Community Navigator Pilot Program

What is the Community Navigator Pilot Program (CNPP)?

The National Association of Community College Entrepreneurship is a partner with the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) and its Community Navigator Pilot Program (CNPP). Funded by the Small Business Administration, CNPP aims to connect entrepreneurs to the programs and resources they need to recover, grow, or start a business.
The pathway to entrepreneurial success has a lot of unknowns. Veteran and military-connected business owners face a range of barriers in attempting to launch and sustain small businesses, such as difficulty accessing capital, navigating resources and certification processes, and establishing strong professional networks. IVMF’s CNPP will help you navigate the process, connecting you to a curated network of trusted experts and resources for your journey.

What is the CNPP Partner Network?

IVMF’s CNPP Partner Network consists of 15 national and regional partner organizations experienced in helping veteran and military-connected entrepreneurs thrive. The partner organizations are located in six different states/regions across the United States: New York, Florida, Pennsylvania, Texas, West Virginia, and the Washington, D.C., metro area. Some partners may only be able to provide services within their region, however they are able to refer you to a CNPP partner who can assist you if they cannot.

What services does CNPP offer?

CNPP partner organizations provide free resources, program support, and one-on-one services to veteran and military-connected entrepreneurs. CNPP experts help entrepreneurs navigate programs and resources in five key areas that are central to establishing and running a thriving business:
·      Business training and counseling·      Financial literacy and loan assistance
·      Government contracting
·      Networking and mentorship
·      Legal services
NACCE is part of the CNPP Partner Network and offers Community Colleges in their Network free program support in the following states:  FL, NY, PA, WV, NC, and TX to expand the reach of entrepreneurial resources to underserved communities.  Services include:
·       Business Mentoring Train the Trainer model focused on Entrepreneurial readiness
·       Subject Matter Expert (SME) asset map & webinar series for all 6 service markets
·       STRIVE Entrepreneurship Training Program National Expansion
·       Regional Veterans Entrepreneurship Training Symposium
·       Veteran Entrepreneurship Strike Force

Do I need to live near a CNPP partner to participate?

Our vast network offers both virtual and in-person learning opportunities, resources, and services. Visit ivmf.syracuse.edu/community-navigator for more information and to get connected to a CNPP partner organization of your choice.

Am I eligible to participate in CNPP?

If you are a veteran or military-connected entrepreneur, we likely have support services and resources to offer through CNPP. Visit IVMF’s CNPP webpage, ivmf.syracuse.edu/community-navigator, for more information on the services available as well as a full list of program partners and the expertise they can provide to help you navigate the journey to small business success.  IVMF also offers a broader portfolio of programs to support the veteran and military community in pursuit of their entrepreneurship and career dreams. Learn more at ivmf.syracuse.edu/programs.