Hosted By Schiller International University
Powered By The Switzer Hych Group, LLC
INTRODUCING THE
VETERAN'S
BUSINESS
INCUBATOR
BUILDING LEGACIES. EMPOWERING HEROES.
A worldwide, structured incubation program dedicated to educating, training, housing, and consulting veteran-owned businesses — giving founders the tools, community, and global network to launch, grow, and compete.
10-12
BUSINESSES PER COHORT
9 Mo.
Structured Incubation Cycle
501(c)3
Non-Profit Organization
Global
Reach Through Schiller Network
Veteran Business Incubator
501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
uniform to suits program
A Proven Framework for Transition & Entrepreneurship
EDUCATE
Expert-led curriculum and structured learning resources that build business knowledge, financial literacy, and leadership capability.
TRAIN
Hands-on workshops, live simulations, peer-to-peer learning sessions, and skills intensives designed for real-world business application.
HOUSE
Access to physical and virtual incubation space through Schiller International University's global campus network — a professional home for growing businesses.
CONSULT
Personalized, one-on-one consulting from The Switzer Hych Group's advisors to address challenges, sharpen strategy, and accelerate growth.
who we are
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The Veteran Business Incubator (VBI) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization hosted at Schiller International University and powered by The Switzer Hych Group, LLC. Our mission is straightforward: provide veteran-owned businesses with the world-class infrastructure, expert guidance, and professional community they need to launch, stabilize, and grow on a global stage.
VBI is a worldwide program built around four core service pillars — Educate, Train, House, and Consult — delivered through the Uniform to Suits Program, The Switzer Hych Group’s proven transition-to-entrepreneurship framework. Each 9-month incubation cohort accepts 10 to 12 veteran-owned businesses, creating an intentionally small, high-accountability environment where every founder receives substantive attention, not just program access.
Through Schiller International University’s international academic network, VBI participants gain access to a global ecosystem of faculty advisors, student consulting teams, campus facilities, and alumni across multiple countries — positioning VBI not as a local resource, but as a globally-capable launch platform for veteran founders who are ready to compete at scale.
501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
Program fees vary by track and the services selected. Scholarships and grant-funded opportunities are available for qualifying founders.
“Your Service. Our Mission. Your Success. Together, we build a stronger future.”
— VBI Founding Charter · Schiller International University & The Switzer Hych Group
structured accountability
Every business in the cohort operates within a structured accountability framework — weekly check-ins, milestone reviews, and peer group sessions that create the discipline high-growth ventures require.
Global Perspective
Hosted at Schiller International University, VBI connects founders to an international academic network, giving veteran businesses a global launch pad from day one.
Scale-Focused Support
VBI is not a basic startup course. Every element of the program — curriculum, mentorship, consulting — is calibrated for founders who intend to build businesses that compete at the corporate level.
Community-First Model
The cohort model is deliberate. When 10 to 12 founders move through the program together, they become each other's best resource — a professional network built on shared experience and mutual accountability.
Service Honored, Not Forgotten
Veterans bring extraordinary skills to business — leadership under pressure, systems thinking, team development, and decision-making. VBI builds on that foundation rather than asking founders to start over.
the vbi model
A LIVE LAB FOR VETERAN-OWNED BUSINESSES.
VBI operates as a live incubation environment — not a classroom, not a lecture series, but an active workspace where real businesses are built, tested, and refined in real time. Modeled after the most effective university incubator programs in the country, VBI combines expert-led workshops, dedicated one-on-one mentorship, peer cohort accountability, and access to a professional consulting team under one structured 9-month program.
Each cohort accepts 10 to 12 veteran-owned businesses on a rolling 9-month rotation, ensuring that every founder receives focused attention, personalized guidance, and the operational support to move meaningfully forward. This is not a participation program — it is a performance program.
10-12
BUSINESSES PER COHORT
9 Mo.
Incubation Cycle
3
COHORTs per year
incubation tracks
FOUR PATHWAYS. ONE MISION
Every veteran-owned business enters VBI at its actual stage of development and moves through the program in the track designed to meet it there. Cohorts of 10 to 12 businesses are formed within each track for focused, stage-aligned support.
Track 01 · Early Stage
Foundation Incubator
Designed for veteran founders with a business concept or early prototype who are ready to commit to building a real, viable business. This is where idea becomes infrastructure. Participants complete VBI's full Educate and Train curriculum, conduct structured market validation, and develop their first investor-ready business plan over 9 months of intensive, hands-on work.
duration
9 Months
business stage
Concept → MVP
cohort size
10–12 Businesses
Service Pillars
Educate + Train
- Full Uniform to Suits curriculum — all 9 core modules
- Expert-led weekly workshops with actionable deliverables
- Structured market validation and customer discovery process
- Dedicated mentor assigned at program entry
- Monthly business plan reviews with advisory board
- Demo Day presentation at 9-month program conclusion
Program fees vary. Scholarship funding available through VBI's 501(c)(3) grant program.
Track 02 · Growth Stage
Venture Accelerator
Designed for veteran-owned businesses that are operating, generating early revenue, and ready to scale. The Venture Accelerator combines advanced curriculum, direct Switzer Hych Group consulting, and strategic investor introductions to help founders move from early traction to sustainable growth — and prepare for meaningful capital events.
duration
9 Months
business stage
Revenue → Scale
cohort size
10–12 Businesses
Service Pillars
All Four Pillars
- Advanced curriculum: fundraising, team-building, strategic growth
- Direct access to Switzer Hych Group consulting team (Consult)
- Incubation workspace at Schiller campus facilities (House)
- Investor network introductions and pitch preparation
- Federal contracting pipeline: SDVOSB, HUBZone, SBA access
- Cohort peer advisory sessions — cross-pollination between founders
Fees vary by consulting hours and campus access selected. Partial scholarships available.
Track 03 · Executive Stage
Enterprise Leadership Program
VBI's most advanced incubation track — a year-long, executive-level program for veteran founders who are leading established businesses and pursuing a significant growth event: a capital raise, strategic acquisition, federal contract win, or international market entry. This is where the Schiller International network's global reach becomes a direct competitive asset.
duration
12 Months
business stage
Established → Scale
cohort size
10–12 Businesses
Service Pillars
All Four Pillars
- C-suite leadership development: CEO, COO, CFO, CMO workshops
- International market entry support via Schiller's global network
- Capital strategy: equity, debt, grants, SBIR/STTR navigation
- Executive advisory board formation for each company
- Strategic partner development and M&A orientation
- National investor showcase and pitch circuit access
Premium-tier program. Executive rates apply. Grant and corporate sponsor funding available.
Track 04 · Ongoing
Alumni Continuing Program
Graduation from VBI's incubator tracks is not the end — it is the beginning of a lifelong professional community. The Alumni Continuing Program provides VBI graduates with ongoing access to the mentor network, consulting resources, co-working facilities, investor events, and the VBI alumni ecosystem — ensuring that the support structure grows with the business long after the 9-month cohort concludes.
duration
Annual Membership
business stage
VBI Graduates
cohort size
Growing Network
Service Pillars
Flexible + On-Demand
- Ongoing access to VBI's mentor and investor networks
- Priority consideration for Switzer Hych Group consulting engagements
- Co-working access at Schiller campus facilities
- Quarterly alumni roundtables and executive speaker events
- Eligibility to serve as peer mentors in active cohorts
- Access to VBI's growing national and international alumni base
Annual membership fee applies. Graduate discount available for first year.
the meaning behind the mission
WHAT DOES DEPLOY MEAN?
D
Discipline
E
Entrepreneurship
P
Partnership
L
Leadership
O
Opportunity
Y
Yield
Program structure
The 9-Month Incubation Journey
Weeks 1–3 · Months 1
Orientation & Cohort Formation
Each new cohort of 10 to 12 veteran-owned businesses begins with a structured 3-week orientation facilitated jointly by Schiller International University faculty and The Switzer Hych Group. Founders complete intake assessments, establish their business benchmarks, are matched with dedicated mentors, and select their service bundle from VBI's Educate · Train · House · Consult framework. Program cost is confirmed during this phase. Participants finalize their 9-month growth objectives and enter them into VBI's accountability tracking system. The cohort model is established: from this point forward, every founder advances within this community of 10 to 12.
Weeks 4–12 · Months 2–3
Market Validation & Business Foundation
With benchmarks established, founders immediately begin the market validation phase — the most critical and most frequently skipped step in early-stage business development. Through a combination of structured customer discovery workshops, competitive analysis frameworks, and direct advisor guidance from The Switzer Hych Group's consulting team, each business validates its core assumptions before investing further resources. Weekly expert-led sessions run throughout this phase, and each founder submits bi-weekly progress reports reviewed by their assigned mentor. Cohort group sessions create peer accountability and allow founders to learn from each other's research in real time.
Weeks 13–22 · Months 4–5
Business Model Development & Financial Planning
With validation complete, founders construct and refine their business models — pricing strategies, revenue streams, cost structures, and go-to-market approaches. The Switzer Hych Group's consulting team works directly with each business on financial modeling and operational planning. Schiller International University faculty contribute academic perspectives on global market dynamics and international business considerations. At the midpoint of this phase, all 10 to 12 cohort businesses present their business models to the full VBI advisory panel in a structured mid-program review — receiving expert feedback and updated growth targets for the remainder of the program.
Weeks 23–32 · Months 6–7
Launch, Operations & Revenue Activation
Founders execute their go-to-market strategies and begin active revenue generation. VBI's network — including Schiller International's global alumni base, The Switzer Hych Group's professional connections, and VBI's established partner ecosystem — is opened fully to participating businesses. Founders pursuing government contracting are introduced to SDVOSB certification, HUBZone opportunities, and federal procurement pathways during this phase. The cohort continues meeting weekly, sharing wins, challenges, and tactical learnings. Mentors shift from advisory to accountability roles — tracking against the milestones set at program entry and challenging founders to push toward their stated objectives.
Weeks 33–39 · Month 8
Capital Access & Growth Positioning
For businesses in the Venture Accelerator and Enterprise Leadership Program tracks, Month 8 focuses intensively on capital access and growth positioning. Investor introductions are made through VBI's investor network. Founders who are not yet fundraising focus instead on strengthening unit economics, team development, and partnership development. All 10 to 12 cohort businesses prepare their graduation presentations — a comprehensive After-Action Review of their 9-month progress, updated forward projections, and a professional investor-ready pitch package. The Switzer Hych Group's consulting team works directly with each business to finalize their pitch narratives.
Weeks 40–49 · Month 9
VBI Demo Day & Program Graduation
The program concludes with VBI Demo Day — a high-visibility, professionally produced event hosted at Schiller International University that brings together all 10 to 12 graduating cohort businesses, VBI’s full mentor and investor network, Switzer Hych Group leadership, university faculty, government partners, and the broader business community. Each business delivers a 10-minute comprehensive presentation covering their progress, traction, financials, and forward roadmap. Awards are presented across multiple categories. Graduating founders are immediately enrolled in the VBI Alumni Continuing Program — their graduation is the beginning of a permanent professional community, not an ending.
Uniform to Suits Program
Core Curriculum: 9 Modules
Delivered through The Switzer Hych Group's Uniform to Suits framework, VBI's nine core curriculum modules are designed to develop complete, competent business leaders — not just business owners.
01
Leadership & Vision Development
- Founder identity and leadership style assessment
- Vision, mission, and values framework
- Organizational culture design
- Decision-making frameworks under uncertainty
02
Market Research & Customer Intelligence
- Structured customer discovery methodology
- Market sizing: TAM, SAM, SOM analysis
- Competitive landscape mapping
- Identifying and validating core assumptions
03
Business Model & Strategy
- Business Model Canvas design and iteration
- Revenue model selection and scenario planning
- Go-to-market strategy development
- Competitive positioning and differentiation
04
Financial Management & Planning
- Financial statement literacy (P&L, balance sheet, cash flow)
- Startup cost modeling and burn rate management
- SBA loans, SBIR/STTR, and veteran-specific grants
- Unit economics and path to profitability
05
Sales, Marketing & Brand
- Brand development and positioning strategy
- Sales process design, CRM fundamentals, and pipeline management
- Digital marketing, content strategy, and social media
- Investor and stakeholder communication skills
06
Team Building & Human Capital
- First hire framework, equity, and compensation design
- Organizational design and role clarity
- Performance management and feedback culture
- Recruiting and retaining top talent
07
Technology & Digital Infrastructure
- Digital operations for modern businesses
- E-commerce, website infrastructure, and automation tools
- Data analytics, KPI dashboards, and reporting systems
- AI and technology tools for operational efficiency
08
Legal, Compliance & Risk Management
- Business entity formation and structure selection
- Intellectual property: trademarks, patents, trade secrets
- Contract fundamentals and negotiation principles
- SDVOSB and HUBZone certification pathways
09
Capital Strategy & Investor Relations
- Startup funding landscape: grants, angel, venture, debt
- Investor pitch construction and delivery
- Term sheet fundamentals and due diligence preparation
- Veterans-specific capital sources and funding networks
Advisory Ecosystem
World-Class Mentorship & Advisory Support
Delivered through The Switzer Hych Group's Uniform to Suits framework, VBI's nine core curriculum modules are designed to develop complete, competent business leaders — not just business owners.
SENIOR ADVISORS
EXECUTIVE ADVISORS
Former senior executives and organizational leaders who serve as strategic sounding boards. Engaged quarterly for high-level directional guidance and governance input on major business decisions.CAPITAL PARTNERS
INVESTOR ADVISORS
Active angel investors and venture professionals who prioritize veteran-led companies. Monthly workshops and direct introductions for investment-ready founders in Venture Accelerator and Enterprise tracks.OPERATORS
FOUNDER MENTORS
Experienced founders who have built, scaled, or exited businesses. Embedded within each cohort for weekly engagement — the most consistent, most impactful mentorship tier in the VBI model.SWITZER HYCH GROUP
BUSINESS CONSULTANTS
The Switzer Hych Group's professional consulting team provides personalized business consulting to every cohort business — available by scheduled engagement and embedded within the Consult service pillar.Infrastructure & Support
What VBI Provides
VBI gives every cohort business access to a comprehensive suite of resources — physical, digital, financial, and relational — designed to remove the barriers that prevent veteran-owned businesses from scaling.
Campus Incubation Space
Founders enrolled in the House pillar gain access to Schiller International University's campus facilities — professional co-working environments, private meeting rooms, virtual collaboration infrastructure, and access to the university's international campus network across Europe and the United States.
Professional Consulting
Direct access to The Switzer Hych Group's business consulting team is built into the Consult pillar. Consulting services address operational challenges, strategic planning, financial modeling, market entry, and organizational development — personalized to each business, not delivered as generic advice.
Federal Contracting Pipeline
VBI maintains active relationships with federal procurement officers, Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) advisors, and SDVOSB-certified contracting specialists. Eligible veteran-owned businesses receive direct support in navigating the federal marketplace, including certification assistance and bid preparation guidance.
Capital Access & Grant Support
As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, VBI actively sources grants, scholarships, and funding opportunities to reduce program cost for qualifying founders. VBI also connects cohort businesses to VA Small Business programs, SBIR/STTR pathways, veteran-specific angel networks, and strategic corporate sponsors.
Global Academic Network
Schiller International University's international academic network is one of VBI's most distinctive competitive advantages. Founders gain access to faculty expertise, student consulting teams, international market research resources, and alumni connections spanning multiple countries — giving veteran-owned businesses a global launch platform.
Technology & Operational Tools
VBI provides all cohort businesses with access to a curated suite of business technology tools — CRM platforms, financial modeling software, market research databases, project management systems, and the VBI founder portal for tracking milestones, mentor sessions, and progress throughout the program.
Who Should Apply
Eligibility & Selection Criteria
VBI accepts 10 to 12 veteran-owned businesses per cohort. Selection is competitive and based on business readiness, founder commitment, and coachability — not rank, branch, or years of service.
Who Is Eligible?
Any of the following qualifies you to apply
- Veterans of any branch, era, or rank
- Active-duty service members within 12 months of separation
- National Guard and Reserve members (any activation status)
- Military spouses and surviving spouses
- Gold Star family members of fallen service members
- Caregivers of veterans with service-connected disabilities
- Businesses must be at least 51% veteran-owned to qualify
What We Select For
Any of the following qualifies you to apply
- Coachability: The ability to receive feedback and act on it is the single most important quality in a high-growth environment.
- Business readiness: You must have a business concept, early product, or operating company. Ideas without any development are not eligible.
- Commitment: VBI is a structured, demanding program. Founders must be prepared to engage fully and consistently for 9 months.
- Community orientation: The cohort model only works when every founder is fully invested in the group's collective success, not just their own.
- Growth intent: VBI is for founders who intend to build scalable businesses — not lifestyle businesses or side projects.
Program Impact
How We Measure Results
VBI holds itself to the same standard of accountability we hold our founders. These are the targets we work toward with every cohort.
Cohort Completion Rate Target
Cumulative Capital Raised
Per Cohort
Businesses Generating Revenue
at 9 Months
Jobs Created by Graduates
(5-Year Horizon)
partner ecosystem
Strategic Partners & Allies
U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs
Federal Support Partner
Small Business Administration
Capital & Resources
Bunker Labs
National Network Partner
PTAC / DoD Procurement
Federal Contracting Access
Academic Partner Network
Research & Consulting
Veteran Investor Alliance
Capital Partner
Chamber of Commerce
Business Community
Reboot Camp
Transition Support
Ready to Build
Join the Movement.
Change Your Future.
Applications are open for the next VBI cohort at Schiller International University. Program cost varies by track and services selected.
STEP 01
SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION
Complete the VBI application at schiller.edu/veteran-incubator. Include a brief description of your business, its current stage, and your growth objectives. Applications take approximately 20–30 minutes to complete.
STEP 02
Application Review
VBI’s selection committee — including Schiller faculty and Switzer Hych Group advisors — reviews every application for business readiness, founder commitment, and program fit. Finalists are invited to a 30-minute virtual interview.
STEP 03
Track & Services Selection
Accepted founders are placed into the appropriate incubation track and work with VBI staff to select their service bundle. Program fees are confirmed during this step. Scholarship and grant opportunities are discussed with qualifying founders.
STEP 03
Orientation & Cohort Launch
Accepted businesses attend VBI’s structured 3-week orientation alongside their cohort of 10 to 12 fellow veteran-owned businesses. Mentors are matched, benchmarks are set, and the 9-month incubation program begins.