PenFed Foundation Names September 2026 Cohort
PenFed Foundation Veteran Entrepreneur Program names 12 businesses for its free September 2026 accelerator cohort in San Antonio.
The PenFed Foundation for Military Heroes has named 12 companies to its September 2026 Veteran Entrepreneur Program cohort, beginning with four days of in-person programming in San Antonio, Texas, followed by six weeks of virtual mentorship. The free accelerator serves veteran and military spouse founders, with no equity taken in participating businesses. Its newest group spans healthcare, technology, consumer products, housing, workforce development and senior care. Founders will receive guidance on marketing, brand strategy, communications and investor pitching.
Twelve Businesses Join Program
The cohort includes Budee Systems, founded by U.S. Military veteran Freddy Ali. Its Bottle Budee modular carry platform is designed for military personnel, first responders, tradespeople and outdoor enthusiasts, with sling, waist, holster and mounted configurations without changing bags. The company is in final production validation and quality assurance ahead of commercial market expansion.
Technology businesses in the group include Capiro, founded by U.S. Marine Corps veteran Jordan Clayton, which automates congressional funding requests, appropriations packages and advocacy campaigns for government affairs firms. U.S. Air Force veteran Justin Mahan’s ClearPath IP Holdings operates AI-driven platforms CompassIP and CaptureIP to help entrepreneurs evaluate ideas, address intellectual property, develop patent strategies and identify commercialization paths.
Other companies include Coleman Health Services, founded by U.S. Navy veteran Dr. Craig Coleman, which combines clinical expertise and AI to help care teams monitor patients managing chronic conditions between appointments. Air Force veteran Michael Bankowski’s Prosperous Robotics is developing rehabilitation robotics and intelligent software for patients, caregivers and healthcare providers.
Operations And Workforce Focus
Army spouse Emi Kordenbrock founded CuraTech Outdoor Systems, which is developing connected-sensor technology for outdoor property maintenance through existing irrigation infrastructure. The company has five systems in production and reserved by irrigation contractors, three signed letters of intent and an end-to-end prototype ahead of a planned first-quarter 2027 launch.
U.S. Marine Corps veteran Garrett Connolly’s Connolly Aerial Services runs Drone Ace Academy, an FAA Part 107 training program for commercial drone operators. Air Force spouse Kristina Spencer founded Essential EA + AI Storm OS, which brings information from email, calendars, customer databases and financial tools together to identify priorities, ownership and next steps.
Terry Williams, retired U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. and Director of the Veteran Entrepreneur Program at the PenFed Foundation for Military Heroes, said:
“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.”
“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.”
Services For Consumers And Businesses
U.S. Army veteran Mike White’s Point Ref is developing AI-powered computer-vision systems for reviews of pickleball line calls. The company has used its technology at four live events, including the Tennessee State Games, USA Pickleball Golden Ticket in Seattle and PickleCon in Kansas City.
Safe Haven Senior Advisors, co-founded by U.S. Coast Guard and combat veteran Kashyap Patel, helps families evaluate senior living choices at no cost. The company has relationships with more than 30 senior living communities and is expanding its presence in Charlotte, North Carolina.
TDY Rentals, founded by U.S. Army Reserve veteran Steve Buchanan, provides customizable temporary housing arrangements for professionals on extended stays. The company is expanding from the government temporary-duty market to long-term business travelers nationwide.
U.S. Army veterans Thomas Lambert and Braydon Welch founded Venora AI, which automates insurance checks for dental practices. The platform supplies coverage and benefits information before appointments, with the aim of reducing administrative work, improving collections and limiting avoidable claim issues.
No Cost Or Equity Requirement
The accelerator is available at no charge, and the foundation does not take an ownership stake in participants’ businesses. Veterans and military spouses who own or lead companies can apply for future cohorts here.
