About the program
The Center for Entrepreneurial Studies at Rider University offers a free, six-week entrepreneurship training program each summer. This program invites veterans, veteran spouses and dependents of veterans to our Lawrenceville, NJ campus to learn how to start a business or grow an existing one. Students begin by developing a business concept and then exploring the feasibility of that concept.
Class size is limited to 20 students to allow for instructor feedback and individualized attention, which is vital during the development of the business concept and feasibility study. Students will also receive access to Rider University resources, course materials and plenty of feedback. At the conclusion of the program, students have the opportunity to receive one-on-one mentoring from the Uncommon Individual Foundation (UIF).
Interested in pursuing a bachelor's degree?
This program is also available for credit by completing additional coursework. Rider's Office of Veterans and Military Affairs will work with applicants to determine eligibility for veterans benefits.
How to apply
Applications for the summer 2024 cohort are now open through May 16. Space is limited as registration is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. You must be a veteran, veteran spouse or a dependent of a veteran and have a business concept to pursue to be eligible to participate.
Program schedule
The summer 2024 program runs from May 22 to June 26. All classes will meet on Wednesday evenings on our Lawrenceville, NJ campus from 6-9 p.m. All sessions will include some hands-on time to work on your idea. Online research work will also be completed each week.
- Week 1: Business Concept Development and Business Description
- Week 2: Understand the Industry: Industry Structure, Industry Trends, Business Research Skills
- Week 3: Understand Your Customers and Competition: Competitive Analysis, Demographics, Competitive Advantage
- Week 4: How to Gain Customers: Promotions, Pricing, Sales Assumptions and Sales Forecast
- Week 5: What Does It Cost To Fulfill Sales: Supplies, Personnel, Inventory, and All Costs
- Week 6: Can You Make $?: Financials, Cash Flow and Wrap-up
In the news
Our sponsor
This program is made possible through our partnership with New Jersey Bankers Charitable Foundation, who shares our vision of helping foster veterans’ personal and professional growth through entrepreneurial training.
- Veterans Program 2017
Professor
Sweigart Hall
cookr [at] rider.edu
609-895-5522
Academic Focus: Entrepreneurial Studies