Scenic Roots

"Scenic Roots" offers conversations that matter in the heart of Chattanooga and the Tennessee Valley.From the mountains to the river, our conversations are rooted deep within every corner of our community - reflecting who we are, who we were and who we can become.We engage with the news that affects our community, behind and beyond the headlines. We build bridges that span from creators and innovators to storytellers and the outdoors. We focus on our challenges as many communities in one - as we celebrate what inspires us. We resonate with countless voices - in words and spaces, sounds and songs.We are "Scenic Roots."Ray Bassett hosts and produces "Scenic Roots" at WUTC.

For Veterans, A Boot Camp In Entrepreneurship At UTC

WUTC

Published November 11, 2022 at 4:19 PM EST

Norm Lavoie, co-founder of New Terra Compost, at VEP 2022 this summer.

How can veterans become entrepreneurs?

One place that helps veterans translate their skills from military service into success in civilian business is here on our campus - the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga - through the Veterans Entrepreneurship Program at the Gary W. Rollins College of Business.

Dori Ansah-Walker, U.S. Air Force veteran, at VEP 2022 this summer.

Each year, VEP provides a multiday immersive experience for veterans - hands-on learning, personalized interaction and role models - featuring faculty, entrepreneurs and experts.

A mentoring session at VEP 2022 this summer.

Dr. Frank Butler at UTC’s Rollins College is faculty director and mentor for the Veterans Entrepreneurship Program.

Norm LaVoie spent the first part of his adult life serving as an Engineer Officer in the United States Army, on both active duty and in the Tennessee National Guard.

He has participated in VEP - and he is the co-founder of New Terra Compost.

Sarah Mattson is a small business consultant at the Tennessee Small Business Development Center, which mentors veterans as part of VEP.

We sat down for this conversation at the TSBDC.

Our thanks to Madison McCann of TSBDC for recording and editing our conversation.