Transitioning from military service to civilian life presents unique challenges, especially when it comes to career opportunities. Warrior Rising, a nonprofit dedicated to Veteran entrepreneurship, is on a mission to ensure that Veterans don’t just survive after service – they thrive. Through a combination of funding, mentorship, and education, Warrior Rising equips Veterans with the tools they need to build sustainable businesses and achieve financial independence.
Turning Military Experience Into Business Success
“Most organizations give Veterans one good day; we give Veterans the opportunity to earn their success and have one great life,” said Ken Vennera, chief of staff. The organization serves Veteran entrepreneurs, aspiring business owners, and transitioning service members, leveraging their discipline, leadership, and resilience to create business success.
Through its signature Business Showers, Warrior Rising provides funding, supplies, and mentorship to Veteran-owned startups, ensuring they have the necessary resources to launch and grow. Over the past decade, the organization has awarded over $2.3 Transitioning from military service to civilian life presents unique challenges, especially when it comes to career opportunities. Warrior Rising, a nonprofit dedicated to Veteran entrepreneurship, is on a mission to ensure that Veterans don’t just survive after service – they thrive. Through a combination of funding, mentorship, and education, Warrior Rising equips Veterans with the tools they need to build sustainable businesses and achieve financial independence.
Turning Military Experience Into Business Success
“Most organizations give Veterans one good day; we give Veterans the opportunity to earn their success and have one great life,” said Ken Vennera, chief of staff. The organization serves Veteran entrepreneurs, aspiring business owners, and transitioning service members, leveraging their discipline, leadership, and resilience to create business success.
Through its signature Business Showers, Warrior Rising provides funding, supplies, and mentorship to Veteran-owned startups, ensuring they have the necessary resources to launch and grow. Over the past decade, the organization has awarded over $2.3 million in grants and provided
$10.1 million in business resources, including legal and marketing support. Veterans looking to start their own business can apply to become a Vetrepreneur and gain access to Warrior Rising’s extensive programs.
A Partnership With Purpose
By joining forces with the NVBDC MVO Task Force, Warrior Rising strengthens its outreach to Veteran-owned businesses across the nation. “The MVO Task Force is a valuable tool for connecting Veterans with essential resources and opportunities,” noted Vennera. “The insights and support we’ve gained allow us to extend our impact to even more Veteran entrepreneurs.”
Celebrating 10 Years of Impact
As Warrior Rising marks a decade of impact in 2025, the organization looks back on a legacy of remarkable achievements:
- 158 Veteran-owned businesses funded through Business Showers.
- 6,082 Veterans graduated from educational programs.
- Over $11.5 million raised to support Veteran entrepreneurs.
- 50,525 volunteer hours contributed to mentoring and training Veterans.
To mark this milestone, Warrior Rising is hosting four to five national Business Showers this year, as well as a special event in Normandy to honor D-Day.
Get Involved – There are many ways to support Warrior Rising’s mission:
- Donate to help fund Veteran entrepreneurs.
- Attend or sponsor a Business Shower to directly impact Veteran-owned businesses.
- Mentor a Veteran and share expertise.
- Advocate for Veteran entrepreneurship by spreading the word.
- Shop merchandise that supports Warrior Rising’s initiatives.
- Subscribe to the newsletter to stay updated on upcoming programs and events.
With a decade of impact and a future filled with opportunities, Warrior Rising continues to redefine success for Veterans – one business at a time.
For more information, visit warriorrising.org.
