2012 FSU EBV-F Program

It’s been a while since my last blog which only means one thing…a lot has happened since we last spoke and there are several new updates! Let’s start with EBV-F which took place April 10^th – 18^th!

Our very first EBV-F class has officially graduated from Florida State. The participants included 14 women and 1 man. These caregivers came from several different states and represented all branches of the military. It was a packed week full of classes, work, and presentations about their business ideas.

The backbone of EBV-F is quite similar to EBV which means the scheduling, pace, and classes all revolve around the same information as EBV with minor changes directed towards being a caregiver to a disabled veteran instead of being a disabled veteran. With this being said, the week began with an Opening Ceremony which was located at the Residence Inn Marriott with several guests who support our program. This evening was an intimate event where the ladies and gentleman had the opportunity to talk to their fellow classmates and get to know one another. The Opening was a relaxing night filled with good food and good conversation before the real work began the following day.

The participants hit the ground running with classes starting early that morning and continuing throughout the day and into the night. Guest speakers spoke on different specific topics pertaining to the caregivers. Once nightfall hit, each participant was working hard on their Commercialization Plan and the Venture Pitch they would present to a panel of judges on their last day of bootcamp.

With all the hard work being accomplished, we knew it was time to let the participants have a well-deserved break for one night. We surprised them with a Spa Night at Aveda where each participant received a manicure or pedicure, as well as, a massage or facial. They were beyond thrilled and in much need of a relaxing night. Even the one male participant decided to take one for the team and join the women at the spa. All in all, this night was a huge success and thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended. We would like to thank Aveda for helping us create such an experience for the participants and for completely donating their services that night. Aveda’s support is greatly appreciated and we couldn’t have done it without them!

The days following were just like the first filled with hard work and nerves beginning to run high as everyone started realizing how fast Venture Pitch day was approaching. The presentations were presented one by one and every participant’s nerves diminished knowing that the hardest part of the week was over. When it was all said and done, they could breathe a sigh of relieve knowing that they had just survived a week of intense entrepreneurial bootcamp.

The Closing Ceremony took place after Venture Pitches and was the perfect way to celebrate the week! It was located at the Alumni Center where all the caregivers participated in a graduation ceremony.  Kimberly Hill, 2012 EBV-F graduate, spoke at the ceremony about the program and the experience she was engulfed in while attending. As the night came to an end, everyone said their goodbyes knowing that the following morning the newly graduated EBV-F class of 2012 would find themselves on their way back home to put their newly gained knowledge to work.

The 2012 inaugural EBV-F Program was a great success and we would like to thank all of the participants, supporters, sponsors, and donors for helping make this program a reality.  We would also like to thank all of the restaurants which either donated or provided food during EBV-F. A special shout-out goes to Momo’s, Harry’s, and The Cake Shop for fully donating their services! We are grateful for your support.

Last but not least, EBV is just a little over a month away and we are in full swing getting ready as the online portion begins on the 21^st. Make sure you keep a look out on our Facebook pages as we continually update you with information about the 2012 program.