#USA #Bentonville #Veteran Entrepreneurship #PenFed Foundation #Military Heroes

The PenFed Foundation's Veteran Entrepreneur Program

In its ongoing mission to assist veterans with their transition into civilian life, the PenFed Foundation for Military Heroes proudly unveiled the February 2026 cohort for its Veteran Entrepreneur Program. This initiative is tailored specifically to meet the needs of veterans and military spouses who are striving to establish their own businesses and make their mark in the entrepreneurial world.

Held in Bentonville, Arkansas, the program consists of four days of in-person training followed by a six-week period of personalized mentorship. The six-week accelerator aims to connect participant companies with valuable industry insights and networking opportunities, enhancing their potential for growth and success.

This pivotal step forward represents PenFed's dedication to supporting veteran entrepreneurship. According to Terry Williams, a retired Brigadier General of the U.S. Marine Corps and the Director of the Veteran Entrepreneur Program, the military community possesses the passion and discipline that are vital for successful entrepreneurship. He emphasizes the importance of their commitment to serving others, stating, "We are proud to support them along their way to success."

The program does not require any payment from participants and does not demand equity in the businesses involved. This approach ensures that the entrepreneurs maintain full ownership while receiving the necessary support for their ventures. Veterans and military spouses interested in joining future cohorts are encouraged to apply through the PenFed Foundation's dedicated platform.

Meet the February 2026 Cohort Participants

The February 2026 cohort consists of several innovative startups led by veterans:

1. 8P3P - Founded by U.S. Army veteran Alapeti "Al" Ware, this education and workforce development company harnesses cognitive science and AI to empower K–12 and adult learners in acquiring essential reasoning skills necessary for today's job market.

2. Gorsage Industries - Established by Navy veterans Kyle Gorsage and Daniel Wise, this enterprise converts hazardous semiconductor waste into pivotal domestic materials, effectively reducing disposal costs by over 80% and diminishing U.S. dependency on foreign supplies.

3. L'Enfant Capital - Navy veteran Ryan McCreadie launched this investment firm using data technology to engage in systematic trading, ensuring responsible investment practices through strict risk controls.

4. MustWants - Founded by Air Force veterans Scott Hayford and spouse Julie Warlick, the platform simplifies the home-buying process for military families, addressing unique relocation challenges.

5. Phineas Labs - This Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business, helmed by Air Force veteran Justin Tullos, focuses on developing safety technologies for first responders, enhancing situational awareness in challenging environments.

6. Ridgeline Elements - Marine Corps veteran Ian Killough founded this company to refine critical minerals, boosting domestic production and reducing reliance on foreign adversaries.

7. SkinAware - Dr. Kevin Phelan, an Air Force veteran and surgeon, aims to improve skin cancer detection accessibility through a smartphone app, prioritizing veterans and underserved communities.

8. Vetavize - This platform, founded by decorated Navy SEAL Anthony Rivera, connects veterans with valuable resources and benefits, fostering a community of support.

9. Yuzi Care - Founded by Army veteran Stephiney Foley, Yuzi Care modernizes postpartum support using a tech-driven model that matches new families with care professionals for comprehensive guidance.

Since its inception in 2018, the Veteran Entrepreneur Program has successfully assisted over 120 military founders. Alumni have gained access to millions in startup capital and have benefited from strategic mentorship and a robust network of support.

About the PenFed Foundation

Founded in 2001, the PenFed Foundation for Military Heroes is dedicated to helping veterans navigate their transition into civilian life. With over $55 million directed towards supporting veterans, active-duty service members, and military families, the foundation stands as a powerful advocate for the military community’s entrepreneurial ambitions. To learn more about their initiatives, visit PenFed Foundation.