KENNESAW, Ga. | Sep 22, 2025

KSU’s Coles College of Business partners with Syracuse University to launch the STRIVE Program, an eight-week program aimed at empowering military families to achieve entrepreneurial success.

Kennesaw State University and the Coles College of Business are proud to introduce and recognize the Startup Training Resources to Inspire Veteran Entrepreneurship (STRIVE) program, an initiative that equips military and veteran students and spouses with the tools and resources to grow successful businesses.

Originally developed by Syracuse University’s Institute for Veterans and Military Families, STRIVE has helped to train more than 70,000 military and veteran entrepreneurs. STRIVE exists to open the door to economic opportunity for veterans and military family members. 
“STRIVE is designed as a mini accelerator where veterans learn by doing,” said Steve Phelan, director of the program. “Each week, they are introduced to a new topic, apply it directly to their business development, and report back to their team. Participants move at their own pace, with the only expectation being forward motion each week. Four of the eight weeks feature veteran subject matter experts who share practical insight from their own experience.”

This free, three-phase program is open to veterans, active-duty military, National Guard, reservists, and military spouses. Participants benefit from targeted training, access to local and national networks, guidance on business planning and marketing, and opportunities to pitch their ideas through weekly classes at the HatchBridge Incubator. Located at the new facility at 1111 Chastain Road, the HatchBridge Incubator provides a collaborative space where local entrepreneurs experiment, launch and grow their businesses.  
For many participants, STRIVE is already making an impact.  

“I came all the way from McDonough to participate in the STRIVE program because I wanted to challenge myself and invest in my future as a veteran entrepreneur,” said Jennifer Smith, a Navy and Air Force veteran. “STRIVE is helping me not just dream about owning a business but actually take the steps to make it a reality.” 

Veteran Grover Henry echoed that enthusiasm. “Veterans, this is it. STRIVE is rocket fuel for entrepreneurs.” 
Nineteen participants are currently enrolled in the program, further demonstrating the demand and value of military and veteran-focused programming in Georgia.  

KSU’s commitment to military and veteran-student success extends even further than STRIVE. The university has been recognized as a Military Friendly® School by VIQTORY,  a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business. It continues to serve as a comprehensive hub of resources for service members, veterans, and dependents through the Department of Military and Veterans Services. The department supports students in achieving their academic goals through programming and events, like STRIVE, that build careers beyond graduation.  

For more information on STRIVE, check out the webpage within Coles College. Check out Military and Veterans Services for upcoming events and programming specifically for military and veteran students and their dependents.  

Story by Ashlynn Gates