Fall 2026

STRIVE Cohort Two is a free entrepreneurship development program designed for veterans and eligible military-connected participants who are building, launching, or growing a business. Through practical instruction, mentorship, and access to business resources, participants will strengthen their business plans and prepare for long-term growth. Interested candidates will begin by submitting an Expression of Interest, which is the first step in the selection process.

Who Should Apply

STRIVE Cohort Two is designed for veterans and military-connected entrepreneurs who reside in the Atlanta region or operate a business in the area. Eligible participants include:

  • Veterans who were honorably discharged or discharged under honorable conditions
  • Active-duty service members
  • National Guard members
  • Reservists
  • Military spouses
  • Adult child dependents of service members or veterans
  • Caregivers of service members or veterans
  • Life partners of service members or veterans
  • Afghan or Iraqi Special Immigrant Visa recipients

Applicants must have a business idea and be actively working to develop or grow it. The program is especially well-suited for entrepreneurs in the pre-revenue or early stage of business development who would benefit from structured guidance, practical resources, and connections to the veteran business community.

What Participants Will Receive

STRIVE Cohort Two provides accepted participants with practical instruction, business-planning tools, and access to a network of experienced entrepreneurs and advisors. Participants will receive:

  • Hands-on entrepreneurship instruction focused on building and growing a sustainable business
  • Business-planning support through LivePlan
  • Guidance on risk management, marketing, finance, legal considerations, milestones, funding, and pitch development
  • Access to veteran entrepreneurs, KSU faculty, mentors, and community partners
  • Opportunities to refine and present their business concept
  • Connections to local and national veteran-business resources
  • Support and accountability from a peer cohort of military-connected entrepreneurs

The program is designed to help participants strengthen their business plans, make informed decisions, and prepare for the next stage of business development.

Submit a KSU Expression of Interest

The application process begins with a KSU Expression of Interest and is followed by a formal Syracuse University IVMF application for candidates invited to continue.

Step 1: Submit a KSU Expression of Interest

Expressions of Interest will be accepted from August 1 through August 14, 2026.

Apply to Cohort Two

Step 2: KSU Reviews Expressions of Interest

KSU will review all submissions and identify candidates who will be invited to complete the formal IVMF application.

Use language such as “selected to continue” rather than “approved” to avoid suggesting that applicants have already been accepted into the program.

Step 3: Invited Candidates Complete the IVMF Application

Candidates selected to continue will complete the Syracuse University IVMF application between August 15 and August 31, 2026.

The formal application requires additional information and supporting documentation. Complete instructions and a link to the current IVMF application requirements will be provided directly to selected candidates.

Step 4: Final Review and Program Acceptance

Completed applications will undergo final review, and selected participants will be notified of their acceptance on September 1, 2026. Cohort Two will include up to 20 participants. Applicants who are not initially selected may be placed on a waitlist and contacted if space becomes available.

Step 5: Welcome Materials

Accepted participants will receive digital program materials and a welcome letter beginning September 1, 2026.

Step 6: Cohort Two Begins

Cohort Two will begin with a virtual welcome session on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.

Important Dates

Date Milestone
August 1, 2026 Expression of Interest opens
August 14, 2026 Expression of Interest closes
August 15-31, 2026 Invited candidates complete the IVMF application
September 1, 2026 Digital materials and welcome information distributed
September 8, 2026 Virtual welcome session and Cohort Two launch
October 27, 2026 Graduation and venture pitches

Cohort Two Schedule

Cohort Two sessions will be held on Tuesday evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Eastern Time. The opening session will be virtual, and all remaining sessions will be held in person at Kennesaw State University.

Date Topic Format
September 8, 2026 Welcome, Entrepreneurial Mindset, and LivePlan Virtual
September 15, 2026 De-Risking the Business In-Person
September 22, 2026 Marketing: What Works in 2026 In-Person
September 29, 2026 Financial Issues In-Person
October 6, 2026 Legal Issues In-Person
October 13, 2026 Plans and Milestones In-Person
October 20, 2026 Funding and Pitch Preparation In-Person
October 27, 2026 Graduation and Venture Pitches In-Person

Location

Kennesaw State University
1111 Chastain Road NW
Kennesaw, GA 30144

Directions

Attendance

In accordance with IVMF program guidelines, participants must attend at least 85% of the in-person sessions to successfully complete and graduate from the program.

Parking

Parking is available on site. Additional parking and arrival instructions will be provided to accepted participants before the program begins.

Schedule and session details are subject to change.