The Connecticut Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation (CCEI) is proud to present the 23 veterans and military spouses selected to participate in our annual Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans (EBV) program!
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.
The 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 Sunday, August 3rd, and graduate by Saturday, August 9th.
Since the 2017-18 academic year, EBV has 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 program is also engaging three active-duty members of the National Guard.
This year’s cohort of 13 men and 10 women reside in 11 different states, with seven students from Connecticut. Participants represent four branches of the military, having served in the U.S. Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Army.
To learn more about EBV, visit ebv.business.uconn.edu.
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2025 EBV Cohort:
Matthew Arny
Navy
Growingly is a business dedicated to helping nonprofits, local businesses, and government entities thrive. We specialize in tailored solutions for strategy, development, and digital transformation, with a focus on operational excellence, diversifying revenue streams, and delivering measurable impact. We bring decades of experience and a passion for fostering growth, creating opportunities, empowering the economic vitality of rural and local communities, and making a lasting difference in the communities we serve.
Samar Arny
Military Spouse
CEO & Founder of Growingly.
David Bezerra
Air National Guard
OpsSalute LLC specializes in custom UV-printed and laser-engraved military-themed farewell gifts and memorabilia currently focused on serving the military and government community with high-quality, personalized products.
Kyle Brodwater
Navy
Brodwater Defense Technologies, LLC is a government contracting company focused on submarine electronic warfare and imaging systems — built around technical excellence, clear communication, and a team culture that values performance and purpose.
Michael Brown
Army
ThirdSpace Arcade Lounge is a vibrant community hub created to serve as a gathering place for gamers, artists, musicians, poets, and other creatives. It is an inclusive and welcoming space with a low barrier to entry — where people from all walks of life connect, collaborate, and host or participate in events that reflect the rich diversity and talent of the local community.
Shawn Carey
Army National Guard
SBN Properties plans to transform existing rental properties into a thriving, professionally managed real estate business.
Melissa Haight
Air Force
KALA Ayurveda, LLC is an integrative wellness space that offers massage, (private) yoga, and Ayurvedic wellness counseling. Approaching health through a bio-psycho-social-spiritual holistic compass, Ayurveda understands that the physical body cannot be separated from the mind & heart.
James Johnson
Army
J & G Solutions is a certified small business specializing in construction, electrical, mechanical, and security contracting services.
Gabrielle Juba
Marine Corps
Juba Forensics PLLC is a CPA firm focused on forensic accounting to help get justice for those who need it the most and protect others’ financial assets.
Kevin Lambert
Army
Eagle Eye Consulting & Training specializes in organizational development, strategic planning, assessments, and change management. We deliver tailored workshops designed to foster wellness, growth, and professional development across diverse industries, including military and veteran services, law enforcement, healthcare, higher education, and related fields.
Jason “Buzz” Lewis
Army National Guard
Window Gang of Venice is a veteran-owned franchise providing eco-conscious exterior cleaning services to residential and commercial clients across Sarasota, DeSoto, and Charlotte counties. With a focus on professionalism, reliability, and community impact, the business blends trusted national brand systems with local, personalized service — offering pressure washing, window cleaning, and soft washing to protect and enhance Florida’s coastal homes and businesses.
Kristi Morris
Army
Magnolia Soap & Bath Company is a franchise that makes plant-based, locally made, skin, bath, and laundry care products, with a side of Southern charm.
Madeleine Nichols
Air Force
Tallow House LLC is a non-toxic food and wellness brand launching with a breakfast burrito as the flagship product.
Michael Palladini
Army
Tap That Vending reimagines coffee culture through smart vending machines and curated experiences. Our sleek, user-friendly Nitro Cold Brew machines are designed to create shared experiences, transforming businesses, events, and gatherings into hubs of energy, creativity, and connection.
Crawford “Cole” Paulk
Navy
Secure Watch Financial delivers clear, disciplined wealth strategies and financial education through trusted partnerships. Built on experience serving the military community, our approach emphasizes integrity, accountability, and strategic growth. We support individuals, families, and businesses as they navigate financial decisions with confidence.
Maurice Porter
Air Force
Impact Media Group affords faith leaders an opportunity to create and share content in a state-of-the-art environment without having the fiscal responsibility and burdens of high-cost production.
Redinno Randell-Vaden
Navy
VRD Construction LLC is a demolition construction company specializing in large-scale demolition projects within the commercial and industrial sectors focused on delivering services that prioritize safety, environmental responsibility, and operational excellence.
Danielle “Dani” Sheppard
Army
HIGHWATER Collection is a fashion brand built exclusively for tall women. We design with intention. Creating pieces that honor height, style, and presence. Because tall isn’t just how you’re built — it’s how you show up. At HIGHWATER, standing tall should look just as powerful as it feels.
Keshia Washington
Air Force
EliteSource Strategies is a career services and consulting firm specializing in job placement, recruitment, interview preparation, and security clearance advisement.
Kesha Wilson
Army
SMARTER Compliance & Advocacy provides non-attorney representation before administrative agencies, compliance consulting, and hands-on support that helps mission-driven clients strengthen their operations, develop effective compliance strategies, improve regulatory readiness, and grow sustainably.
Michael Worshim
Army
W4W Hospitality is a family venture with a shared vision to become owner-operators of nationally recognized franchise brands not yet available in North Alabama, bringing fresh options and new energy to the local hospitality landscape.
Ayanna Wright
Navy
Marlei Jeray Drinks is a mobile bartending service in the Connecticut area with the ultimate goal to open an event space in addition to mobile service in an effort to create experiential learning opportunities for young adults and college students interested in hospitality work.
Jillian Zambon
Navy
Crystal River Yoga is a community center for holistic wellness, mindful living, and authentic connection. Guided by our motto—“Yoga for Everyone” — we offer over 20+ weekly classes, from Introduction & Gentle Flow to Hot Vinyasa, Yin, Restorative, Senior Yoga, Yoga Nidra, and even specialized low-impact fitness options to sculpt, tighten, and tone.