PenFed Foundation Launches May 2025 Veteran Entrepreneur Program to Support Veteran Businesses

Empowering Veteran Entrepreneurs: The Announcement of the May 2025 Cohort

The PenFed Foundation for Military Heroes has recently announced the launch of its May 2025 cohort for the Veteran Entrepreneur Program, a national initiative focused on supporting military veterans as they transition to successful business practices. Following the fruitful outcome of the March 2025 cohort, the program is designed to enhance the prospects of veteran-owned companies through a combination of in-person seminars and virtual sessions.

Program Overview

The upcoming cohort kicks off with a three-day seminar held in Tysons, Virginia, which is then followed by an extensive six-week virtual learning experience. The program aims to foster a sense of community among veteran entrepreneurs by providing networking opportunities, insightful roundtable discussions, and mentorship from industry experts. Topics covered in this enriching program include essential aspects of business development, marketing strategies, legal challenges, effective communications, strategic planning, and pitching to investors.

Brig. Gen. Terry Williams, the Director of the Veteran Entrepreneur Program and a retired U.S. Marine Corps officer, expressed his enthusiasm for the cohort, stating, "As we embark on the May 2025 cohort, our commitment to elevating the accomplishments of veteran-led enterprises remains unwavering. With the inherent synergies between military training and entrepreneurial success, we aim to bolster this thriving community as we plan for a subsequent cohort in August 2025."

Features of the Program

A standout feature of the Veteran Entrepreneur Program is its zero-cost model for military founders; the PenFed Foundation does not take equity stakes in the companies involved. This structure exemplifies the organization’s commitment to empowering veterans without any financial constraints. The cohort aims to connect veteran entrepreneurs from diverse industries under one roof, encouraging collaboration and innovation.

Meet the Cohort Members

The May 2025 cohort brings together a dynamic group of entrepreneurs. Here are a few notable highlights:
1. TyrSight Intelligence: Co-founded by U.S. Army veteran Ian Yee and U.S. Air Force veteran Jon Andresen, this technology firm specializes in open-source intelligence. Their flagship product, TyrBrief, integrates AI tools to help organizations tackle threats effectively.
2. Career PCS: This innovative platform, co-founded by Navy veteran Kathy Borkoski and Army veteran Andrew Towers, streamlines military-to-civilian career transitions, promising significant cost savings for companies while providing smoother paths for service members into civilian roles.
3. Crewdogs: An online community marketplace started by Air Force veteran Adam Hill, Crewdogs focuses on connecting the military community with trusted accommodations for both vacations and government travel.
4. Castlelock Corporation: Co-founded by Air National Guard veteran Shaun Tanaka, Castlelock champions firearm safety with advanced biometric technology.
5. VetScore: With a mission to simplify the VA disability claim process for veterans, co-founders Nelson Rouleau and Rob Smith leverage AI to enhance accuracy and efficiency in claims management.
6. Palm: Founded by Air Force veteran David Brown-Dawson, Palm is a career intelligence platform that provides professionals with performance insights and management tools.
7. Sciencella: This healthtech firm co-founded by Army veteran Tom Coyle is dedicated to combating diet-related diseases through advanced nutritional monitoring technology.
8. Tacet: A venture by Navy veteran Peter Sobotta, Tacet’s platform helps DTC brands maximize their customer data for improved marketing outcomes and cost efficiency.

Past Achievements and Forward Vision

Since its inception in 2018, the Veteran Entrepreneur Program has accelerated more than 120 military founders, facilitating access to several million dollars in startup funding, establishing a robust network of stakeholders, and offering invaluable mentorship. The PenFed Foundation’s efforts, bolstered by collaborations with investors, demonstrate a longstanding commitment to bolstering the entrepreneurial spirit within the veteran community.

To learn more about the PenFed Foundation for Military Heroes and its initiatives, please visit PenFed Foundation.

In conclusion, the May 2025 Veteran Entrepreneur Program signifies an important step in empowering veteran entrepreneurs, providing them with the tools and networks essential for success in the business world. Representatives from the PenFed Foundation remain deeply committed to this cause, ensuring that veterans not only transition to civilian life but thrive in their new ventures.