HCC Fellows Program
SITUATION:
Veterans are America's greatest asset, but are typically underutilized after serving in the military. They are formally trained in leadership and instilled with the utmost discipline; and have learned how to perform at maximum capacity and make decisions that ultimately saved or cost lives, even in the most austere conditions and stressful environments. Many veterans are accustomed to working at a high operational tempo, and have are able to make sound and timely decisions; and whatever the results, they are able to reassess the situation and adapt accordingly. These same traits are consistent with successful entrepreneurs and community leaders.
MISSION:
Maximize veteran talent to grow the US economy and build local communities.
EXECUTION:
The Fellows Program is a 8-week, full-time program and only accepts the most committed veteran leaders. This program is partnered with SMU Cox School of Business and the Caruth Center of Entrepreneurship, but is non-degree bearing. It covers expansive approaches to leadership in business and community.
This initiative connects veteran participants with distinguished veteran entrepreneurs and high-level executives in both the for-profit and nonprofit industries as a way to develop the veterans' talents. Participants will learn varying methodologies of entrepreneurship, develop a network of peers, and exchange ideas with mentors and others who can help them make an impact in both the economy and their communities.
HCC's Founder, Andy Nguyen, owns and operates his own successful business that he launched in 2008. Andy holds undergraduate and graduate degrees along with executive certifications in entrepreneurship from Southern Methodist University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and University of North Texas. This program's curriculum draws from his background.
Parallel with military service, an aspect of this fellowship is the opportunity to establish camaraderie with other motivated veterans who are also seeking to create change through action. The Fellows will also have a chance to meet and build relationships with guest speakers comprised of entrepreneurs, pro athletes, executive leaders, and other successful veterans. The alumni remain actively involved, ensuring the program continues to meet the needs of future veteran leaders.
What You Will Gain
By participating in this program, Fellows will acquire skills that are validated by fellowship and experience. Through personal ventures, classroom work, and community projects led by successful veteran entrepreneurs, they hone the key entrepreneurial skills that will allow them to connect with community leaders, venture capitalists, angel investors, and foundations to help grow their business.
What to Expect
The program requires a 8-week, full-time commitment, and veterans from outside the local area will be required to relocate for the duration of the program. During that time, the class meets 5 days a week with an additional 4-8 weekend days for community projects (dependent on the project involved). The weekday will typically consist of half-day classroom lectures and guest speakers, and the other half in the veteran incubator office working on personal business development and community events.
Program Features
ADMIN and LOGISTICS
Timeline
Location and Address:
Program Participants
COMMAND
Chain of Command
Mentors
HCC Fellows are matched with community and industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and executives.
Faculty
Classes are led by professors from premier universities as well as experts and professionals from industry leading firms.
Veterans are America's greatest asset, but are typically underutilized after serving in the military. They are formally trained in leadership and instilled with the utmost discipline; and have learned how to perform at maximum capacity and make decisions that ultimately saved or cost lives, even in the most austere conditions and stressful environments. Many veterans are accustomed to working at a high operational tempo, and have are able to make sound and timely decisions; and whatever the results, they are able to reassess the situation and adapt accordingly. These same traits are consistent with successful entrepreneurs and community leaders.
MISSION:
Maximize veteran talent to grow the US economy and build local communities.
EXECUTION:
The Fellows Program is a 8-week, full-time program and only accepts the most committed veteran leaders. This program is partnered with SMU Cox School of Business and the Caruth Center of Entrepreneurship, but is non-degree bearing. It covers expansive approaches to leadership in business and community.
This initiative connects veteran participants with distinguished veteran entrepreneurs and high-level executives in both the for-profit and nonprofit industries as a way to develop the veterans' talents. Participants will learn varying methodologies of entrepreneurship, develop a network of peers, and exchange ideas with mentors and others who can help them make an impact in both the economy and their communities.
HCC's Founder, Andy Nguyen, owns and operates his own successful business that he launched in 2008. Andy holds undergraduate and graduate degrees along with executive certifications in entrepreneurship from Southern Methodist University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and University of North Texas. This program's curriculum draws from his background.
Parallel with military service, an aspect of this fellowship is the opportunity to establish camaraderie with other motivated veterans who are also seeking to create change through action. The Fellows will also have a chance to meet and build relationships with guest speakers comprised of entrepreneurs, pro athletes, executive leaders, and other successful veterans. The alumni remain actively involved, ensuring the program continues to meet the needs of future veteran leaders.
What You Will Gain
By participating in this program, Fellows will acquire skills that are validated by fellowship and experience. Through personal ventures, classroom work, and community projects led by successful veteran entrepreneurs, they hone the key entrepreneurial skills that will allow them to connect with community leaders, venture capitalists, angel investors, and foundations to help grow their business.
What to Expect
The program requires a 8-week, full-time commitment, and veterans from outside the local area will be required to relocate for the duration of the program. During that time, the class meets 5 days a week with an additional 4-8 weekend days for community projects (dependent on the project involved). The weekday will typically consist of half-day classroom lectures and guest speakers, and the other half in the veteran incubator office working on personal business development and community events.
Program Features
- Business Planning: Building on the models and methods as a reference point, Fellows drill down on the focal topic of each session with an in-depth class discussion on various entrepreneurial case studies.
- Distinguished Speakers: Every week features distinguished speakers, including successful veteran entrepreneurs, and leaders from across the country, to discuss different aspects of entrepreneurship and community leadership.
- Public Speaking and Presentation Skill-Building: Fellows apply the strategies, methods, and lessons learned from the program through a variety of teaching practices and interactivity with the opportunity to receive feedback and guidance from the experts facilitating the session, as well as from their peers.
- Peer Learning Group Sessions: The class can break into small groups and use this time to share details of their personal entrepreneurial venture and support one another in their work on those projects.
- Company Tours: Throughout the program, the veterans will have the opportunity to tour both for-profit enterprises and nonprofit organizations, from start-ups to well established businesses.
- Raising Capital: Whether the veteran's goal is to raise funds for a business venture, gain support from the local community, or receive a grant from a foundation, in the final weeks of the program the Fellows will pitch/present their business/nonprofit to investors, community leaders, and foundations.
ADMIN and LOGISTICS
Timeline
- Week 1:
M-F 8am-430pm – Opening Week at HCC - Weeks 1 - 8:
Tuesdays 7pm-10pm – SMU Cox business course
- Weeks 2 - 8: TBD
Location and Address:
- Honor Courage Commitment, Inc. Headquarters
13625 Neutron Rd,
Dallas, TX 75244 - SMU Cox School of Business - Caruth Institute for Entrepreneurship
6210 Bishop Blvd, Georges Auditorium (175 Crow)
Dallas, TX 75275 - Various events at other locations TBA
Program Participants
- There is no cost to veteran participants. This program is fully funded by contributions from foundations, corporations, and generous donations.
COMMAND
Chain of Command
- Chairman of the Board
- Executive Director
- Class Leader: To be selected before the start of the program.
Mentors
HCC Fellows are matched with community and industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and executives.
Faculty
Classes are led by professors from premier universities as well as experts and professionals from industry leading firms.
Who Should Apply?
This competitive program will only accept up to 16 veterans this year (2 classes of 8). The ideal HCC applicant should have displayed a high level of integrity throughout their military career with limited blemishes on record. Blemishes are not a rule out, but your positives must overcompensate for any mistakes you may have made (and got caught for). A common trait in our accepted candidates are warriors who took the initiative and worked hard to move up quickly in rank. Any additional accomplishments while in your military career or possibly before you joined - i.e. awards, outside education, certifications, volunteering, business launches, community projects, etc. - are all critical aspects that our review board will consider and generally values greatly. We are looking for the most competitive, strategic, innovative, ambitious, humble, and most importantly - COMMITTED veteran.
Class 171 begins February 6th. Application deadline is December 31st. Apply now.
This competitive program will only accept up to 16 veterans this year (2 classes of 8). The ideal HCC applicant should have displayed a high level of integrity throughout their military career with limited blemishes on record. Blemishes are not a rule out, but your positives must overcompensate for any mistakes you may have made (and got caught for). A common trait in our accepted candidates are warriors who took the initiative and worked hard to move up quickly in rank. Any additional accomplishments while in your military career or possibly before you joined - i.e. awards, outside education, certifications, volunteering, business launches, community projects, etc. - are all critical aspects that our review board will consider and generally values greatly. We are looking for the most competitive, strategic, innovative, ambitious, humble, and most importantly - COMMITTED veteran.
Class 171 begins February 6th. Application deadline is December 31st. Apply now.