Mission43 and Veteran Entrepreneur Alliance Announce Partnership to Offer Unmatched Military Entrepreneur Support in Idaho

Mission43 and Veteran Entrepreneur Alliance Partner to Support Military Entrepreneurs

Idaho’s military members, veterans, and their spouses who are launching or growing their own business or nonprofit can now benefit from entrepreneurial support offered by the partnership between Mission43 and Veteran Entrepreneur Alliance (VEA). This collaboration marks a significant step forward in providing comprehensive support for military-connected entrepreneurs, fostering innovation and driving economic growth.

“This partnership represents a pivotal moment for military entrepreneurs in Idaho and beyond. By joining forces, we are setting a new standard for what dedicated support looks like for our military community as they embark on or continue their entrepreneurial journeys. It's an honor to guide fellow military members and their spouses, providing them with the resources, network, and mentorship they need to succeed. Together, we're not only supporting the dreams of military entrepreneurs, we're contributing to a stronger, more vibrant economy.” - Isaac Belden, Founding Executive Director, Veteran Entrepreneur Alliance

What this partnership means for military entrepreneurs

Building upon a history of successful collaboration, Mission43 and VEA have worked together to advance entrepreneurial initiatives to the unique needs of military-affiliated individuals. The formalized partnership with VEA represents a natural progression in Mission43 and VEA’s commitment to supporting and expanding military recognition and awareness in Idaho’s entrepreneurial landscape, offering a wide variety of resources and opportunities to aspiring and established entrepreneurs alike.

“The level of tailored support and services that this partnership creates for military connected entrepreneurs is unparalleled. Instead of being just another number to national services, members are recognized for who they are and what they bring to the table. Whether they’re trying to define their business idea, seek formal entrepreneurial education, grow their network, or receive follow-on mentorship or resources, they will have personal interaction with seasoned entrepreneurs and subject matter experts. The no-strings-attached support is such a rarity, and it is an honor to be able to continue serving those who have served their country and community!” - Alison Garrow, Mission43 Education Director

Military COnnected Entrepreneurs Can Now Access:

Personalized Support: At the heart of this partnership is our commitment to providing personalized outreach and support. Whether you’re in the early stages of brainstorming business ideas or you’re ready to scale your existing venture, our team is here to offer guidance every step of the way. From personalized one-on-one counseling sessions to tailored resources, we’re fully committed to supporting your journey to succeed.

Networking Opportunities: We offer exclusive networking events where you can connect with fellow military entrepreneurs, industry experts, and potential collaborators. These events are tailored to cover key business topics and foster meaningful connections. 

Specialized Programming: The scope of programming now extends beyond the Mission43 Entrepreneur Course, providing ongoing support to further empower entrepreneurs. From educational workshops to guest speaker events, the Mission43 & VEA partnership provides a wide range of specialized programming, including an exclusive military pitch in Boise Entrepreneur Week, for military entrepreneurs. If you’re looking to learn new skills, stay up-to-date on industry trends, or gain insights from seasoned professionals, we’ve got you covered! 

Access to Resources: As part of this partnership, Mission3 entrepreneurs will have access to a wealth of resources. From online learning platforms to a dedicated communication hub known as “The FOB,” we’re committed to providing you with various avenues to learn, grow, and succeed. 

about mission43

Mission43 is dedicated to empowering military members, veterans, and their spouses through a range of programs and initiatives focused on education, employment, and engagement. Mission43 supports entrepreneurs through the Entrepreneur Course with College of Western Idaho, Boise Entrepreneur Week military track, and the newly established partnership with Veteran Entrepreneur Alliance. Opportunities through Mission43 are free for Idaho’s military community. By providing resources, support, and opportunities for growth, Mission43 aims to assist individuals in successfully transitioning to civilian life and achieving their goals in Idaho, after the military.

About Veteran Entrepreneur Alliance

The Veteran Entrepreneur Alliance (VEA) is a nonprofit organization based in Idaho, committed to assisting military members, veterans, and their spouses in their entrepreneurial pursuits. Through mentorship, networking events, and educational programs, VEA empowers both aspiring and established entrepreneurs to launch and expand thriving businesses while also advocating for policies that promote veteran- and military spouse-owned businesses within Idaho’s economy.

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Veterans Earn $10,000 in Boise Entrepreneur Week Military Pitch Competition

Celebrating Success: Boise Entrepreneur Week Military Track

The Military Track at Boise Entrepreneur Week (BEW) recently concluded with resounding success, thanks to the collaboration between Mission43 and the Veteran Entrepreneur Alliance (VEA). The event featured a dedicated military track that provided military-connected business owners with an opportunity to integrate into Idaho’s thriving entrepreneurial community. The track was filled with an informative panel discussion, an exclusive pitch competition, and a total of $10,000 in prize money for deserving participants.

8 military community members participated in the inaugural Boise Entrepreneur Week Military Pitch Competition

Military community members from across Idaho showcased their skills, innovation, and products during the inaugural Military Track at Boise Entrepreneur Week. The event welcomed individuals from various backgrounds, some just starting out on their entrepreneurial journey, and others seeking the extra boost needed to grow their businesses and nonprofit organizations.

First Place $5,000: Lifter’s Loot

Jessica Estes, with Lifter’s Loot, spent 21 years in the Air Force in ground radar. Jessica developed the business from experience in her fitness journey; she realized it can be overwhelming to sort through the multitude of fitness products and supplements available on the market to find something you enjoy - leaving you with a pantry full of partially used, large containers of expensive items. Enter Lifter’s Loot, where subscribers can receive a monthly box of high-quality supplement samples and protein snacks delivered right to their door!

“With so many supplements and snacks for seasoned lifters and bodybuilders, it’s challenging to know what to choose. We do the work for you by carefully curating the highest-quality products with clean ingredients.”

— Lifter's Loot

This is a great way to try something new and sample a variety of items without forking over hundreds of dollars for the full-sized product. Interested in a Lifter’s Loot subscription? We’ve made it easy for you! Click the button below to be taken directly to the Lifter’s Loot subscription page and get “gains fer yer booty!”

Second Place $3,000: Zero Dark Thirty Coffee

Jarad Webb served in the Marine Corps for 4 years as a combat engineer and is passionate about giving back to the military community. Zero Dark Thirty Coffee came to fruition over a cup of coffee and a conversation about how to give back to brothers and sisters in arms. Zero Dark Thirty Coffee’s namesake came from military slang for “really early in the morning,” and is made from higher-quality roasted beans than most mass-produced coffee. Not only are you getting a better quality brew with each sip, but you’re also supporting the veteran community with Zero Dark Thirty’s mission to support service members and bring awareness to veteran and first responder suicide and PTSD.

“Our primary goal here at Zero Dark Thirty Coffee Inc is to provide our customers with the best coffee possible at the current market price. Nobody at Zero Dark Thirty Coffee Inc is trying to get rich and there are no owners or shareholders to keep happy by filling their pockets.”

— Zero Dark Thirty Coffee

There are several purchasing options, which include a monthly subscription. Click the button below to visit Zero Dark Thirty’s website and browse coffee and swag options!

Third Place $2,000: Screen It First

Mac McCabe served in the Marine Corps for 8 years as a MP and musician. Like many great entrepreneurs, Mac set out to solve a problem that he has direct experience with: Ensuring that his children were reading age appropriate books that aligned with family values. The Screen It First Platform helps inform parents and educators about sensitive content in children’s books. In this platform, contributors can anonymously submit screens for books. Information is compiled and available for users to view as they wish, helping to identify sensitive content for others, or to view without having to read the book in its entirety.

“We do not encourage book banning nor censoring, but instead aim to help the adults in a child’s life make informed decisions about which content is appropriate for their child. ”

— Screen It First

Screen It First is a donation based platform that prides itself on the respectful community it has built. If you’re interested in finding out more about the content of your child’s latest book, click below!

Donald Young: Rattler Medical Solutions

Donald Young spent 11 years in the Army as a combat medic and currently serves in the Idaho National Guard as a medic and preventative health specialist. Rattler Medical Solutions aims to expand the capabilities for medical providers who are working in austere environments by giving them the right tool to preserve life. During his time as a combat medic, Donald saw a change starting of giving blood as close to the point of injury as possible. The current solutions to medics carrying blood in combat zones are either large and bulky but have a long storage capability; or, they are small and easily cartable but have a small storage area but also have a short lifespan. Using the smaller options require logistical support to resupply medics with cooling packs that can give away positions of troops in combat areas as well as put more assets in danger.

Rattler Medical Solution’s device, patent pending, is a battery powered device that can both keep blood cool, as well as warm it prior to administration. This will allow more medics to carry blood in combat zones there by expanding the capabilities for these medics to preserve life.

Jeffrey Bledsoe: Sewersleeve

Jeffrey Spent 38 years in the Air Force as a surgical technician and as a nurse in the Navy. His experience gave him a strong understanding about how to confine and contain biological waste. When he made an RV purchase, he immediately recognized the need to confine sewage waste from the sewer hose.

Jeffrey’s patented Sewersleeve is a plant-based, biodegradable sleeve that is inserted into the RV sewer hose and then slides out and is thrown away after use. The hose never touches sewage and doesn't need cleaning, no sewer smell to carry from site-to-site, and no sewage dripping on your possessions.

JJ Dela Rosa: Macadoo’s Lumpia Shack

JJ retired from the Air Force after serving 22 years as a radar technician. His passion for sharing his family’s recipes sparked the desire to open a food truck, Macadoo’s Lumpia Shack, which serves handcrafted Filipino eats like pancit, fried rice, pork skewers, and of course, lumpia! Macadoo’s can often be found at Meridian Main Street Market during food truck season, but they also cater. You can find out more by visiting their Facebook and Instagram.

Justin Chilcoat: Elite Firearm Solutions

Justin served in the Marine Corps for 8 years as a communications tech and now owns Elite Firearm Solutions in Garden City, Idaho. Elite just celebrated their grand opening, and offers cerakote certified application, maintenance and repair, and customer builds and modifications. Find out more by visiting their website or stop by their location at 110 East 43rd St., Suite 100, Garden City, ID. 83714.

Vicki White: Whoopie-Ki-Yay Whoopie Pies

Vicki served 31 years in the military between active duty Air Force and Air National Guard. Her love for baking and experience as a pastry chef makes Whoopie-Ki-Yay whoopie pies extra delicious. Vicki bakes out of a commercial kitchen and is preparing her “whoopie wagon” to hit the food truck scene in Boise. You can currently find her whoopie pies in Boise at Alchemist Coffee (Overland), The Hideout Coffee Co on Broadway, or you can order directly from Whoopie-Ki-Yay with local delivery and shipping! The button below takes you directly to the order form. Make sure to like/follow on Facebook and Instagram for pop-up location information!

Whoopie-Ki-Yay features fun seasonal flavors like pumpkin spice, original flavors like churro, PB&J, and birthday cake. If you order soon, you might catch her special-edition savory flavors of Jalapeño cornbread with goat cream cheese and bacon filling or cheddar sage cornbread with cream cheese filling.

Find out more

Interested in supporting military-connected entrepreneurs? Want to find out how you can participate in upcoming entrepreneur events? Contact us at Education@Mission43.org.

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Mission43 Entrepreneur Course alumni creates Boise’s newest sweet sensation: Whoopie-Ki-Yay

Mission43 Entrepreneur Course Alumni Launches Business

Boise’s newest sweet sensation: Whoopie-Ki-Yay

Vicki White is a retired Air Force SMSgt who has embarked on a delicious journey of entrepreneurship with her newly launched business, Whoopie-Ki-Yay, a one-of-a-kind bakery specializing in whoopie pies. 

Vicki’s military journey began in 1983, right after high school, as a means to pay for her college education. She didn’t know then that a 31-year career in the Air Force and Idaho National Guard as a Senior Master Sergeant would equip her with a diverse skill set and prepare her to run her own business. With experience in admin, logistics, plans & scheduling, and as a First Sergeant, Vicki gained invaluable insights and training that she now applies to her own business.

“All of those career fields gave me different insights and training that I could apply to my own business, and I did get that college degree with honors in Business Administration, but not until I turned 40.”

Whoop Whoop for Whoopie Pies!

As a single parent, Vicki always had a side hustle to supplement her income, so she’s no stranger to entrepreneurship, but for years she had been trying to come up with the perfect business that would truly ignite her passion. The lightbulb went off when she stumbled upon the idea of a pumpkin whoopie pie, and recognized the untapped potential for this traditional East Coast treat in Boise’s culinary scene. 

Vicki was accepted into the spring 2023 cohort of the Mission43 Entrepreneur Course, facilitated in partnership with the College of Western Idaho and taught by entrepreneurial expert Ryan Vasso of Reply Pro. Over the six weeks, she was able to build on her knowledge and connect with a group of peers sharing their insight and experience.

“I was really nervous about taking the entrepreneur course. I wasn’t sure how intense it would be, but Ryan made it engaging and interesting! I was able to get an updated version of a business plan, versus what I learned in a 4-year degree. The course made it easy to actually put a working model together sooner.”

The scary and exciting aspects of launching a business

Vicki’s entrepreneurial journey has seen its fair share of highs and lows. The highs are immensely rewarding, from making sales to receiving support from friends and family. However, the stress associated with setting up her first event was an initial challenge. Nevertheless, her determination and resilience have allowed her to learn and adapt with each event, making it easier over time. Vicki anticipates that it will be much more convenient once her food trailer is ready to hit the streets! 

Launching a business is not for the faint of heart, and Vicki understands the apprehension that comes with it. Announcing her venture to the world and hoping for success was a nerve-wracking experience; yet, the most exciting part is hearing directly from customers and friends how much they love her whoopie pies. The sheer joy and satisfaction she witnesses with each order motivates her and fuels the growth of Whoopie-Ki-Yay.

How to get your hands on a Whoopie-Ki-Yay whoopie pie

Getting your hands on a fresh-baked Whoopie-Ki-Yay is easy as pie! You can place an order on Instagram and Facebook by sending a direct message, or you can reach out via email whoopiepiekiyay@gmail.com. Vicki is more than happy to take your orders and ensure you get your fill of goodies!

Headed out to any of the Idaho summer markets? You can catch Vicki and her whoopie pies at various upcoming events, like the Ontario Saturday Market and Middleton Harvest Festival. Whoopie-Ki-Yay pies are also located at Boise’s Hideout Coffee CO. on Broadway - and personally, we couldn’t think of a better combo than a whoopie pie and hot cup o’ joe! 

The Whoopie-Ki-Yay food trailer is in the works and once completed, you’ll be seeing more treats at large venues and popular food truck spots. 

Support local businesses, experience the joy of homemade goodness, and follow Whoopie-Ki-Yay on social media. Place your order(s) and be part of Vicki’s exciting journey as she spreads love and happiness one whoopie pie at a time.

Thinking of starting your own business?

If you’re an Idaho veteran, service member, or spouse thinking about launching your own business, connect with a Mission43 Education Specialist by emailing education@mission43.org.

Military Veteran and Entrepreneur Promotes Kindness with WeLoLo

Mission43 Entrepreneur Course Alum Launches App

Malcolm Brown was an Air Force crew chief on the KC-135 airframe. He loved serving his country and now that his military service is complete, he’s turning his focus to serving his local community. He recently launched WeLoLo (We Love Local), a mobile-application focused on creating a movement of kindness in Idaho communities. Malcom used the Mission43 Entrepreneur Course to test his business idea prior to launch, and grew his network by becoming a Mission43 Leaders Fellow. With WeLoLo in hand, he’s recruiting others to join him in his mission.

With the onset of COVID-19, Malcolm recognized the detrimental impact to small businesses and committed to creating a way to promote positive change and a sense of community through intentional acts of kindness.  

“It was tough to watch the local businesses, especially coffee shops, cafés, and bars, either shut down completely or have to lay-off their entire staff. To me, that was a sign of things to come. Through life, I have seen how quickly the DNA of a neighborhood can change, not always for the better, when the mom & pop stores and other local businesses either go out of business or get replaced by large chains and big-box stores.”

Starting a business at any time can be daunting, especially in a time of economic uncertainty, but Malcolm believes in the power of doing good and has a strong support system to help see the WeLoLo concept take off. As more businesses join the platform, he sees it functioning like YELP, only without all of the negative reviews.

Generosity is a superpower, kindness is currency

You’ve heard the saying, “pay it forward”. Well, WeLoLo makes it easy to do just that! Users of the app can practice intentional acts of kindness in a just few easy steps:

1. Choose a participating local business

2. Select a participant from a list of supported community groups, OR enter a name and share from your phone’s contact list

3. Choose your method of payment and submit! 

If you’re looking to brighten a particular person’s day, they’ll receive a text or email notification to redeem funds, from $5-$100, at the chosen location. If you’d rather pay it forward to a stranger, you can choose from community groups like healthcare workers, first responders, educators, and military members/veterans.

Supporting Idaho’s small businesses

WeLoLo is building a movement around promoting locally-owned, small businesses and the customers they serve. You won’t see any large corporations on their partner listing. This ensures your generous gifts stay in, grow, and serve Idaho communities. Right now, you can gift a cup of coffee (or even add in a breakfast burrito) from Alchemist Coffee (@alchemistcoffeeroastingco) in Boise. Other local favorites that will be on the platform soon include:

• Nomad Bev Co (@nomadbevco)     

• Neckar Coffee (@neckarcoffee)  

• Green Acres Food Truck Park (@greenacresboise) 

• Ā café 

• Blue Cow Frozen Yogurt (@bluecowfrozenyogurt) 

Sending a WeLoLo from your favorite coffee shop to a friend or colleague can lead to discovery of new local businesses. WeLoLo is currently focused on food and beverage locations because they result in little friction when incorporated into the platform, but Malcolm hopes to expand options to include services like barber shops, nail salons, and outdoor recreational activities.

How can you partner or support?

Click here to get on the platform and send a WeLoLo to someone deserving of a surprise pick-me-up. 

To find out how you can support or partner with WeLoLo, reach out to malcolm@welolo.app, click here to be taken directly to the WeLoLo contact form, or support WeLoLo directly with a gift using this link.

Thinking of starting your own business?

If you live in Idaho and you’re a military veteran, military service member, or military spouse thinking about launching your own business, use the form below to connect with a Mission43 Education Specialist.

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Welcoming the newest Mission43 Entrepreneur Course cohort

Spring 2022

Mission43 accepts two cohorts into the Entrepreneur Course every year, in partnership with the Boise State Venture College, to help our members launch and grow their businesses. Members of the course are granted a full scholarship to pay for the cost of the program. The spring 2022 cohort includes 17 military members, veterans, and their spouses who are are currently participating in the 6-week course.

Alexandria Saldana | Explore McCall

A McCall native, Alexandria has a lot of knowledge about things to do while in McCall that don’t fall into the traditional tourist space. Her business idea is to provide clientele with explorations, holy grails, aspirations, and lifestyle ventures as part of a stress-free and memorable experience.

Bruce Duty | The Finish Line3

Bruce is creating a business with the goal of inspiring First Responders and Military Veterans to cope with anxiety in a holistic and healthy manner by helping them mentally, physically and spiritually.

CJ Castro | IT Solutions & Consulting

CJ is in the beginning stages of starting a consultancy that aims to help small or medium sized businesses improve efficiency through technology.

Collin Belanger | Safely INternational

Safely International enhances the safety of students studying abroad by providing pre-departure health and safety training and risk monitoring.

Del Burchfield | Idaho Mattress

The Idaho Mattress slogan is “Shop local. Save local.,” and they truly mean it. Idaho Mattress isn’t a big box chain mattress store; instead, they are community-driven and strive to be your go-to place for sleep wellness. Idaho mattress offers a military, veteran, and first responder discount every day of the week!

Dietrich Morgan | The Cheesecakery Bakery LLC

Not only does Dietrich make delicious custom cheesecakes, he also offers a local delivery service. The Cheesecakery Bakery is known for unique creations without being overpoweringly sweet. Orders are placed through the social media link provided above.

Eugene Rosin | Quest Bike Repair

Quest Bike Repair is a full service bicycle repair shop located in Nampa, offering pick-up and delivery services.

Grace Howe | Moxy MarTEAnis

Grace would like to open a marTEAni lounge with a retro 40’s vibe. The lounge would feature unique tea-based martinis that could fit into low-cal, keto, and sugar-free diets without sacrificing taste!

Gregory Drake | Speakeasy: A Wine Bar

Gregory would like to open a first-of-its-kind wine lounge in Mountain Home, ID., which would feature a selection of local Idaho wines and a relaxing environment to enjoy them.

JAmes McCarter | Shadowscape

Shadowscape is an intelligence-driven cybersecurity provider, offering 3 pillars of service: adaptive cyber training, industry leading products, and tailored security services. Shadowscape hopes to reduce the inconveniences of implementing, managing, and prioritizing solutions by using threat-informed analytics.

Keith Daris | Hauling services

Keith is in the process of creating a transport and hauling service in the Treasure Valley that will support local construction and other medium-to-large scale “junk” removal.

Kasey Hochmuht | Pedal Powered Petals

Kasey grows and cuts flowers for bouquets, offers seasonal flower subscriptions, special event services, dried flowers, and seeds. Kasey also focuses on giving back to the community through donations, bouquet nominations, and pumpkin patch fundraising. Pedal Powered Petals are delivered by bicycle locally.

Kyle Meiborg | 68 Property Management

68 Property Management is a Boise-based residential property management company that serves the Treasure Valley. The veteran management team has extensive experience in providing client value, building a strong reputation, and developing lasting relationships.

Lauren Samson | Mental Push PLan

Lauren is the co-founder of Mental Push Plan, which serves people wherever they are in their birthing journey. Their programs combine mindfulness and sport psychology to help people develop their own mental tools for taking on labor and delivery, or even progressing through pregnancy and infant loss.

Laurie Smith | Laurie SMith Nutrition, LLC

Laurie is a certified nutrition coach, but she doesn’t sell nutrition plans, she sells freedom! At Laurie Smith Nutrition, you can find online courses to jump start your fitness and weight loss journey as well as personalized coaching. Laurie believes that once you change your mindset, the weight will lose itself.

MAtthew McKee | Nomad’s Nook

Matthew is joining forces with local artists to immortalize their work by converting it to a digital space. He’ll be morphing artwork into NFTs and sending the originals to the buyers as certificates for their digital masterpieces!

Nate Clements | North IDaho Garage Doors

Located in Kootenai County, North Idaho Garage doors will be a full-service company that will include installs, maintenance, and 24/7 emergency repairs on all garage door brands.

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Contact Us

Find out more about these entrepreneurs and how you can participate by connecting with the Mission43 Education team.

Welcome Fall 2021 Entrepreneur Course Cohort

Welcome fall 2021 entrepreneur course cohort members!

The Mission43 Entrepreneur Course fall session has kicked off, supporting veterans, service members, and spouses in starting and growing their businesses.

Follow this incredibly talented group through their course journey, as they progress through the 12-session course, using Lean Startup Methodology to develop or refine their business models and move towards achieving sustainable business viability.

Entrepreneurs growing their business

Alex Lewis | Summit IV

• Summit IV is a mobile IV therapy business located in Boise, ID. that focuses on athletic performance and recovery as well as immune support, hydration, and beauty @summitiv

Dave Barber | The Patriots Workshop

• The Patriots Workshop is a Treasure Valley-based business that creates custom wood flags, gun cabinets, and other rustic wood gifts and furniture @patriotsworkshop

Devon Demery | Silver Peak Espresso

• Silver Peak Espresso is a drive-thru coffee stand located in Smelterville, ID. @silverpeakespresso

Donald Young | Rattler Medical Solutions

• Rattler Medical Solutions designs and develops tools and equipment to increase capabilities of medical providers in austere environments

Jaime Martinez | ONEIDNET

• ONEIDNET’s oneShop application helps small businesses increase sales, audience, and geographic coverage with free marketing and advertising

Malcolm Brown | WELoLo Inc.

• WELoLo Inc. is a platform that supports small businesses and the community, providing a method to “pay it forward” with intention @weloloapp

Matthew Densley | Project Zero

• Project Zero’s BUZZ’D is a high-stim pre-workout supplement with patented ingredients and no crash @projectzerolabs

Ruth Kennedy | In-home Care of McCall

• In-home Care of McCall offers personalized care in the comfort of your own home

Tim McKinley | Gertie’s Micro-Bakery

• Gertie’s Micro-Bakery is a Treasure Valley business that offers micro greens and sourdough subscription delivered to your door @gertiesmicrobakery

Tyler Merryman | MoHo Welding Fabrication and Training

• Located in Mountain Home, ID., MoHo Welding Fabrication and Training offers custom metal cabinets and training/certification in all processes @mohowelding

Entrepreneurs developing their business

Corey Tubbleville | Boise Veteran Deliveries

Eric Zimmerman | Indoor mountain bike park

Jeremy McLean | Indoor mountain bike park

John Moyle | Landscaping business solutions for young entrepreneurs

Kelly Canfield | Eco-friendly moving

Landon Stroebel | Cybersecurity software for utilities, infrastructure, and industrial control systems

Nicholas Emmerling | Cybersecurity consulting for small businesses

Nick Corisis | Backcountry off-road touring

Shaun Marriott | Tactical clothing for military and law enforcement

Steve Jedziniak | Butcher shop and specialty meats

Learn more about the Mission43 Entrepreneur Course

Contact the Mission43 education team directly to learn more about the Entrepreneur Course and other programs for military members, veterans, and spouses.

Mission43's Entrepreneur Course for Veterans and Military Spouses

Everything you need to know about the Mission43 Entrepreneur Course

Take your business idea to the next level

Mission43’s flagship Entrepreneur Course was created with risk takers in mind. You have the idea, we have the connections. This course, in partnership with the Boise State University Venture College, challenges Mission43 members to grow their business or nonprofit idea, and provides the tools needed to take concepts and turn them into actionable steps.

In each cohort, members are immersed in fast-paced, interactive material with an exclusive peer group of veterans, service members, and military spouses. The instructors aren’t just teaching theory, they’re experienced entrepreneurs who take participants through a step-by-step process that makes sense.

The scholarship & commitment

We’re looking for motivated veterans, service members, and military spouses who either have a business idea or a budding business, and are excited to challenge themselves, test their ideas, and actively contribute to the rest of the cohort.

Mission43 members who apply and are selected will receive a $1000 scholarship that covers the full cost of the 6-week course.

Whether selected for an in-person or virtual scholarship, we ask that participants commit to attend the two, 2-hour sessions each week of the program. At the conclusion of the twelve sessions, you’ll put it all together and pitch your idea to local leaders in the business and entrepreneur community, potentially opening doors you didn’t know existed!

What does the course cover?

The Mission43 Entrepreneur Course curriculum is tailored to our military community members. We aren’t just providing instruction, there are real-world opportunities to connect with key-players in the community, sharing your business idea and growing your network of resources. The connections you make in this course can be essential as your business develops.

The “Lean Startup” Methodology

There is a strong distinction between “can you build this product” and “should you build this product?” The course kicks off with the Lean Startup approach, which focuses on the latter. It’s not a rigid business plan, it’s a fast-paced process of building, measuring, and learning to help you accelerate your idea.

Value Proposition

What problem needs to be solved? This question is the foundation of why you want to be an entrepreneur. This early phase of the course is always fun, as it is the first time many participants have had to articulate their idea to a group of relative strangers. The interaction, feedback, and support are paramount as you learn about each other’s business and begin to grow as a Mission43 Entrepreneurs cohort.

The Customer Discovery Process

You don’t want to spend a ton of money or time bringing your product to market without ever talking to a potential customer. You’ll discover why interviewing potential customers is crucial to your value proposition, learn best practices for customer discovery, and practice interviewing potential customers while asking the appropriate questions.

Your MVP, or Minimum Viable Product

After you address the problem that needs to be solved (your value proposition), we’ll jump into learning exactly what an MVP is, and then you’ll develop your own MVP. You’ll learn how to create measurable goals using the Test Card as you get more comfortable with the Lean Startup Methodology.

How to Pivot

The Lean Startup is all about building-measuring-learning, and sometimes that requires a pivot. We’ll define what this is, learn about successful business pivots, and you’ll be prepared and comfortable if or when that is required!

The Business Model Canvas

The Business Model Canvas is composed of nine sections and helps you understand your business in a straightforward and structured way.

Flex Session

Based on the needs and interests of each cohort, the Venture College will conduct a special-topics lesson, often more advanced in nature, supported by a subject-matter-expert guest speaker. This can include things like marketing tactics or how to get investors.

Pitch Preparation

Cohort members have ample opportunity throughout the course to prepare, rehearse, and refine their pitch with peers, instructors, and mentors. By the time pitch night comes around, you’ll be prepared to share your business idea with the greater community!

Pitch Night

The course culminates with pitching your business to local and influential community leaders. It’s a Shark Tank style event and is an incredible opportunity to get expert feedback on your idea. Don’t worry, you’ll be well prepared to knock it out of the park!

Continued Support and Networking

The Entrepreneur Course isn’t just instruction; you’re provided the opportunity to connect face-to-face and network with influential community leaders in a comfortable, social setting. This is your opportunity to share your idea with business professionals and experienced veteran entrepreneurs.

If you are showing that can-do drive and things are accelerating quickly with your business, the Venture College team will stay in your corner to help you succeed. Whether it’s connecting with the right people, pitching your business to new audiences, or just providing the motivation to keep going, the BSU Venture College and Mission43 team are here to help.

We are proud to have had multiple businesses start in the Mission43 Entrepreneur Course! These veterans and military spouses showed up with an idea, and are now profitable and growing Idaho businesses. You could be next… let us assist you in getting started on this journey!

The Boise State University Venture College

The Boise State University Venture College is part of the College of Innovation and Design, which serves as a landing zone for entrepreneurial thinkers to launch their idea outside of the classroom. This is experiential learning at its best.

The Venture College has assisted over 100 students in launching their businesses and nonprofits that have generated millions in revenue and provided job opportunities in Idaho communities.

Start your entrepreneurial journey

If you’re ready to be your own boss, lead, learn, and inspire in your Idaho community, connect with us or learn more below to find out about current course offerings and the application process.

For more information, e-mail alison.garrow@mission43.org