Veterans Entrepreneurship Program at UTC

10/06/2026

It's Mocs Give Day!

If you feel like you benefitted from the VEP — whether curriculum, community, or a refined business plan — Mocs Give Day is a great opportunity to pay it forward.

Today only, donations go toward unlocking challenge gifts, including matching contributions. Help us continue to provide the best VEP program for future veteran entrepreneurs.

Every dollar helps!
1. Go to give.utc.edu/rollins
2. Choose the Gary W. Rollins College of Business.
3. Select Veterans Entrepreneurship Program
4. Complete the information and submit.

10/02/2026

Congratulations to Dan Spangler, a graduate of our Veterans Entrepreneurship Program (VEP) at UTC, on taking first place and $30,000 in startup funding at the inaugural North Carolina Small Business Center Network Startup Showdown!

Dan's company, Rinse-A-Poo, came out on top of a field of more than 300 applicants and 17 finalists from across North Carolina. The competition included months of training and coaching, a Shark Tank-style pitch day, public voting, and review by a panel of business leaders.

Dan built Rinse-A-Poo from experience. After 14 years running a pet resort, he knew the problem firsthand and set out to solve it. This funding will help move his product from prototype to production and into the hands of the kennel and daycare operators who have been asking for it.

At VEP, we get to see what veterans can do when they have the right tools, mentorship, and community behind them. Dan is a great example of that, and we can't wait to see what's next for Rinse-A-Poo.

Applications for the Veterans Entrepreneurship Program open soon. Visit utc.edu/vep to learn more.

Read more about the competition: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/north-carolina-small-business-center-network-names-winners-of-inaugural-startup-showdown-competition-302883183.html

/PRNewswire/ -- After a rigorous, months-long training and pitch competition, the North Carolina Small Business Center Network (SBCN) announced Rinse-A-Poo,...

09/09/2026

Pivoting is knowing when to change direction and having the discipline to do it.

Durand Henderson learned to adapt during his time the Air Force. It turns out that was a valuable lesson in his process of building a business.

Today he is the founder of Day & Night Coffee, a veteran-owned small-batch roasting startup built on craftsmanship, community and respect for the growers behind every cup.

A 2026 graduate of the Veterans Entrepreneurship Program, Durand expected the program to be death by PowerPoint. Instead, the first lesson was a familiar message. Adapt and pivot.

He shifted his original business-to-business model and leaned into the veteran identity.

Read how a shift in strategy put Durand on the path to success.

https://blog.utc.edu/business/2026/09/03/coffee-brand-gets-a-head-start-how-utcs-veterans-entreprene...

07/24/2026

Thanks to Pathway Lending for sponsoring this networking lunch.

The cohort has been absorbing information in the classroom for the whole week, so this was a time for them to have focused conversations about applying those things to their business. From finance and funding to marketing and strategic planning, our veteran entrepreneurs are getting personalized guidance from experienced professionals.

07/22/2026

From the Gary W. Rollins College of Business to the ballpark, today was all about networking.

A speed round of networking with 18 different advisors led to deeper conversations and ideas for business plans. Much like the cohort, our advisors spread the gamut across industries and expertise. We're grateful for everyone who has contributed their time and wisdom to encourage and advise this great group of entrepreneurs.

And we're not done. Let's keep the momentum going over the next three days of Bootcamp.

07/21/2026

The Veterans Entrepreneurship Program took a trip to the TSBDCChattanooga. Thanks to Lynn Chesnutt and the team at INCubator for giving us a tour and sharing all the resources available to entrepreneurs in the area. We're grateful for partnerships that enable our small business owners to launch, grow and succeed.

07/17/2026

We're celebrating 15 years of the Veterans Entrepreneurship Program at UTC. The 2026 cohort arrives this weekend to begin their intensive eight-day bootcamp, ready to build.

Since its inception, more than 200 veteran entrepreneurs have graduated from our program. Combined, their businesses have generated more than $167 million in revenue and created nearly 550 jobs.

This year's participants come from different branches and backgrounds, with different business ideas. It's a symbol of what VEP has always been about: veterans lifting each other up.

Read more about the program. https://blog.utc.edu/business/2026/07/16/15-years-of-mission-utcs-veterans-entrepreneurship-program-welcomes-its-2026-cohort/

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