When Megan Andrews enrolled in Kennesaw State University’s STRIVE entrepreneurship program, she had a business idea but needed support to develop it. After eight weeks, the KSU alum and military spouse graduated with a clearer direction for PinConnect, her startup aimed at improving networking at events.
Andrews was part of the first group to complete STRIVE, which stands for Startup Training Resources to Inspire Veteran Entrepreneurship. The free program is offered by the Michael J. Coles College of Business at KSU in partnership with Syracuse University Institute for Veterans and Military Families. It aims to help veterans and their families succeed as entrepreneurs.
“I signed up for the program to gain deeper insight into the practical steps required to transform a business idea into a viable, real-world solution,” said Andrews. “While I had a strong concept and vision, I wanted guidance on validation, strategy, execution and scalability.”
The inaugural cohort ended with a graduation ceremony attended by local entrepreneurship stakeholders, including representatives from the Small Business Development Center, HatchBridge business incubator and KSU’s Family Enterprise Center. Graduates presented their business concepts and received feedback from partners.
“Entrepreneurship is an action sport,” said Steven Phelan, professor of entrepreneurship in the Coles College of Business who leads STRIVE. “It’s not just something you talk about. It’s something you do and so the program is designed to help participants take steps to move their ideas forward each week.”
Phelan noted that while programs like the military’s Transition Assistance Program introduce entrepreneurship concepts, STRIVE provides more in-depth instruction with hands-on activities.
Participants met weekly at HatchBridge community incubator to cover topics such as idea generation, marketing and legal issues. Each session included creating an action plan and reporting progress.
According to Phelan, building connections among participants was one of STRIVE’s key outcomes: “They were talking in the parking lot after class and meeting outside of structured time,” he said. “That’s a really good sign. They built relationships that will continue after the program ends.”
Reflecting on her experience, Andrews said: “One of my biggest takeaways is realizing that it’s okay not to have everything figured out at the beginning. Rather than waiting for perfection, I learned the importance of taking initiative and learning through action.”
STRIVE will return in Fall 2026. Veterans and eligible family members interested in joining future cohorts are encouraged to submit an expression of interest through the STRIVE program webpage.
