#PenFed Foundation #Military Heroes #Veteran Entrepreneur

Supporting Veteran Entrepreneurs

The PenFed Foundation for Military Heroes recently unveiled its November 2026 cohort for the Veteran Entrepreneur Program (VEP), a pivotal initiative aimed at empowering veterans and military spouses during their transition to civilian entrepreneurship. This program, which commenced with a four-day in-person session in the vibrant city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is followed by six weeks of virtual mentorship that connects participants with essential resources and expert guidance.

The VEP is designed to provide veterans and military spouses who are business founders with vital resources, a supportive network, and expert insights that can significantly enhance their entrepreneurial journey. Participants engage with experienced business leaders covering a range of critical topics, including:

• - Financial and Legal Foundations
• - Sales Techniques and Go-to-Market Strategies
• - Effective Storytelling and Investor Pitching

Notable presenters for this cohort include representatives from major institutions such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), renowned law firm Cooley LLP, Sumitomo Corporation of Americas, and Point Park University's Rowland School of Business.

AWS Commitment to Veteran Startups

In a remarkable partnership, AWS committed to providing up to $600,000 yearly in credits aimed at supporting the startups involved in the VEP. This partnership grants cohort members access to AWS Activate, an invaluable program that aids startups in minimizing cloud-related expenses while leveraging technical support and go-to-market resources. The credits can be used for various purposes, including infrastructure, data services, and AI/ML models, allowing veteran founders to innovate and scale their businesses without incurring prohibitive costs.

Terry Williams, retired U.S. Marine Corps Brigadier General and Director of the Veteran Entrepreneur Program, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative by stating, _"Pittsburgh has built its economy on reinvention, and it’s inspiring to watch these founders do the same thing, taking the discipline they built in uniform and turning it into businesses that solve real problems."_

Featured Cohort Companies

The November 2026 cohort features a diverse array of nine startups founded by veterans and military spouses, showcasing innovative solutions across various industries. Here are a few standout companies:

1. 2ndPay
Founded by Marine Corps veteran Johnathan Cardenas, this fintech platform enables businesses to offer more frequent paydays for workers, aiming to revolutionize payment options for hourly contractors and restaurant employees.

2. Ascender Systems
Led by retired Navy pilot Jorge Muñiz, this robotics company develops reusable climbers for various infrastructure monitoring tasks, orchestrating innovative solutions without the need for traditional access equipment.

3. Backyard Banger
Creator Tyler