AUSTIN – The Texas Veterans Commission announced today that it is accepting applications for the inaugural Veteran Entrepreneur Academy. The Veteran Entrepreneur Academy is a 120-day program followed by a two-year mentorship with the Texas Veterans Commission designed to provide Veteran Entrepreneurs with a strong foundation in small business basics.
“The Academy is the next step for the Veteran Entrepreneur Program and builds on the incredible success of the program to date,” said Thomas Palladino, Texas Veterans Commission Executive Director. “By virtue of their unique military experience, Veterans have already demonstrated that with the right training, they can overcome any obstacle. The Veteran Entrepreneur Academy is structured to provide a higher level of training for business.”
To facilitate the launch of these Veteran-owned enterprises, the Texas Veterans Commission has partnered with PeopleFund, an Austin based nonprofit business lender, to provide start-up or growth capital to graduates. Active duty and honorably discharged Veterans or their spouses who complete the training will receive a Certificate of Completion and are eligible for up to a $35,000 loan at a fixed interest rate of five percent, though some restrictions apply. PeopleFund is passionately committed to the success of Texas Veteran-owned businesses.
“We are very enthusiastic to advance our relationship with the Texas Veterans Commission’s Veteran Entrepreneur Program and this new initiative,” says Gary Lindner an Air Force Veteran and President of PeopleFund. “Our partnership with the Veteran Entrepreneur Program over the past 24 months has been superb. Veterans who complete the Veteran Entrepreneur Academy program elevates the relationship to a new level of excellence.”
Applications to the first class of the Veteran Entrepreneur Academy are currently being accepted through Jan. 26, 2015. Classes begin in Austin on Feb. 28, 2015, and end May 9, 2015. Only complete applications will be considered and applicants must attend all onsite and online classes to be certified and qualify for the $35,000 loan. To learn more about the Veteran Entrepreneur Program or to apply for the Military Veteran Entrepreneur Academy, please visit the Texas Veteran Commission’s Veteran Entrepreneur webpage at http://www.tvc.texas.gov/Entrepreneur-Program.aspx.