Optimizing Service, Scaling Business: Veteran and Military-Connected Entrepreneurs Chart a New Course Through ICIC’s ICCC Program

By ICIC | November 14, 2025

When Jack Smith left the Air Force, he carried more than the discipline and precision that defined his service—he carried a mission to create something lasting for his community. Today, as founder and CEO of California-based Fortuna Business Management Consulting, Jack has turned his military experience into a purpose-driven company that prioritizes hiring and supporting veterans and their families. From serving as a computer programmer in the Air Force to leading a rapidly growing, nationally recognized consulting firm, Jack’s story exemplifies resilience, vision, and community-focused entrepreneurship.

His journey from service to entrepreneurship mirrors that of many veterans who turn their military experience into business success. And now, a new opportunity is opening for more of them to do the same.

Building Businesses Together: ICIC and Kaiser Launch the Veterans’ Cohort

This winter, ICIC will launch its first-ever Inner City Capital Connections (ICCC) Veterans’ Cohort—sponsored by Kaiser Permanente and kicking off in San Diego in late January 2026. The 40-hour hybrid cohort is based on the ICCC program’s standard curriculum with specialized content and resources for veteran and military-connected entrepreneurs, providing executive education, one-on-one coaching, and access to capital—all at no cost to participants.

For Jack, building his company came from a desire to create quality jobs for veterans and military families while meeting high standards of service. However, he lacked the business knowledge to scale effectively. That changed when he joined the ICCC program. Jack explains,

“ICCC gave me knowledge and access to a community of entrepreneurs facing similar challenges. It’s lonely as an entrepreneur, so having a support network is invaluable.”

Through ICCC, Jack gained practical insights that helped him navigate rapid expansion and build a resilient, purpose-driven company.

Why the ICCC Veterans’ Cohort Matters

Across the country, veterans like Jack are translating leadership, discipline, and resilience into thriving businesses that strengthen local economies. Yet even with these strengths, the path from service to entrepreneurship is rarely straightforward. Accessing capital, navigating government contracts, and building networks outside the military all pose challenges.

The 2023 Annual Business Survey found that veterans own about 4.7% of all employer firms nationwide, contributing more than $800 billion in annual revenue and employing 3.2 million people. In California, roughly 7% of small businesses are veteran-owned, highlighting strong entrepreneurial drive. Yet gaps between potential and opportunity remain, particularly for those aiming to grow beyond early-stage survival.

Data underscores these challenges. In the Institute for Veterans and Military Families’ (IVMF) 2022 survey, 37% of veteran entrepreneurs cited lack of access to capital as a major barrier, and 34% pointed to lack of financing. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) notes that veterans seeking business loans often face stricter requirements, as many lenders are unfamiliar with their business models or don’t view military service as equivalent business experience. Networking and mentorship can also be difficult, as veterans relocating after service may struggle to build social capital in new communities (Federal Reserve Bank).

The ICCC Veterans’ Cohort is designed to break these barriers and build veteran businesses by equipping owners to grow profitably, create quality jobs, and drive inclusive economic prosperity in their communities.

“Veterans are some of the most mission-driven entrepreneurs we meet,” says Diego Portillo Mazal, Program Director of ICIC’s ICCC program.

“They bring resilience, discipline, and creativity to every challenge. They deserve access to the same resources and opportunities as any other small business owner. This cohort is about leveling that playing field.”

By pairing executive education with personalized coaching and access to capital networks, the ICCC Veterans’ Cohort helps veteran and military-connected entrepreneurs chart a new course for growth.

“Veterans already know how to lead,” says Portillo Mazal. “They just need the right network and the right information to unlock their next chapter.”

Veterans Turning Vision Into Victory

Through ICIC’s ICCC program, veterans are turning the skills honed in service into real-world business success.

Liseth Velez, a U.S. Army veteran and founder of LJV Development, transformed her military precision into an award-winning business. Through ICCC, she sharpened her growth strategy and built strong relationships with peers. Her accolades include 2023 Massachusetts Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year, 2024 IC100 Award winner, and 2024 Inc. 5000 awardee with a 3-year growth rate of more than 2,900%. Liseth shares, 

“Being part of ICIC has immersed me in a vibrant community of entrepreneurs. This network has not only given me access to new opportunities but also a sense of belonging and shared purpose. We’re not just building businesses; we’re collectively enhancing economic growth and job creation in our communities.”

Angel Johnson, founder of activewear brand ICONI and ICCC graduate, demonstrates that purpose and profit can coexist. Through the program, she gained guidance from expert mentors on her inclusive clothing that fueled her business expansion.

“Everything was a challenge when I first launched ICONI. My degrees didn’t prepare me for the realities of entrepreneurship, but my Air Force training taught me to always be ready to answer questions five layers deep. That mindset led me to ICCC. The program gave me exactly what I needed: CEO-level training, guidance from experienced coaches, and a clear path forward. Before ICCC, I was a veteran navigating business on my own. After ICCC, I became a confident business owner with the tools to lead and grow.”
– Angel Johnson, Founder, ICONI

From Service to Strategy: Turning Experience Into Growth

The ICCC Veterans’ Cohort helps veteran and military-connected entrepreneurs turn experience into strategy and purpose into measurable growth. Participants receive:

• Executive Education led by instructors with military experience
• Capital Access Coaching for traditional and alternative funding
• Procurement Readiness to compete for government and corporate contracts
• AI Tools for Growth to streamline operations, reach customers, and make smarter business decisions
• Specialized Mentoring & Networking with peers and coaches who understand the transition from service to entrepreneurship

Each entrepreneur is paired with experienced coaches who guide them through business growth challenges—from pricing and financial management to marketing and scaling sustainably. The result is a stronger foundation for long-term success, backed by a national network of alumni and mentors who share both military and entrepreneurial experiences.

Joining the Cohort

Applications are now open for the ICCC Veterans’ Cohort, starting in San Diego in late January 2026. Participants will join a supportive community of veterans and military-connected entrepreneurs, gain access to national business leaders, university faculty, and a powerful alumni network that continues to support growth long after graduation.

Learn more and apply here.

For veterans and military-connected entrepreneurs, the journey continues—this time through business, community, and lasting impact.