Veterans Entrepreneurship Program at UTC

04/09/2026

We're at the Charlotte Veterans Job Fair at the Bojangles Entertainment Complex until 3 p.m. today. Stop by to learn about our free business training for Veteran entrepreneurs.

Applications for our 2026 cohort close on April 30. Learn more at utc.edu/VEP.

11/20/2025

The Military Times has again ranked The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga as one of the 'Best for Vets' universities. More than 15% of UTC's enrollment has military connected students from veterans to active duty personnel. UTC is committed to support veterans by ensuring they have the resources that can support them and their families.

Read the blog to learn more.
https://blog.utc.edu/news/2025/11/utc-recognized-among-nations-best-veteran-supporting-universities-by-military-times/

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga has again been recognized by Military Times as one of the nation’s top universities for veterans and military-connected students. UTC placed second among Tennessee institutions and is the only university in the state recognized for offering both tradition...

11/13/2025

We helped sponsor UTC's military appreciation game last weekend, and what a turn out! We reconnected with some of our graduates, lecturers and advisors, and met some new folks as well. During the game, we honored Katrina Craven for her support of the program over the last 12 years. If you've been around VEP in any capacity, you've probably interacted with Katrina and benefited from her wisdom. During halftime, Sandy Cordell and Bret Moldenhauer visited the radio booth to talk about VEP, its impact, and how to get involved.

It was a day to remember. Thanks to everyone who came out — familiar faces and new friends. We're grateful for all your support!

Applications are open for our next cohort of the Veterans Entrepreneurship Program. Learn more or apply today! https://www.utc.edu/gary-w-rollins-college-of-business/outreach-programs/national-veterans-entrepreneurship-program

11/11/2025

Today we honor our veterans, the men and women who served our country -- past, present, and future. We appreciate your sacrifice and your courage, and we know our country is better because of you. Thank you.

As veterans, we understand the transition from military to civilian life can be a bit of a culture shock. If you're planning to launch a business, let us partner with you to get it off the ground. You'll have the camaraderie of other veteran entrepreneurs and the expertise of industry professionals -- all for free. Applications are open for the 2026 cohort of the Veterans Entrepreneurship Program. Watch the video below to hear from the class of 2025 or visit our website to learn more: https://www.utc.edu/gary-w-rollins-college-of-business/outreach-programs/national-veterans-entrepreneurship-program

10/28/2025

We're proud to sponsor the UTC Military Appreciation football game on Nov. 8 against Furman. Join us at our tailgate for food, fun and camaraderie as we salute our heroes.

Veterans get into the game for free with a military ID. We also have a limited number of general admission tickets available to others in your party. Use this link to reserve tickets and let us know if you're coming to the tailgate: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/jaf7vqc/lp/8c2ffe7f-d2fb-49ec-a763-2074ba9dca36

10/07/2025

Today is Mocs Give Day! Your gift—no matter the size—helps us continue empowering veteran business owners through the VEP. Use the link below and select Rollins College of Business from the "Select area of support" dropdown. Then select Veterans Entrepreneurship Fund.

Thank you in advance for standing with our veterans and supporting their entrepreneurial journeys.

Join me in giving to UTC on Mocs Give Day!

09/29/2025

Tennessee Hospitality & Tourism Association recently named Paul Whitten the General Manager of the Year. This award recognizes Paul's contributions to the state's growing tourism industry.

As a graduate of our 2023 VEP cohort and 2025 VEP 2.0 cohort, we're thrilled to see his success at Nashville Adventures.

Read more here:

Read More event Musicians Corner: Fall Series Nashville's beloved free concert series, will return this fall with a five-week season of live music in Centennial Park, with performances from 38 multi-genre artists. The family-friendly and pet-friendly festival will also continue to bring together a v...

08/20/2025

We love to see our people crushing it. Kristi completed our VEP and VEP 2.0 programs, and she's changing the game in the beauty industry with Kinky Rootz Salon the Home of Queen of Kinks Natural Hair Essentials. Read her featured article in Canvas Rebel.

We were lucky to catch up with Kristi Mefford recently and have shared our conversation below. Kristi, thanks for taking the time to share

08/18/2025

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga was selected as a Top Yellow Ribbon School by the U.S. Veterans Magazine. We're proud to be part of this university, and we're thrilled for all the veteran entrepreneurs who have excelled through our program. The article says it best, "Go Mocs! Go Vets!"

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga has been named a Top Yellow Ribbon School by U.S. Veterans Magazine, earning national recognition for its support of military-connected students. The honor puts UTC in select company nationwide. It also puts something else in focus: the people and programs....

07/28/2025

We just completed our 14th year of the Veterans Entrepreneurship Program and it was an absolute blast!

Veterans from across the country joined us to develop bold, innovative business ideas. From high-energy networking sessions to expert advising and a pitch competition, the week was packed with growth, collaboration and entrepreneurial spirit.

We’re proud to be part of their journey and can’t wait to see what’s next!

A huge thank you to our presenting sponsor, Walden Security, and everyone who helped make this transformative week possible.

07/23/2025

We’re halfway through VEP Boot Camp and our entrepreneurs have been immersed in expertise in finance, business models, operations, marketing, sales, and more. We also got to tour the INCubator Chattanooga and network with advisors from the local business community.

Thanks to Walden Security, and all our sponsors and donors, for making this free program possible for this stellar group of veteran entrepreneurs.