There are more than 413,000 veterans living in Colorado — more than 40,000 of whom served in the post-9/11 era. As veterans begin their transition to civilian life, many have trouble deciding where to start. Colorado’s startup community has risen to the occasion, with companies, schools and organizations creating programs specifically designed to help veterans break into the industry.
Here are five ways veterans and their families can get started in Colorado’s startup community:
Dive in
One of the best ways to join a community is just to jump right in. Head to general networking events like Built In Brews, or more specific events for founders, job seekers or other newcomers. Meet and follow fellow veterans in the industry and their companies, like Lamine Zarrad from Tokken (@zarradlb), Erik Thomson from Zayo (@erikrthomson) and Josh Anderson from Patriot Boot Camp (@jawshndrsn).
While you’re at it, check out our general guide for breaking into the community.
Learn valuable coding skills using your GI benefits
It’s no secret learning to code can be a game-changer for someone’s career. For years, Colorado’s coding schools and bootcamps have worked toward getting GI Bill approval so veteran students can use their benefits at their schools. As of this year, four local schools — RefactorU, Galvanize, Skill Distillery and Turing — accept GI Bill benefits.
Put your existing skills to use
“The biggest challenge vets face coming home is transferring their skill set into the civilian workforce,” said Nic Gray, Founder and CEO of Hyprloco and a U.S. Army veteran. “But their skills and training can be a super valuable part of a startup.”
This is especially true in Colorado’s rapidly-growing cybersecurity industry, where many companies require candidates to have the ability to obtain security clearance. The skills developed while serving in the military often easily transfer to the world of cybersecurity, and companies like SecureSet train veterans through formal programs or courses à la carte (and SecureSet even has a veteran-specific scholarship).
Start your own business
Of course, one of the best ways to break into the startup community is to start your own company. Gray believes veterans are particularly cut out to be entrepreneurs.
“You have to be driven by mission, and strapped with fortitude and grit,” he said. “You also need to be able to stay motivated and keep others around you motivated. Those are the same skills that make you successful in the military.”
If you decide to jump into the world of an entrepreneur, check out the Colorado Alliance for Veteran Entrepreneurship, or CAVE. They host events and connect veterans with resources, jobs and educational opportunities. They’ve partnered with companies like Zayo Group and Skill Distillery to help veterans get started as entrepreneurs and members of Colorado’s tech community.
Apply for Patriot Boot Camp
Decided to join the growing number of entrepreneurs in Colorado? Great! Patriot Boot Camp can help. Headquartered in Colorado and Texas, their three-day events help veterans and their spouses get their tech startups off the ground. Through business education, mentorship and a pitch competition, attendees have the opportunity to test the waters of entrepreneurship and take in some inspiration and advice along the way. The best part? Patriot Boot Camp is free for all participants. They’re currently accepting applications for the February cohort in San Antonio — now’s the time to apply!
Photo via CAVE.
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