Meet the 2025 class of of the National Veterans Entrepreneurship Program boot camp.

Riata Center hosts 15th annual VEP entrepreneurship boot camp for military veterans

Friday, March 21, 2025

Media Contact: Stephen Howard | Director of Marketing & Communications | 405.744.4363 | stephen.howard@okstate.edu

VEP participant Kasmir Alford, an Air Force veteran from Oklahoma, pitches her concept on the final day of the VEP boot camp. — Kasmir Alford, an Air Force veteran from Oklahoma, pitches her concept on the final day of the VEP boot camp.

Twenty-three hand-selected military veterans learned from Spears School of Business faculty and leading industry experts during an eight-day boot camp as a part of the 15th annual National Veteran Entrepreneurship Program in Stillwater.

Hosted by the Riata Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and Oklahoma State University, the VEP is designed for veterans interested in starting a business venture or growing an early stage business into profitability. All expenses are paid for the participants, who are provided rigorous learning and development opportunities.

This year’s VEP boot camp included 27 educational sessions on topics that covered the gamut of business ownership, including financing, negotiation principles, value propositions and digital strategy. On the final day, participants were pitted against each other in a pitch and poster competition.

“The 2025 VEP was more than just a program; it was a celebration of resilience, innovation and the entrepreneurial spirit embodied by our participants,” said Chad Mills, Riata Center director. “Together, they paved the way for a future where their dreams and businesses can thrive. Fifteen years in, our team remains committed to pushing boundaries to ensure a lasting experience for all involved. We look forward to many more years of serving our nation's finest.”

This year’s VEP class included veterans from the Army, Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard and Marine Corps, and 12 states were represented.

The first phase of the VEP ran from Jan. 14-Feb. 16 and included a five-week self-study curriculum facilitated by an online discussion and assessment module moderated by Riata Center staff. The VEP Boot Camp ran from Feb. 22-March 1 and included eight intensive days that exposed the delegates to the nuts and bolts of business ownership through experiential workshops and competition. During the third phase, VEP delegates are provided with five months of advising from entrepreneurs and subject matter experts across the nation and online peer-to-peer networking.

The application process for the VEP is lengthy and competitive. Successful candidates must be separated from active duty and demonstrate a strong interest in entrepreneurship and small business ownership or management. Applications for the next VEP cohort will be accepted starting in June.

The Riata Center is OSU’s go-to hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, with cutting-edge programs and a wealth of resources designed to elevate and inspire the next generation of business innovators and trailblazers. Housed in Spears Business, the Riata Center hosts multiple experiential learning programs, speaking engagements, competitions and startup support.

2025 VEP Pitch & Poster Competition Winners

Concept Track
Kevin Farrell
Chrystal Robinson

Venture Track
Kevin Radford
Todd Godfrey

Spencer C. Duncan Make It Count for Veterans Entrepreneurship Scholarship winners
Lynita Hinsch
Chrystal Robinson

Operation Pay It Forward, Entrepreneurship Scholarship winners
Robert Krueger
Kirsten Wade

The Jason R. Mackey Entrepreneurial Spirit Award
Todd Godfrey

B. Curtis Hamm Dreamer & Doer Award
Hope MacGregor