Military veterans are expert leaders, teambuilders, adapters, and problem-solvers, making them excellent candidates for entrepreneurship. They have the discipline and resilience required to be successful business owners. Veterans are equipped with the foundational skillset for success, but limited access to financial and community resources has been a major barrier.
In partnership with Fiserv, the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) at Syracuse University aims to break down that barrier. Since its establishment in 2011, the IVMF has shown time and again that among the keys to success for military-affiliated entrepreneurs is having a strong community and support system. As such, they host events around the world, where entrepreneurs can meet one another and connect with resource providers to grow their network and assist them along their entrepreneurship journey. With its suite of 16 national programs in entrepreneurship, career preparation, and community services, the IVMF impacts over 20,000 transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses each year, totaling over 208,000 people worldwide since its inception.
In an effort to grow and improve their suite of services at the local level, Fiserv and IVMF expanded their partnership in 2022 to develop a series of events called Military Entrepreneurship Forums (MEF). MEFs are regionally focused, with the goal of bringing together local businesses and stakeholders in the entrepreneurship community to build greater cohesion and opportunity. These events have been held in various states across the nation, bridging gaps and strengthening bonds, while providing military-affiliated business owners with opportunities to learn from and network with subject matter experts, Fortune 500 company executives, fellow entrepreneurs, and more. They focus on trends in the small business landscape, resources for growing a business, how to leverage certifications, and other relevant resources. Locally focused societal investments like MEFs are what truly help to foster community, strength, and success.
The most recent MEF, which took place at Fiserv Forum in Fiserv’s headquarters city of Milwaukee, was a resounding success. The event brought people together, strengthening the community of Milwaukee-based, military-affiliated business owners, while spotlighting their products and services to generate direct support for their businesses. In every city, when attendees are asked if they are new to IVMF events, more than half affirmatively raise their hands, reaffirming the value and impact of these forums at the local level. The IVMF is already planning additional events in the Milwaukee area.
Each MEF includes a roundtable discussion the following day, where entrepreneurship stakeholders from the region join to share best practices, identify areas of success, and explore opportunities for improvement. In May 2025, IVMF will host an expanded National Entrepreneurship Roundtable in Washington, DC. If you are a stakeholder in entrepreneurship, regardless of military affiliation, and are interested in participating, please visit the IVMF.
IVMF and Fiserv are eager to continue learning from military-affiliated entrepreneurs around the country, seeking actionable opportunities that representatives can implement at the local level to enhance their existing work. They look forward to continuing to grow this community and empowering all individuals who serve in defense of our nation to thrive.
For further information about IVMF and their portfolio of entrepreneurship training programs, visit: https://ivmf.syracuse.edu/
As a financial technology company that provides payment solutions to hundreds of thousands of businesses around the world, Fiserv has a vested interest in helping businesses get started and grow. In addition to Fiserv’s work with the IVMF, the company’s own “Fiserv Salutes” program aims to provide support and resources to current and aspiring business owners specifically in the military community. To learn more about Fiserv Salutes, visit: https://www.fiserv.com/en/about-fiserv/diversity-inclusion/fiserv-salutes.html
Meg Hendricks is an Army Veteran and currently serves as the Head of Military & Veteran Affairs at Fiserv.
Misty Stutsman Fox is the Director of Entrepreneurship and Small Business at the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families.