The PenFed Foundation for Military Heroes Announces Veteran Entrepreneur Accelerator Program September 2026 Cohort

New cohort features companies spanning healthcare, technology, consumer products and workforce development

TYSONS, Va., Sept. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The PenFed Foundation for Military Heroes, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting veterans in their transition from service to success, is excited to announce its September 2026 Veteran Entrepreneur Program cohort. The business accelerator begins with four days of in-person programming in San Antonio, Texas, followed by six weeks of virtual mentorship.

The program equips veteran and military spouse business founders with the resources, support network and expertise to grow their ventures. Participants receive expert guidance from seasoned business leaders on growing and scaling their companies, including support on marketing and brand strategy, communications and investor pitching.

"San Antonio has one of the largest veteran communities in the country, making it a natural place to bring together veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs who are building businesses that are making a positive impact," said Terry Williams, retired U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. and Director of the Veteran Entrepreneur Program at the PenFed Foundation for Military Heroes. "Over the next several weeks, we're giving these entrepreneurs the tools, connections and guidance they need to strengthen their businesses and take the next step toward growth."

The September 2026 cohort includes:

• Budee Systems
  
  Founded by U.S. Military veteran Freddy Ali, Budee Systems developed Bottle Budee, a U.S.-made modular carry platform that allows military personnel, first responders, tradespeople and outdoor enthusiasts to carry essential equipment in multiple configurations, such as sling, waist, holster and mounted carry without changing bags. Budee Systems is now entering the final production validation and quality assurance phase, and will begin commercial market expansion efforts upon completion.

• Capiro 
  
  U.S. Marine Corps veteran Jordan Clayton designed Capiro, an AI-native operating system, for government affairs firms. Capiro can automate the preparation, submission, tracking and management of congressional funding requests, appropriations packages and advocacy campaigns. The company recently increased engagement with advocacy organizations and generated early investor interest.

• ClearPath IP Holdings
  
  U.S. Air Force veteran Justin Mahan founded ClearPath IP Holdings, a technology company focused on helping innovators turn ideas into valuable, market-ready products. Through its AI-driven platforms, CompassIP and CaptureIP, the company supports entrepreneurs throughout the innovation process, helping them evaluate ideas, navigate intellectual property, develop patent strategies and identify paths to commercialization.

• Coleman Health Services 
  
  U.S. Navy veteran Dr. Craig Coleman started Coleman Health Services to improve continuity of care for patients managing chronic conditions. The company combines clinical expertise with responsible AI to help care teams stay informed between appointments, using patient conversations and nurse-led follow-up to identify health changes that may need attention.

• CuraTech Outdoor Systems 
  
  Founded by Army spouse Emi Kordenbrock, CuraTech is developing technology that makes outdoor property maintenance more efficient and automated. Its system uses connected sensors and environmental insights to manage tasks such as watering, fertilizing and pest control through existing irrigation infrastructure. The company already has five systems in production and reserved by irrigation contractors ahead of its planned Q1 2027 launch, along with three signed letters of intent and a fully operational end-to-end prototype.

• Connolly Aerial Services 
  
  U.S. Marine Corps veteran Garrett Connolly created Connolly Aerial Services to prepare the next generation of commercial drone professionals. Through its Drone Ace Academy – an FAA Part 107 training program – students gain the practical skills needed to operate drones safely and effectively in the field. Drawing on Connolly's extensive experience training military, government, public safety and commercial operators, the company is helping build a skilled workforce for the rapidly expanding drone industry.

• Essential EA + AI Storm OS 
  
  Air Force spouse Kristina Spencer founded Essential EA + AI Storm OS to help organizations turn large amounts of information into clear, actionable priorities. AI Storm OS works alongside the technologies companies already use, bringing information from systems like email, calendars, customer databases and financial tools together to help leaders understand what needs attention, who should take the lead and what steps should happen next.

• Point Ref 
  
  U.S. Army veteran Mike White started Point Ref to bring technology and greater consistency to pickleball officiating. The company is developing AI-powered systems that use computer vision and court-side technology to provide fast, reliable reviews of line calls during tournaments and organized play. Point Ref has already put its technology into action at four live events, including the Tennessee State Games, USA Pickleball Golden Ticket in Seattle and PickleCon in Kansas City.

• Prosperous Robotics 
  
  Founded by Air Force veteran Michael Bankowski, Prosperous Robotics is developing advanced robotics and AI technology to help people preserve their mobility and independence. The company's solutions combine rehabilitation robotics with intelligent software designed to provide more personalized support for patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers.

• Safe Haven Senior Advisors 
  
  U.S. Coast Guard and combat veteran Kashyap Patel co-founded Safe Haven Senior Advisors to help families navigate the transition of aging loved ones into senior living communities – at no cost. Using a personalized, clinically informed approach, the company helps families evaluate care needs, lifestyle preferences and financial considerations to identify senior living options that are the right fit. Safe Haven has built relationships with more than 30 senior living communities and continues to grow its presence in the Charlotte, NC, market.

• TDY Rentals 
  
  Founded by U.S. Army Reserve veteran Steve Buchanan, TDY Rentals rethinks temporary housing for professionals who spend extended periods away from home. The company gives business travelers the ability to customize their living arrangements based on their needs, preferences and budget, while TDY Rentals handles the logistics behind the stay. After establishing its model in the government temporary-duty market, the company is expanding its reach to long-term business travelers nationwide.

• Venora AI 
  
  Founded by U.S. Army veterans Thomas Lambert and Braydon Welch, Venora AI helps dental practices simplify insurance administration and more easily identify the care patients are eligible for. The platform automates much of the insurance-checking process, providing dental teams with reliable coverage and benefits information before patients arrive and reducing the administrative burden on staff. The platform can also surface services that might otherwise be missed, helping practices improve collections and reduce avoidable claim issues. 

The Veteran Entrepreneur Program is free of charge for participants. The PenFed Foundation for Military Heroes does not take equity in any of the businesses. Veterans and military spouses who own or lead companies and are interested in upcoming cohorts are encouraged to apply here.

About The PenFed Foundation for Military Heroes

Founded in 2001, The PenFed Foundation for Military Heroes is a national nonprofit organization that supports veterans in their transition from service to success in civilian life. Affiliated with PenFed Credit Union, the Foundation has provided more than $55 million in financial support to veterans, active-duty service members and military families. PenFed Credit Union covers the salaries and administrative costs of The PenFed Foundation for Military Heroes, so more of your donation goes right to our programs. To learn more, please visit www.penfedfoundation.org.

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SOURCE PenFed Foundation for Military Heroes