VBNI is a highly vetted and organized membership community for entrepreneurs, founders and CEOs. The key difference is that we are veterans from the military, public safety and police force. That shared experience makes us stronger.
I left the Army in 2021, after a successful career of twenty years and three tours to Afghanistan. I have been building and supporting businesses ever since! When I left the Army, I wanted to learn about building a businesses. Every veteran I talked to - who hadn't built a business - said, "I think you have to do an MBA or something."
I didn't want to spend two years of my life and $80,000. So I didn't.
Luckily, through my travels I have met dozens of successful veteran businesses owners and most of them didn't do an MBA. What they all have in common, is that, they all just got started.
This community is for those types of people. You will be grouped into a peer-to-peer network of eight to ten veterans roughly in the same geography and business maturity. We will make sure there is no competition or business conflicts so that leaders can be transparent and open about their products and market. Confidentiality is critical. "What is said in the room, stays in the room, no exceptions."
Lastly, each group has a charter, expectations, process, moderators, and a jeopardy system to remove members. If you are not adding value, late, absent, had a breach of confidentiality or have a cross-investment conflict: You are out. This community is for serious people that want to grow and build their business.
Lastly, every quarter we have a pitch fest of aspiring entrepreneurs who pitch their ideas to seasoned leaders. There is cash to be won as a gift to get started. If you have an idea that needs help, mentorship and feedback. Come try it out over two days and lots of fun.
We are business owners - we want help, leads and referrals - this is not "an old boys network - talking about how things used to be." VBNI is the catalyst that enables leading veteran entrepreneurs to learn and grow, leading to greater success in business and beyond
The Legacy Project has sponsored VBNI with a $5,000 grant. This allows all members to join the first three months for FREE. Established in 2008, the Canadian Legacy Project aims to support Canadian Veterans in their time of need. As a registered charity, their mission is to develop and fund programs not currently offered or adequately supported by Veterans Affairs. In addition, the Canadian Legacy Project advocates on behalf of Canadian Veterans, recognizes and celebrates their service, and educates the public about the sacrifices made by those who have stood guard for Canada.
The Canadian Legacy Project’s Veterans’ Business Bootcamp has 350 graduates. It is a comprehensive program designed to support Veterans transitioning from military service to entrepreneurship and starting their own business. Combining expert-led workshops with personalized mentorship, the bootcamp equips participants with the tools to successfully launch and grow their businesses.
What sets this program apart is its focus on real-world application. Participants engage in discussion groups to present their business plans and receive tailored advice from seasoned instructors. The instructors provide expert guidance on key business functions such as creating personal statements of work, invoicing, and financial planning. Their hands-on support ensures Veterans leave with the practical knowledge needed to thrive as entrepreneurs.
By fostering a collaborative environment and providing ongoing mentorship, the Veterans’ Business Bootcamp has helped hundreds of Veterans transform their ideas into successful ventures. This initiative not only empowers participants but also fosters economic growth and community development.
VBNI is proud to partner with Mission Entrepreneur - The University of Ottawa's entrepreneurship and innovation program for veterans. The host of our first 'Pitch Fest' in May 2025. The University of Ottawa will provide academic support to the VBNI community.
First: You need to be a veteran of the military, police, fire fighters or paramedics. That shared sense of purpose, perspective and background is important to help others in the community.
Second: At a minimum, you need a business canvas. This proves that you are serious. Some will already have revenue in the hundreds and millions of dollars. For those that are not there yet, they need to show you have a plan describing how your business intends to make money. It explains who your customers will be, how you will deliver value to them, and anything related to financing. The business canvas lets you put this all on one page.
You can get help for free with the Legacy Project's Business Bootcamp, you can do it on your own on the BDC's Business model canvas or develop something for free from the internet. This is a serious community and want to spend our time driving towards our goals. If you have not done the work, don't know your goals, we can't help you get there.
We will be breaking you into groups based on your business maturity. That way the groups are having the right discussions at the right times.
