-essentials.htm.
