LAWRENCE -- Military veterans who are looking for a second career as entrepreneurs can go through a boot camp of a different kind this summer that will help them get their businesses off the ground.
For the third year in a row, Rider University's Center for Entrepreneurial Studies is offering a free, nine-week program to help veterans develop a business plan for a new idea or an existing venture they may have.
The classes, which cover topics like market research, business plans, operations and financial management, are run in two phases. In the first phase, participants will develop a business concept and if approved, will move onto a second phase to create the plan.
Following the completion of the program, veterans will receive one year of mentoring.
"We will continue the successful mentor concept of having them establish a relationship with the veterans during the classroom portion of the program, which will help them as they work with the veterans during the following year," said Ronald Cook, the center's director.
The Veteran Entrepreneurship Training Program was made possible by $50,000 from Grand Bank, $10,000 from the New Jersey Bankers Education Foundation and $5,000 each from law firm Saul Ewing LLP and accounting firm Wilkin & Guttenplan, P.C.
"This is a distinctive and especially valuable opportunity for our veterans and we are so grateful that (Grand Bank CEO and President) Mark Wolters shares our vision of helping foster veterans' personal and professional growth through entrepreneurial training," Cook said.
The class is limited to 20 students, but spaces are still available. Those interested can apply online at rider.edu/entrepreneurship. The deadline is May 6.
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