Veterans Entrepreneurship Program

2013 VEP Conference dates- February 2th thru 9th, 2013

The Veterans With Disabilities Entrepreneurship Program (VEP) offers cutting edge, experiential training in entrepreneurship and small business management to soldiers, sailors, airmen, members of the coast guard, and marines disabled as a result of their service. The intent of the VEP is to open the door to entrepreneurial opportunity and small business ownership to you, by developing your competencies in the many steps and activities associated with creating and sustaining an entrepreneurial venture, and also by helping you coordinate your efforts with programs and services for veterans and others with disabilities.

2012 VEP Class

Front row (l to r): Climon Mock, Raul Martinez, Arturo Corpuz, II; Adedayo Dada. Second row: Lovay Wallace-Singleton; Donna Sanders; Angela Davis; Theresa Neal; Timothy Kawakami; Ella Speakes; LaTonya Leonard; John Signorino. Third row: Dr. Michael Morris; Charley Phill; Tracy Darrell Pinkston; Christopher Stokes; Vincent Willis; Matthew Gray; Bart Wheeler; Dan Fallon; David Dugas; Michael Case; Jeffrey Brown; Madonna Shannon. Fourth row: Derrick Stiles; Michael Walker; John Purland; Brian Walch; Wesley McBride; Joshua Painter; Vincent Scott; David Peyok; Edward O’Hara; Rene Cota. Back Row: Walter Cross; Gregory Wilson; Wesley Rehorn; Lynden Gwartney; Marshall Huckaby; Steven Tuttle; Brian Beard.

Like a military boot camp, this program is intense, rigorous, and challenging. Building upon key elements of OSU’s comprehensive entrepreneurship curriculum, the program consists of a series of training modules designed to assist you in creating and growing businesses that can be profitable. A team of experienced faculty and successful entrepreneurs will work with you, providing a fun, interactive, and informative experience. They will introduce entrepreneurship ideas and concepts, and show how to apply them to your current or potential business. The VEP program is offered entirely free to qualified veterans accepted into the program. We cover the cost of transport to Stillwater, the on-line and live courses, instructors, books, materials, all food costs, and outings that are part of the program. Participants will also receive 24 Continuing Education Credits from Oklahoma State University Spears School of Business School of Entrepreneurship.

“I just wanted to take a moment to say THANK YOU for all of the hard work that you put in to the VEP Program! My boyfriend, Greg Wilson, is attending this week and we just feel really blessed for him to have had this opportunity. I hope you all know that you are touching the lives of more than just the veterans themselves….it trickles down to the families as well! I can’t express enough the gratitude that is felt for the program and for all of you who make this program possible! We spend a lot of time dealing with the frustrations that go along with other Veteran’s programs…such as the VA….so for Greg to be apart of a program for veterans that really, really works….no hassles but rather genuine concern for and genuine interest in the veteran, is a nice change that is appreciated more than you know. Thank you so very much!!!”

-Tresa Crabtree, VEP 2012

“I can only echo the sentiments of my classmates –this was an INCREDIBLE EXPERIENCE!!! We were treated with such grace and love from everyone who was involved with the program.”

-Melinda Russell, medically retired Army Chaplain 2011 VEP Delegate

“This program game me more useful information in one week than my first six years of college. This ground-level, user-ready, experience-based training that gives the delegate a serious leg up in the business world, especially in the area of starting a business.”

-Chris Redding 2011 VEP Delegate

“This was a tremendous experience for me, and I will utilize the information for many years in growing my businesses. You and your staff were outstanding and I can’t remember ever have a better training experience.”

-Winston E. Dixon, 2010 VEP delegate

“Please give my best to all in the VEP – that was one of the best experiences in my life. While I had thought about and puttered with doing seminars, the VEP taught me the skills needed and provided a motivational push that got me from the left (cruising) lane (doing classes here at the Hospital) to the passing lane!”

-Joe Keary, VEP 2011

Photo by Wright Way Photography

Photo by Genesse Photo