PenFed Foundation Announces 2026 Veteran Entrepreneur Program Expansion
The PenFed Foundation for Military Heroes has unveiled its 2026 calendar for the Veteran Entrepreneur Program, introducing a new dual-track structure and expanding its reach to additional cities, including Raleigh, Pittsburgh, New York, and Boston.
Beginning in 2026, the program will offer two distinct pathways designed to support veteran founders at different stages of business development. An incubator track will focus on early-stage entrepreneurs, while an accelerator track will serve established businesses seeking growth, ensuring tailored support throughout the entrepreneurial lifecycle.
“Our mission is to create accessible opportunities for every veteran entrepreneur, no matter where they are in building their business,” said Terry Williams, Director of the Veteran Entrepreneur Program. “By launching incubator cohorts, we’re extending our support to emerging founders and equipping them with the knowledge, mentorship, and resources needed to confidently bring their ideas to market.”
The 2026 Incubator Program will include five cohorts, each beginning with three days of in-person instruction followed by six weeks of online learning:
Beginning in 2026, the program will offer two distinct pathways designed to support veteran founders at different stages of business development. An incubator track will focus on early-stage entrepreneurs, while an accelerator track will serve established businesses seeking growth, ensuring tailored support throughout the entrepreneurial lifecycle.
“Our mission is to create accessible opportunities for every veteran entrepreneur, no matter where they are in building their business,” said Terry Williams, Director of the Veteran Entrepreneur Program. “By launching incubator cohorts, we’re extending our support to emerging founders and equipping them with the knowledge, mentorship, and resources needed to confidently bring their ideas to market.”
The 2026 Incubator Program will include five cohorts, each beginning with three days of in-person instruction followed by six weeks of online learning:
- Raleigh, NC: March 18–20
- Pittsburgh, PA: April 29–May 1
- Tysons, VA: June 17–19
- New York City, NY: August 12–14
- Boston, MA: October 14–16
The Accelerator Program will also host five cohorts in 2026. Each cohort will feature four days of on-site training paired with six weeks of virtual programming:
- Bentonville, AR: February 24–27
- Tysons, VA: May 5–8
- Bentonville, AR: July 21–24
- San Antonio, TX: September 15–18
- Pittsburgh, PA: November 3–7
Since its inception in 2018, the Veteran Entrepreneur Program has supported more than 120 military-affiliated founders. Through the PenFed Foundation for Military Heroes and its investment partners, program alumni have secured millions in startup funding, built strong professional networks, and gained strategic guidance from experienced mentors. With the introduction of the two-track approach, the Foundation seeks to engage more veteran and military-spouse entrepreneurs while supporting a broader spectrum of business ventures.
Click here to know more about our full 2026 program.
Click here to know more about our full 2026 program.
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