DAV Patriot Boot Camp helps Veteran entrepreneurs build businesses and community
DAV Patriot Boot Camp aids Veteran entrepreneurs in establishing and growing their businesses while fostering a supportive community.
November 3, 2026
Elizabeth DePompei, senior communications associate, DAV National Headquarters
Veterans and military spouses aspiring to develop their businesses and forge lasting connections can apply for the upcoming DAV Patriot Boot Camp, scheduled for Feb. 17-19 at DAV headquarters near Cincinnati. Applications close on Jan. 18 or when all spots are filled, whichever occurs first.
This three-day entrepreneurship program offers a comprehensive experience, encompassing training, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Participants will also have the chance to participate in the DAV Patriots Pitch, a competitive event akin to "Shark Tank," where Veterans and military spouses present their business ideas to a panel of seasoned investors, industry experts, and successful entrepreneurs. The contest awards up to $10,000 in non-dilutive funding to support business growth.
Apply now or explore more details on the website.
Building Connections Beyond Boot Camp
For entrepreneur Katherine Pratt, the program's value extended far beyond business training. The connections forged through DAV Patriot Boot Camp facilitated the establishment of a nonprofit organization dedicated to linking Veterans with financial literacy and wellness resources.
One of her fellow alumni serves on the nonprofit's board, a cohort mentor is a licensed therapist acting as the mental health liaison, and Pratt maintains regular communication with other alumni and mentors.
"I would say Patriot Boot Camp really invigorated me to double down—like really double down," expressed Pratt.
Her experience highlights how the program's community supports founders in expanding their efforts long after boot camp concludes.
"Watching our program alumni collaborate and make even greater impacts by working together is incredibly rewarding," stated Matthew Feldhaus, director of DAV Patriot Boot Camp. "That sense of community is critical to the success of our program and the broader Veteran entrepreneur ecosystem."
Turning Commitment into a Business
Pratt, driven by a lifelong dedication to serving Veterans, inspired by her military family and her husband's service as an Army Ranger, merged her passion with over two decades of experience in the corporate financial sector. In 2025, she established Synergistic Credit Union Solutions, a consulting firm assisting credit unions in enhancing their understanding