The Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities
The UConn Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities
UConn’s award-winning Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities program helps give back just a little to our veterans, who have sacrificed so much for our country. A community of dedicated faculty, staff, and alumni empower veterans with entrepreneurial skills and help disabled vets work through physical limitations, psychological challenges, and social obstacles.
‘Bootcamp’ helps veteran put his life back together
Since returning from a two-year tour of duty in Iraq a decade ago, Rafael Castro has been trying to piece his life back together. Castro was introduced to Mike Zacchea, director of UConn’s entrepreneurship bootcamp for veterans with disabilities. He was accepted into the program—and after attending the bootcamp earlier this month, Castro said, he has a new perspective on life, as well as the confidence to pursue his own business venture. “I can’t say it enough, that program has given me a lot in a short period of time,” Castro said.
How veterans can sign up for entrepreneurial training through college initiatives
Army Reserves veteran Dr. Stephannie L. Addo-Zuniga also participated in UConn’s EBV program and, after participating in the intense year-long program, plans to launch a childcare center for children with autism. “Nothing is sugar-coated,” says the 31-year-old Bronx native entrepreneur, who is launching a childcare center for children with autism. “With our mentors, they continuously pushed us to be the best that we can be. Those are the same values across all branches of the Army.”