Veterans

Veterans’ Entrepreneurship Program: ‘Just Come and We Will Change Your Life’

Posted on by Claire Hall

UConn Today – As a communications expert who handles emergency medical calls, Michael Brown guides people through some of life’s most frightening and stressful moments.

And while Brown is versed in handling a crisis, he also recognizes the importance of relaxing, enjoying entertainment, and the value of connecting with friends both old and new.

He and his wife, Sydney Brown, are the owners of ThirdSpace Arcade Lounge on Blake Street in New Haven, a gathering place and community hub for adults, particularly gamers, artists, crafters, musicians and poets.

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Veterans-Turned-Entrepreneurs Demonstrate Initiative, Courage, Dedication

Posted on by Claire Hall

UConn Today – Keri Yonika, an occupational therapist and a U.S. Coast Guard veteran, has both the knowledge and passion to help young children get a good start in life.

She loves her work with neurodivergent pre-schoolers, but not the constant pressure to see more clients. Yonika dreams of owning her own practice and running it with a client-centered approach.

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New UConn EBV Program Manager: ‘We’re Like a Family…Helping Accomplish Each Other’s Missions’

Posted on by Claire Hall

UConn Today – “I am excited to have the ability to help people realize their dreams.”

That’s how Nicholas Martinelli, a U.S. Army veteran who was part of a team that operated land-based defense systems against enemy rocket and mortar attacks in Iran and Afghanistan, sees his role as the new program manager of the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans (EBV).

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EBV Honors Lawrence Dapo ’15 With Inaugural Zacchea Veterans Impact Award

Posted on by Claire Hall
(Contributed Photo)

The UConn EBV program has awarded the inaugural Michael J. Zacchea Veterans Impact Award to a program alumnus who played an integral role in protecting former Vice President Dick Cheney on Sept. 11, created a successful Connecticut construction company, and continually supports his fellow veterans.Continue Reading

Retired Professor Offers $100K Matching Gift to Save Veterans’ Entrepreneurship Program

Posted on by Claire Hall

UConn Today – United States Marine Corps veteran Tony Audette builds custom motorcycles for celebrities, business titans, and other enthusiasts who want a bike that’s unlike any other. His exclusive motorcycles sell for upwards of $130,000.

After two years in business, Audette Motorcycles, in Canton, is thriving. Audette credits much of his business knowledge and expertise to the School of Business’ Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans (EBV). The startup accelerator steered him away from several costly business mistakes, he said.

KeyBank Gives $75K to UConn Program for Veteran Business Owners

Posted on by Claire Hall

KeyBank has presented a $75,000 grant to the UConn School of Business’ Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans, which helps U.S. military veterans become small business owners. Pictured from left to right are UConn EBV program graduates Jorge and Jessica Rodriguez, KeyBank Corporate Responsibility Officer LaKisha Jordan, KeyBank Market President Jim Barger, and UConn EBV Director Michael Zacchea. (Contributed Photo)
KeyBank has presented a $75,000 grant to the UConn School of Business’ Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans, which helps U.S. military veterans become small business owners. Pictured from left to right are UConn EBV program graduates Jorge and Jessica Rodriguez, KeyBank Corporate Responsibility Officer LaKisha Jordan, KeyBank Market President Jim Barger, and UConn EBV Director Michael Zacchea. (Contributed Photo)

The KeyBank Foundation on Thursday presented a $75,000 grant to UConn in support a School of Business program that helps U.S. military veterans become small-business owners.Continue Reading

EBV Alum: ‘To Do What You Love is Priceless’

Posted on by Claire Hall
EBV alumnus Jason Otrin (Nathan Oldham/UConn School of Business)
EBV alumnus Jason Otrin (Nathan Oldham/UConn School of Business)

Imagine a young child wandering alone in the woods on a frigid afternoon, with each passing minute decreasing the likelihood of a successful rescue.

UConn alumnus Jason Otrin would like to encourage emergency responders in Connecticut, and across the nation, to adopt the use of drones for such public-safety emergencies. Continue Reading

EBV Prepares Veterans for New Jobs as Business Owners

Posted on by Claire Hall
Veterans in the 2018 EBV program (from left): Richard Nebelski, Jonathan Norton and David Paradis get acquainted during the opening day reception. They are among 20 veterans in this year’s program. (Nathan Oldham/UConn School of Business)

Shaun Anderson ’16, a retired Navy petty officer first class, started a sound, lighting and audio-rental company in his garage in Vernon, Conn. Now “Off the Ground Sound” has moved to a storefront, and he’s considering expanding to more locations. Continue Reading