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STRIVE, a free entrepreneurship training program for veterans, reserve and National Guard members, is taking applications for a course that begins Sept. 19.  

East Tennessee State University is the second institution in the nation to host a STRIVE program thanks to a partnership with Syracuse University’s Institute for Veterans and Military Families, also known as IVMF. 

“If you’re a veteran with entrepreneurial aspirations, this is your chance to gain personalized assistance in developing early-stage businesses or ideas,” said ETSU’s Mark Bays, director of the Tennessee Small Business Development Center.  

The program teaches participants how to launch a business. Following the completion of STRIVE, graduates receive post-program support from the national IVMF network.   

Consisting of online coursework and evening meetings, the class takes place at the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center at Mountain Home. The program is free and lasts eight weeks. 

The university has a long and established history of helping veterans and has secured the respected Military Friendly® designation for more than a decade.   

The deadline to register is Aug. 1. Nationwide, IVMF has assisted more than 70,000 veteran entrepreneurs. 

For additional information and to apply, visit etsu.edu/strive.