It has been almost an entire month since our 5th annual
EBV program has come to an end and our graduates are putting what they’ve
learned to good use. This class has been very tech savvy and up to speed on
social media since the start of the program! With that being said, they keep
our FSU EBV Facebook site thriving with new stories about their businesses and
words of encouragement each day! The 2012 class is an outstanding group of men
and women and we could not have asked for a better group to celebrate our 5th
year of EBV! A special thanks to all who came out and made this such an
incredible event!
.jpg)
.jpg)
Some
may wonder...how was this year any different from the others?
Well let me just
say, I am so glad you asked!
It
started like any normal EBV, 23 participants came from all over the country to
take part in FSU’s Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities.
They arrived in Tallahassee on Tuesday, June 19th, to start their
nine day bootcamp. Arrival day is always exciting because up until this point
the veterans have had online communication, but have yet to meet any of their
classmates face-to-face. Our 2012 Opening was a highly anticipated event as
J.R. Martinez, a 2008 FSU EBV Graduate, as well as, an actor and Dancing with
the Stars Champion, was the keynote speaker. His motivational speech was
exactly what the veterans needed to hear as their weeklong bootcamp was
starting the next day whether they were ready or not! The night's festivities
quickly came to an end and the veterans were on their way back to the hotel to
get a good night’s rest.
.jpg)
.jpg)
Wednesday,
June 20th, marked the first day of classes and we were up and
running! Our speakers were flying and driving in to share their knowledge about
business. Every aspect of business was discussed during the week. Some major
topics included Marketing, HR, Government Contracts, and Financing. Classes
started at 8:30 and ended around 5:00 each day; and, every night, each
participant could be found busy at work on their business plan and
presentations they would be giving on the final day of EBV.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
Each
day had a similar schedule but with different speakers, so let's fast forward
to Saturday night. The veterans had a welcome change when they learned they did
not have to work on their business plan but instead had the opportunity of a
lifetime! Everyone piled onto a bus but had no idea where they were heading. The
excitement was building as the bus drove around campus and finally stopped at
Doak Campbell Stadium where several student athletes awaited. After throwing footballs
around and just hanging out with some of the athletes, it was time to head
out...to the President’s Box that is for a delicious dinner overlooking the
field. The Tailgate gave our participants a chance to unwind, relax, and enjoy
the reality of being at FSU with some people that they would soon call friends
for life!
.jpg)
.jpg)
Sunday
morning came too early for some but it was time to get back to work. However,
the day dragged on as it proved to be a very rainy one. We were facing the fact
that there was a tropical storm heading in our direction. All staff members
worked hard on figuring out a plan of action if the storm kept coming towards
us. On Monday, we had to move classes from Turnbull Conference Center to the
hotel to keep everyone dry while outside the torrential downpour continued. It
wasn't looking good and we had to have a back-up plan implemented ASAP. As the
path of Tropical Storm Debby was directed right at Tallahassee, we decided for
the safety of the participants, we would cancel the Closing/Graduation Ceremony
and get everyone out of Tallahassee and back home as soon as possible.
It was
an unfortunate event, but a necessary one. Tuesday morning the veterans gave
their Venture Pitch presentation to a panel of judges. Upon completion, they
were given their certificate and several headed home which concluded our 2012
EBV Program.
As you
can see, our 5th year had a few twists and turns, but all in all, it
was an unforgettable 8 days! It flew by and it's still hard to believe that
another year of FSU EBV is in the books. We are so grateful for the veterans
who participated and the friends that we have all made! Not to mention, we are
so proud of our VeteraNoles as they have been excelling in their business
ventures and being recognized for it! Several of our graduates have already
been featured in articles from local press. If you would like to read any of
these pieces, check them out below!! Once again, congratulations to all of our
graduates this year...you did it and we are proud to have 23 new members of our
VeteraNole family! .jpg)
Article on Trisha Hartman: http://www.libertytribune.com/community_living/article_b1b31f61-af4c-532d-94aa-3905bf22de48.html
Article on Mark Cosby and Tammy Foster-Knight: http://www.wtsp.com/rss/article/260440/19/Ex-soldiers-take-on-a-boot-camp-for-their-brains
