Wednesday, Apr 8, 2026
Applications open through May 8
Veterans, their spouses and dependents are invited to apply to Rider’s Veteran Entrepreneurship Training program (VEP), a free, six-week experience to help participants develop the skills needed to develop a business concept or expand an existing venture.
Offered through Rider’s Center for Entrepreneurial Studies, the program is capped at 20 students to ensure participants receive personalized feedback as they develop a business concept and conduct a feasibility analysis. Along with the curriculum, participants have access to Rider’s resources and a business mentor, who will provide specific guidance on their venture idea.
“As the program enters its 13th year, I am continually impressed by the veterans,” says Dr. Ron Cook, professor of entrepreneurship and the instructor for the program. “They are eager to learn, and I’ve seen some successful businesses develop as a result of their efforts in the program. My goal is to show them a process to evaluate their ideas so they can make better business decisions.”
The program benefits from the participation of the Center’s advisory board and alumni, who serve as mentors and provide the support that makes this program powerful.
Rider University is a proud Yellow Ribbon school, continually recognized for its support of veterans and members of the military. Most recently, Rider was ranked No. 21 on the Best Colleges for Veterans - Regional Universities North list by U.S. News & World Report and honored for its support of service members by Colleges of Distinction.
Applications are open now through May 8 unless capacity is reached earlier. The program will meet on Wednesday evenings at Rider University’s campus from 6-9 p.m. from May 13 to June 24 . For more information and to apply, visit rider.edu/vep.