How Army Veteran Bryant Coronado Transformed His Future with STRIVE

Turning Military Experience into Business Success

When U.S. Army veteran Bryant Coronado became a father, his drive for stability and purpose intensified. "My time in the military taught me discipline and leadership," Coronado shared, illustrating how these skills seamlessly transitioned into his entrepreneurial aspirations.

After service, he pursued a bachelor’s degree in business administration, aiming to apply what he learned while in uniform to cultivate his own venture. This journey led him to the Startup Training Resources to Inspire Veteran Entrepreneurship (STRIVE) program—an initiative by Syracuse University's D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF), delivered locally via partner networks like Houston Community College.

STRIVE: A Pathway for Veteran Entrepreneurs

STRIVE is more than just an entrepreneurship training program; it's a beacon for military and service-connected individuals seeking to navigate the often murky waters of business ownership. Its multi-phase curriculum covers essential business fundamentals, empowering participants to validate ideas, quantify risks, and create actionable growth plans.

For Coronado, the program was a pivotal moment. His company, Maps Flowers, which specializes in exporting fresh flowers from Mexico to Texas, flourished from the insights and mentorship gained through STRIVE. He highlighted, "When I showed my first sales projections, it became clear that my ideas could develop into something significant—this was not merely an idea, but a movement."">

Addressing Barriers to Veteran Entrepreneurship

Coronado’s success echoes common trends revealed by IVMF's studies on military-connected entrepreneurs. A notable challenge remains: a staggering 37% of veteran entrepreneurs cite lack of access to initial capital as a primary barrier, while 46% feel daunted by the complexities in local resources for startups. STRIVE, along with other IVMF programs, aims to fill these gaps.

The IVMF offers various programs, such as the Military Founders Lab, Veteran Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship (V-WISE), and the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans (EBV) Accelerate, which provide a structured foundation and ongoing mentorship for business growth.

Building a Sustainable Future

Coronado exemplifies the essence of STRIVE’s mission as he seeks to inspire other veterans and military family members to view entrepreneurship as a viable path. He emphasizes the importance of nurturing connections, stating, "STRIVE connected me with mentors who guided my decisions and supported my growth. I want others to see the potential business ownership holds for them."

As military service often embeds invaluable traits like leadership, resilience, and problem-solving, it’s crucial for transitioning service members to leverage these qualities in their entrepreneurial journeys. STRIVE and similar initiatives offer not only business education but also a robust support system, enriching the entrepreneurial ecosystem for veterans.

Encouragement for Future Veterans in Business

Whether you’re an active service member or have transitioned into civilian life, remember that your military background can uniquely position you in the business landscape. Coronado’s story is a testament to the success that is possible when one combines military valor with innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. As he endeavors to help others realize their potential, he underscores a significant truth: the skills developed in service can propel ambitious dreams into thriving realities.

Veterans and military families should recognize their capacity for leadership and strategic thinking, utilizing resources like STRIVE to turn entrepreneurial aspirations into successful, impactful businesses. It’s a journey worth taking, filled with opportunities to not just succeed but to inspire.