The Connecticut Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation (CCEI) is proud to present the 14 veterans and military spouses selected to participate in our annual Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans program (EBV).
Offered in three phases, EBV provides veterans with the skills necessary to successfully launch and grow a new business. Through online coursework, an intense on-campus experience, and 12 months of ongoing support and mentorship, veterans learn how to examine business feasibility, write business plans, raise capital, attract customers, develop a marketing strategy, and create collaborations in their communities. Participants spend their time on campus in classes and breakout sessions, hearing from industry professionals about best practices.
EBV is offered at no cost to participants and delivers cutting-edge training in entrepreneurship and small-business management needed to pursue their dream of owning a business.
The veterans will arrive on campus Saturday, August 3rd, and graduate by Saturday, August 10th.
Since the 2017-18 academic year, EBV has also engaged a small number of vital military spouses. If an accepted applicant has a military spouse who plans to work on the business with them, EBV invites that person to attend, and they receive a certificate from the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans’ Families (EBV-F).
This year’s class of 10 men and four women represent nine states, with students traveling from as far as California and Florida. Participants represent all branches of the military, having served in the U.S. Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Army, and Coast Guard.
To learn more about EBV, please visit ebv.business.uconn.edu.
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2024 EBV Cohort:
James A. Bullock
Army
US Airsoft Targets, LLC (USAT) delivers high-quality steel targets to use with airsoft guns as a viable way to improve shooting skills without the investment in expensive, live ammo. Great for LEO, Government Agencies and Civilian Organizations. Have fun in the backyard and get educated on gun safety in a safe environment.
Rena Bullock
Military Spouse
Co-owner of US Airsoft Targets, LLC (USAT).
Sean R. Cecchini
Coast Guard
The Dog Bone LLC makes all-natural dog treats and accessories using only the finest and freshest ingredients. Organic, non-GMO, and no preservatives or fillers added EVER!
Jacquelyn C. Cecchini
Military Spouse
Co-owner of The Dog Bone LLC.
Christopher David Connelly
Marine Corps
CMB Circuits LLC launched in 2023 with the goal of providing high-quality circuit board manufacturing and repairs to federal and state agencies, and other public and private corporations.
Malaysia H. Harrell
Air Force
Blissful Life Consulting LLC empowers individuals and communities through transformative mindset coaching and holistic wellness practices. Their approach integrates clinical expertise with spiritual wisdom, guiding clients through a journey of healing from past traumas, overcoming limiting beliefs, and discovering their true purpose.
Vincent J. Knowles II
Army
Lights, Camera, Action Barbershop and Salon LLC aims to provide the community with a one-stop shop for all their hairstyling needs.
Brian Lance
Navy
Aiming to launch a bakery incorporating teaching, consulting, and a replicable production bakery with a café.
Anthony D. League
Army
Three Nautical Miles LLC specializes in graphic design, along with brand and product consulting.
Radu Nedelcu
Army
Mr. Handyman® provides handyman and remodeling services for homeowners and commercial locations.
Heine Nzumafo
Army
QueueSlot brings flexibility to appointment-scheduling through a patent-pending solution. With QueueSlot, every appointment timeslot has a wait queue so that after attendees book a primary appointment, they may book multiple alternate appointments as backup, or join a wait queue. If they cannot make their appointment, someone in the wait queue fills the slot and without rebooking, they are considered for their alternate slot, thereby eliminating rescheduling for both hosts and attendees.
Eric M. Robinson
Navy
Patriot Prime Contracting LLC is dedicated to providing a wide range of information technology (IT) products and services for both state and federal government agencies, as well as empowering technology-driven growth for private sector small businesses.
Tameka Rushing
Air Force
Glass Half Full Solutions LLC empowers clients to take ownership in leadership roles to reach their full potential through meaningful goal setting, positive mindset development, effective accountability, and life coaching.
David Zapet-Castillo
Marine Corps
Castle Compliance is a premier consulting firm dedicated to providing comprehensive environmental health and safety (EHS) compliance services to businesses across various industries.