V-WISE
Veteran Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship — a free training program for women veterans, female service members, and military spouses.
Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only and may not reflect recent changes. Always verify with the official source linked below. This is not legal, medical, or financial advice.
What Is V-WISE?
V-WISE (Veteran Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship) is a training program designed specifically for women veterans and female military-connected individuals who are interested in starting or growing a small business. The program is operated by Syracuse University's Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) and funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration.
V-WISE combines online coursework, an intensive in-person conference, and ongoing mentorship to give participants a comprehensive foundation in entrepreneurship. The program is completely free for participants.
Program Phases
Phase 1: Online Coursework
Before the in-person conference, participants complete online coursework covering entrepreneurship fundamentals. This self-paced phase introduces key concepts in business planning, marketing, financial management, and legal considerations for business owners.
Phase 2: Three-Day Conference
The centerpiece of V-WISE is a three-day in-person conference featuring workshops, panel discussions, and hands-on exercises. Topics include business plan development, marketing strategies, financial management, legal considerations, e-commerce, and franchising. Participants also hear from successful women entrepreneurs and industry experts.
Phase 3: Ongoing Mentoring and Support
After the conference, participants receive ongoing mentorship and support through the V-WISE network. This includes connections with experienced women business owners, continued access to IVMF resources, and participation in the V-WISE alumni community.
Who Is Eligible?
- Women veterans of all eras and branches
- Female active-duty service members
- Women in the National Guard and Reserve
- Female spouses and partners of veterans and service members
V-WISE is open to women at any stage of the entrepreneurial journey — whether you have an early idea, are ready to launch, or already own a business and want to grow it.
What You Learn
- Business plan development — How to create a comprehensive, actionable business plan
- Marketing — Strategies for building your brand and reaching customers
- Financial management — Budgeting, cash flow, pricing, and funding options
- Legal considerations — Business structure, licensing, intellectual property, and compliance
- E-commerce — Selling products and services online
- Franchising — Evaluating franchise opportunities as a business model
Cost and Networking
Cost: FREE. V-WISE is provided at no cost to eligible participants. Travel, lodging, and meals during the three-day conference are typically covered by the program.
Networking: One of the most valuable aspects of V-WISE is the connections you make. The program brings together participants from across the country and connects them with successful women business owners, mentors, and the broader IVMF network. Many participants cite the networking and community as the most impactful part of the experience.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted online through the IVMF website. The program runs multiple cohorts per year, so there are several opportunities to participate. Each cohort has a limited number of seats.
Visit the V-WISE program page on the IVMF website to check upcoming cohort dates and submit your application.
Things to Watch Out For
- Competitive admission. V-WISE cohorts have limited seats and applications can be competitive. Apply early when a new cohort is announced to improve your chances of acceptance.
- Education and mentorship, not a grant. V-WISE is a training and mentorship program — it does not provide funding, grants, or capital for your business. It teaches you how to start and grow a business and connects you with resources that can help, but you will need to secure funding separately.
- Commitment required. The program involves online coursework, a multi-day in-person conference, and ongoing engagement. Make sure you can commit the time before applying.