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Leadership News Briefs

PenFed Foundation Launches Boot Camp to Empower Women Veteran Entrepreneurs

The six-month accelerator will prepare 100 female veteran entrepreneurs for sustainability and growth in federal and commercial marketplaces. Applications are now open.

The PenFed Foundation, a national 501(c)3 founded by PenFed Credit Union, recently announced a program to launch a Women Veteran Boot Camp Accelerator. Above all, this program intends to educate and empower women veteran-owned, small businesses in the government contracting space. It aims to bring resources together from across the country to create increased access to capital and opportunity.

Empowering women veteran entrepreneurs

The PenFed Foundation’s Veteran Entrepreneur Investment Program (VEIP), will engage established women veteran entrepreneurs with businesses in government contracting. It will provide free, business-focused education sessions, coaching, networking opportunities and access to grants and fellowships during the six-month program.

“We are excited to launch the Government Contractor (GOVCON) Accelerator, while continuing to support women veteran-owned, small businesses and promoting talented military women entrepreneurs,” said PenFed Foundation President and retired U.S. Army Gen. John W. Nicholson, Jr. “Our sponsors and the PenFed Foundation share the goal of creating a business ecosystem that establishes service in the U.S. military as the most reliable pathway to successful entrepreneurship.”

The program will offer class sessions focused on relationship building, product/market analysis, business development and growth preparation. Participants will also meet in small groups and receive coaching from industry leaders from AstraZeneca, Halfaker & Associates, OptumServe and others.

Applications for the program opened May 3, 2021, and can be accessed at www.penfedfoundation.org/veip.

Participants must:

  • Be a female veteran who is VA Center for Verification and Evaluation verified
  • Have three to five years in business
  • Have past performance as a prime contractor or subcontractor within the specified business sectors
  • Be available to attend all sessions

Additional information on the eligibility requirements can be found on the VEIP website.

The first session will begin June 28, 2021, and the program will conclude October 2021 with a pitch competition.

About PenFed Foundation


Founded in 2001, the PenFed Foundation is a national nonprofit organization committed to empowering military service members, veterans and their communities with the skills and resources to realize financial stability and opportunity. It provides service members, veterans, their families, and support networks with the skills and resources they need to improve their lives through programs on financial education, homeownership, veteran entrepreneurship and short-term assistance. Affiliated with PenFed Credit Union, the Foundation has the resources to effectively reach military communities across the nation, build strong partnerships, and engage a dedicated corps of volunteers in its mission. The credit union funds the Foundation’s personnel and most operational costs, demonstrating its strong commitment to the programs the Foundation provides. Equal Housing Opportunity. To learn more, visit www.penfedfoundation.org.

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