From Service to Startup.
You led teams, solved hard problems and got the mission done. Now put those skills to work on an idea of your own. Builders + Backers and Bank of America invite military-connected builders across the country to turn an idea into real evidence that it can work.
No company, business plan or pitch deck required. Bring an idea and the drive to test it.
You served. Now build.
Builders are selected on the strength of their idea and motivation, not where they live. If you've served, or serve alongside someone who has, this cohort is for you:
Still not sure if you fit? Apply anyway.
Tell us what you're building. We'd rather hear from you and help you figure it out than have you count yourself out.
Everything you get as a veteran builder:
Ten live virtual sessions
Live sessions every two weeks with our team of expert entrepreneurs.
Builders Studio
An AI-powered platform open 24/7 between sessions.
Bank of America sessions
Two expert sessions on finances and capital.
Builders in Residence
Office hours and direct support from experienced builders.
Pebble Fund awards
Builders can apply for Pebble Fund awards of up to $5,000 to keep moving on what they learn.
The path from idea to evidence
Every builder runs at least one live experiment before deciding what to build next.
Find the problem
Define a problem worth solving, who has it and where today’s solutions fall short.
Know what has to be true
Shape your strongest idea, then surface and rank the assumptions that matter most.
Stop guessing. Test.
Design and run a live experiment with real potential customers.
Build your way forward
Let the evidence decide, set your next milestone and share it at the Builder Showcase.
One national cohort of 30 builders.
Start building today.
Four steps to get going.
Be a fit
This program is for military-connected builders at the earliest stages of an idea who are ready to do the work. It's not the right fit if your venture is already well-defined, validated, or in growth mode.
Apply
No company, business plan or pitch deck required. Fill out the short application with your idea and what drives you to test it.
Get accepted
Cohort selected and notified by January 29, 2027. Once accepted, you'll be onboarded to Builders Studio.
Build with support
Ten sessions, every two weeks, from February through the Builder Showcase in June.
Ready to apply to From Service to Startup?
Limited to 30 builders. Apply by January 15, 2027.
Apply NowQuestions? erich@buildersandbackers.com