The research is clear: belonging, purpose, and connection are the three factors that reduce suicide risk. A mentor relationship with a caring adult provides all three. That's where your business comes in.
A 45-day mentorship and career development program for transitioning veterans and at-risk youth ages 15–18. Currently operated by True North Data Strategies LLC while FOB secures a nonprofit fiscal sponsorship agreement.
Lead a 2–3 hour session during Weeks 2–4 in your area of expertise. Real-world, practical, no lecture. We provide the room, the participants, and the curriculum framework. You bring the experience.
Host 1–3 participants at your business for a structured two-week placement during Weeks 6–7. You designate a supervisor. We handle all paperwork, check-ins, and logistics. Youth placements are unpaid educational — no payroll required.
Show up to Day 45 graduation. Hand a certificate to your apprentice. Take five minutes in front of their family. That's the moment that makes this real for everyone in the room — including you.
Total time commitment: approximately 20–25 hours over 45 days. No financial contribution required. No ongoing administrative burden. We run the program. You show up where you matter most.
You get something real back. A pre-screened, mission-aligned talent pipeline you helped build. Community standing that money can't buy. And participants who actually want to be there.
| Talent Pipeline | Access to pre-screened veterans and motivated youth — people you helped train, ready to work |
| Hiring Path | First right to offer employment or continued contracts to apprentices who performed well |
| Community Standing | Named partner on all FOB materials, website, and graduation event — visible to families, funders, and the Colorado Springs community |
| Peer Network | Connection to other SMB owners and veteran-owned businesses in the FOB ecosystem |
| Proposal Stack | Active SMB partners receive FOB's contract and proposal generation workflow at no upfront cost during program participation |
| Retainer Updates | If you want that workflow updated, maintained, or tailored after launch, FOB can continue support on retainer |
| Additional Modules | The rest of the FOB module ecosystem can be licensed separately for a fee based on your operational needs |
| Next Cohort Priority | First right of participation in Cohort 2 and every future cohort as long as you stay in good standing |
Transitioning service members. Disciplined, mission-oriented, used to following through under pressure. Many have logistics, operations, leadership, or technical backgrounds that translate directly to business environments. They show up. They don't quit. They're looking for their next mission — and your business might be it.
Screened, motivated, and enrolled because they chose to be here — not because school required it. They've completed 4 weeks of leadership, financial literacy, and business curriculum before they set foot in your business. They arrive knowing what a P&L is, how to pitch an idea, and why showing up on time matters. Background-checked mentors supervised all phases before apprenticeship.
All participants have completed the full Phase 1 curriculum before entering your business. They know basic business structure, financial literacy, and how to present themselves professionally. You are not starting from zero.
Project management, estimating, site ops. Veteran placements especially strong — operational background translates directly.
Sales, client relations, document handling. Broad transferable skills. Both populations place well here.
Branding, social media, content. Youth and veterans with comms or intel backgrounds. High demand, real deliverables.
Troubleshooting, systems, automation. No degree required. High demand. Direct pathway to employment.
Bookkeeping, QuickBooks, reporting. Pairs perfectly with Week 3 business formation curriculum — participants arrive prepared.
Priority placement for veterans. Mentorship + full business exposure + potential hiring pathway. The highest-impact placement type.
Don't see your industry? If you run a legitimate Colorado Springs business, there's likely a fit. Talk to Program Director.
Colorado Springs has one of the highest veteran populations per capita in the country. And like every American city, it has youth who are struggling with isolation, hopelessness, and no clear path forward. You can't solve that alone. But you can be one of the businesses that was part of the solution.
15-minute call with Program Director Jacob Johnston. Tell us about your business, your expertise, and your capacity. No obligation at this stage.
Simple document covering your session commitment, apprenticeship terms, and mutual expectations. No financial obligation. Reviewed by attorney for both parties.
We match your expertise to the curriculum week that fits best. You'll have your topic, date, and prep materials no less than 2 weeks before your session.
At the end of Week 5, meet the participants placed with you. Review their skills profile and set expectations for Week 6 start. We're with you the whole time.
Call or email Program Director Jacob Johnston to schedule your 15-minute conversation. Summer Cohort 2026 — limited SMB partner slots available.
Summer Cohort 2026 · Colorado Springs, CO
45-Day Intensive Track
12–15 Youth Participants · 6–8 Mentors
3+ SMB Partners
Current Operating Entity: True North Data Strategies LLC
FOB is seeking a nonprofit fiscal sponsor in Colorado or California
Jacob Johnston, Program Director
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)