Going from active duty to civilian life is no small feat. These resources were created for Boston and New England military veterans in mind, to help folks re-adjust back to civilian life, after serving their country, and to help them build a career, small business or startup in the United States.
Below you’ll find accelerators and networking groups that support these military veteran founders, along with a few veteran-founded startups that are definitely worth a look!
As always, if a resource isn’t highlighted below that you think should be - please drop us a note!
Accelerators, Networking Groups and Other Resources for Veteran Founders
Below you’ll find resources that were created for and with United States Military Veteran Founders in mind. These resources are located in Boston and New England. Check them out:
InnoVets
InnoVets is a business accelerator focused on Veteran- and Gold Star Families. This organization provides dedicated resources and opportunities to Veteran and Gold Star entrepreneurs in Massachusetts. This program provides a workspace, events and resources to help veteran entrepreneurs start and scale their startup idea.
VetsinTech - Boston Branch
VetsinTech supports current and returning veterans with reintegration services by connecting them to the local area technology ecosystem. This program provides mentors and mentoring for veterans looking to find their way in tech - bringing together a tech-specific network, resources, and programs for our veterans interested in education, entrepreneurship and employment. Learn more about the Boston Branch.
Bunker Labs - Boston Branch
Bunker Labs supports entrepreneurs from the veteran and military spouse communities. This community provides these folks with the resources and connections they need to grow their business. This organization was also founded by Boston-based veteran and entrepreneur Chris Irving.
Unite Us - New York
Unite Us was founded to improve people’s health and well-being by connecting communities to our technology. In 2013, co-founders Dan Brillman and Taylor Justice set out to serve the people they served with. Seeking to alleviate the problems veterans and their families experienced during the transition back to civilian life, Dan and Taylor designed a solution to eliminate the barriers and inefficiencies in trying to navigate health and social services.
Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC)
The VBOC of New England provides information on small business ownership to service members and military spouses by facilitating and instructing the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Boots to Business, “Introduction to Entrepreneurship” course.
Additionally the VBOC provides counseling, training, technical and financial skill development, comprehensive business assessments and mentoring.These veteran owned businesses may be startups, existing companies focusing on growth and expansion, or planned future acquisitions.
Are we missing something? Drop us a note here and let us know!
Startups Founded By Military Veterans in Boston and New England
Here are a few incredible startups founded by veterans right in the Northeast:
HireJourne
Founded by veteran, Bryan Dyer (who also volunteered at Startup Boston Week 2023!), HireJourne is here to revolutionize the career search. This startup provides you with warm intros to employers in your network.
REEKON Tools
Founded by veteran, Christian Reed, REEKON Tools is the leading wave of power and measurement tool - providing digital measuring for connected jobsites.
Form Energy
Founded by veteran, Ted Wiley, Form Energy (also our 2021 Community Award Winner!) is developing, manufacturing and commercializing a new class of cost-effective, multi-day energy storage systems that will enable a reliable and fully renewable electric grid year-round.
Cumulus Digital Systems
Army veteran, Meghan Devine Golden, founded Cumulus Digital Systems, a connected worker platform that digitizes mission-critical construction and maintenance activities to ensure that work is done right the first time, every time
LJV
Veteran Liseth Velez founded LJV, a solution-based construction management firm that prioritizes collaboration and integrating tech-enabled processes.
School Twist
Veteran JJ Rohrer founded School Twist, an operating system for starting and growing K-8 after-school enrichment classes. Founder of Bunker Labs, Chris Irving, is also joining him in this endeavor.
EXPANSIA
EXPANSIA is a leading consulting firm that helps the government integrate, accelerate, and dominate digital transformation. This firm was founded by veteran, Adam Jarnagin.
BufferSprings
Marine Corps Vet, Rob Arndt, founded BufferSprings, which specializes in crafting tailored military recruitment, retention, and employee engagement programs for organizations deeply committed to their veteran talent strategies.
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