Unlocking Entrepreneurial Potential: The SDVET LaunchPoint Program for Veterans

The journey of entrepreneurship can be both exhilarating and daunting, especially for Veterans transitioning into civilian life. While the phrase “There are benefits out there for Veteran entrepreneurs” is often repeated, the path to leveraging those benefits can feel overwhelming. Questions abound: What should you build? How do you know if your idea is viable? Do you need a formal business plan or funding? Many Veterans find themselves at a standstill, unsure of how to proceed. However, the key to success lies not just in accessing benefits but in identifying the right opportunity.

Introducing SDVET LaunchPoint

To address these challenges, Warrior Rising has developed the SDVET LaunchPoint, a free, four-week virtual course designed specifically for service-disabled Veterans eager to explore business ownership. In partnership with the Small Business Administration, this program serves as a crucial starting point for Veterans looking to turn their entrepreneurial dreams into reality.

What is SDVET LaunchPoint?

SDVET LaunchPoint is more than just a course; it’s a structured environment where Veterans can explore their ideas, test assumptions, and align their interests with viable market opportunities. The program focuses on connecting the dots between:

Interests: What you enjoy doing.
Skills: What you excel at.
Passions: What drives you.

By the end of the course, participants will have a clearer understanding of how these elements can converge into a successful business venture.

Course Structure and Details

The SDVET LaunchPoint course runs from September 18, 2025, to October 9, 2025, with weekly sessions held on Thursdays at 6:00 p.m. ET / 3:00 p.m. PT via Zoom. Each session lasts one hour, providing a focused yet collaborative environment for learning and growth.

Important Dates:

Application Deadline: September 15, 2025
Course Start Date: September 18, 2025
Course End Date: October 9, 2025

What You’ll Learn

The curriculum is designed to build on each week’s lessons, ensuring that by the end of the course, participants will have:

A clear understanding of whether entrepreneurship is the right path for them.
1-2 solid business ideas shaped by their unique experiences.
Insights into their ideal customer and competitive landscape.
A simple model to test the potential of their ideas.
An overview of Warrior Rising and additional resources available for service-disabled Veterans.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the SDVET LaunchPoint program, you must meet the following criteria:

Be a U.S. military Veteran with an honorable discharge.
Have a service-connected disability rating.
Be in the idea or early stage of building a business, or be a current business owner exploring a new direction.
Be ready to learn, build, and take action.

Spouses of qualifying Veterans may also apply, provided they submit the appropriate documentation, including a DD-214 (with SSN blocked) and a current VA disability letter.

How to Apply

Applications for the SDVET LaunchPoint program must be submitted by September 15, 2025. There is no waitlist, and registration for future sessions opens two weeks before the next launch.

About Warrior Rising

Founded in 2015, Warrior Rising is a nonprofit organization built by Veterans for Veterans. The organization has successfully helped thousands of military-connected entrepreneurs start their businesses through real-world training, coaching, and community support. Last cycle, over 1,200 Veterans and military family members applied for the program, highlighting the demand for such resources.

Each session is led by the Warrior Rising team, composed of entrepreneurs with advanced degrees and subject matter expertise. They provide honest feedback, encourage calculated risks, and empower participants to move forward with clarity and confidence.

Conclusion

The SDVET LaunchPoint program represents a unique opportunity for service-disabled Veterans to explore the world of entrepreneurship in a supportive and structured environment. By participating, Veterans can gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to turn their business ideas into reality. Remember, while the sharing of non-VA information does not constitute an endorsement by the Department of Veterans Affairs, it’s essential for Veterans to verify information with the organizations offering these programs. Take the first step towards your entrepreneurial journey—apply for SDVET LaunchPoint today!