SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- There are spouses, widows, daughters and caregivers.

"He did three tours over in Afghanistan," said Whitney Blake, the spouse of an Army veteran

"I am the widow of a veteran who actually committed suicide last May,” said Katherine Sargent.

Sargent has her sights set on opening a mental health private practice. Her husband Shane served two years in the Air Force before taking his life.

"Every time I thought about starting a full time job I just kept saying I don't think I can do this. I just want to hop on a plane and never come back," she said. "And so I decided that I'm going to give myself time and I'm going to be an entrepreneur and I'm going to open my own private practice. And really work on it full time, figure out what is the grief process about and how can I help our society be more comfortable with grief."

Her story is one of many as veterans and their loved ones look for a new lease on life. People were participating in the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veteran's Families Program.

"It's a very broad background in education and professional development,” said Tina Kapral, director of education programs at IVMF. “Many different businesses, everything from cafes to fitness to non profits, really exciting opportunities."

It's all made possible by the Syracuse University Institute for Veterans and Military Families. The bootcamp is offered free of charge for all post 9/11 veterans and caregivers.

"This has really given me a lot more of a foundation of what I actually need to do, the steps I need to take when it comes to finances, creating a support system,” said Sargent.

For many of these students, it's more than just a business class, it's a chance for them to meet others who understand their situation and a chance for them to heal.

"The support is incredible, everyone understands. You don't have to explain it, which is probably the best part,” said Blake.

However, one thing they're happy to explain now: how their businesses will be successful.

The Institute for Veterans and Military Families hosts this course at SU and at Florida State University every year. If you'd like to learn more to see if you qualify for the program, you can visit their website.