Veteran Entrepreneur Program
About Us
Since 2018, the Veteran Entrepreneur Program has supported 100+ military founders. Through the PenFed Foundation and its network of investors, mentors, and subject matter experts, alumni founders have accessed several million dollars in startup capital, grown a network of key stakeholders, and received invaluable mentorship from industry experts.
What We Offer
What Differentiates Us?
- Four Cohorts Annually
- Three-Day, In-Person Seminars
- Six Weekly Virtual Sessions
- One-on-One Mentoring
- Exclusive Pitch Day Competition with Cash Prizes
- Access to an Extensive Network & Support
The Veteran Entrepreneur Program is offered at no cost to founders, we cover all travel expenses, and we take zero equity in companies. Our core mission is to elevate veteran founders.
Who Should Apply?
Ideal candidates are early-stage companies positioned for scalability and rapid growth. Apply now if you are a Veteran or military spouse founder or co-founder.
Testimonials
What's exciting about it is the connection to the military that everyone has. Everyone's a veteran, everyone has some sort of experience and background in military service. It's like-minded people that really, I believe, improve our creativity, thought, and focus as we go through the journey.
The PenFed Foundation's Veteran Entrepreneurship Program has been instrumental to MyHome. We are incredibly grateful for their commitment to veteran-led businesses like ours.
Leadership
Terry Williams, Program Director
Terry served in the U.S. Marine Corps for 32 years, attaining the rank of Brigadier General. During his time in the Corps, he commanded all levels and served in numerous staff assignments around the world. After retiring from the Marine Corps in 2019, Terry started Van Williams LLC, a consulting film specializing in Facilities Management, Logistics Innovation, and Executive Coaching before joining PenFed Credit Union as Senior Vice President of Global Fixed Assets and The PenFed Foundation as Program Director.
Rachel Miller, Program Manager
Growing up in a military town and having had several family members in the military including her grandfather, who served in the Navy during the Korean War, and a great-grandfather, who served as part of the Navy Seabees during WWII, Rachel is passionate about honoring her family's legacy through her work in helping veterans. Rachel has an extensive and varied career, bringing several years of nonprofit experience and 14 years as an educator to the Foundation. Originally from Shreveport, Louisiana, she now lives in Bella Vista, Arkansas with her husband, two teenagers, yellow lab, and two hilarious cats.
Current Company Portfolio
