Apply for Veteran Founder Programme (United Kingdom)

The Barclays Veteran Founder Programme is a free entrepreneurship programme designed to help veterans, serving military personnel, and military spouses or partners in the UK start, build, and scale their businesses. Delivered in partnership with Entrepreneur Academy, the programme provides flexible online learning, expert guidance, and ongoing support through Barclays Eagle Labs.

About the Barclays Veteran Founder Programme

The Barclays Veteran Founder Programme helps members of the armed forces community turn business ideas into successful ventures or grow existing businesses.

Delivered by Barclays in partnership with Entrepreneur Academy, the programme combines practical business education, expert mentoring, and networking opportunities to equip participants with the skills needed to launch and expand a business.

Designed for busy professionals, the programme offers flexible, self-paced learning that allows participants to study alongside work, family, or military commitments.

Programme Objectives

The programme aims to:

• Support veterans in launching successful businesses.
• Help founders build sustainable and scalable companies.
• Develop essential entrepreneurial and leadership skills.
• Provide practical business knowledge and guidance.
• Strengthen the UK’s veteran entrepreneurship ecosystem.
• Connect participants with experienced business mentors.
• Encourage innovation across all business sectors.

Key Learning Areas

Participants gain practical knowledge in every stage of building a business, including:

Business Planning

• Developing a business idea
• Validating business concepts
• Creating a business model
• Setting business goals

Business Growth

• Scaling a business
• Growth planning
• Customer acquisition
• Revenue generation

Sales and Marketing

• Sales strategies
• Digital marketing
• Branding
• Customer engagement
• Market positioning

Business Operations

• Business management
• Productivity
• Problem-solving
• Strategic decision-making

Entrepreneurship Skills

• Leadership
• Innovation
• Business resilience
• Entrepreneurial mindset

Programme Benefits

Successful participants receive access to:

• Flexible online learning modules.
• Bite-sized weekly learning blocks.
• Self-paced study.
• Expert guidance from experienced professionals.
• Support from dedicated Eagle Lab Champions.
• Practical advice on business development.
• Networking opportunities within the veteran business community.
• Resources to help launch and scale a business.

How the Programme Works

The programme is delivered through the Eagle Labs Academy, Barclays’ online learning platform.

Participants can:

• Learn at their own pace.
• Complete weekly learning modules.
• Access practical business resources.
• Receive ongoing support from Eagle Lab Champions.
• Apply new knowledge directly to their businesses.

The flexible format allows participants to balance learning with work, military service, or family responsibilities.

Who Is Eligible?

The programme is open to individuals in the UK who are part of the armed forces community.

Eligible applicants include:

• Military veterans.
• Serving personnel in the Royal Navy.
• Serving personnel in the British Army.
• Serving personnel in the Royal Air Force (RAF).
• Military spouses.
• Military partners.

Eligible Businesses

Applicants may apply if their business is:

• A new business.
• Operating in any industry or sector.
• At the idea stage.
• Developing products or services.
• Already trading and looking to scale.

There are no sector restrictions, making the programme suitable for founders across a wide range of industries.

Why This Programme Matters

Many veterans possess valuable leadership, teamwork, discipline, and problem-solving skills that translate well into entrepreneurship.

The Barclays Veteran Founder Programme helps participants:

• Transform military experience into business success.
• Reduce barriers to starting a business.
• Gain confidence as entrepreneurs.
• Build sustainable companies.
• Access expert advice and mentoring.
• Join a supportive business community.

The programme also strengthens the wider UK entrepreneurial ecosystem by encouraging veteran-led innovation and business growth.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should complete the online application process.

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility

Ensure that you are:

• A military veteran.
• A serving member of the Royal Navy, Army, or RAF.
• A military spouse or partner.

Step 2: Review Your Business Stage

Your business should be:

• At the idea stage, or
• An existing business ready for growth.

Step 3: Complete the Online Application

Provide the required information about:

• Your background.
• Your business idea or existing business.
• Your entrepreneurial goals.

Step 4: Selection Process

Applications are reviewed to determine eligibility and programme suitability.

Successful applicants receive an invitation to join the programme.

Step 5: Begin Learning

Once accepted, participants gain access to Eagle Labs Academy and begin completing the flexible learning programme with support from Eagle Lab Champions.

Tips for a Strong Application

To improve your application:

• Clearly explain your business idea or growth plans.
• Demonstrate your commitment to entrepreneurship.
• Highlight how your military experience supports your business goals.
• Describe your long-term vision for your business.
• Ensure all application details are complete and accurate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common mistakes:

• Providing limited information about your business idea.
• Submitting an incomplete application.
• Failing to explain your business objectives.
• Overlooking eligibility requirements.
• Waiting until the application deadline to apply.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for the Barclays Veteran Founder Programme?

Military veterans, serving personnel in the Royal Navy, Army, or RAF, and military spouses or partners based in the UK are eligible to apply.

Is the programme suitable for new businesses?

Yes. The programme supports businesses at the idea stage as well as businesses that are already operating and seeking to grow.

What topics are covered during the programme?

Participants learn about business planning, sales, marketing, leadership, growth strategies, entrepreneurship, and business management.

How is the programme delivered?

The programme is delivered online through the Eagle Labs Academy using flexible, self-paced weekly learning modules.

Will participants receive mentoring?

Yes. Participants receive practical support and guidance from dedicated Eagle Lab Champions and experienced business professionals.

Are businesses from all sectors eligible?

Yes. New businesses from any industry or sector are eligible, provided they meet the programme requirements.

What are the main benefits of joining the programme?

Participants gain business knowledge, expert guidance, mentoring, flexible learning, networking opportunities, and practical tools to launch or scale a successful business.

Conclusion

The Barclays Veteran Founder Programme provides veterans, serving military personnel, and military families with the knowledge, confidence, and support needed to build successful businesses. Through flexible online learning, expert mentoring, and practical entrepreneurial training, the programme empowers participants to transform their ideas into sustainable ventures while strengthening the UK’s veteran business community.