CEOcircle 2026

CEOcircle 2026 is a thirteen-month accelerator and peer accountability program administered by the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University, Bunker Labs, and JPMorgan Chase Commercial Banking. The zero-equity initiative runs annually from November to November, requiring prospective candidates to submit their applications during the open period between June and August. The structured curriculum features nine monthly virtual peer huddles and four quarterly in-person fly-in forums designed for a selected cohort of sixty participants. Participating companies average eight million dollars in annual revenue and gain access to expanded networks involving recognizable organizations like Moonshots Capital and Fogo De Chão. This resource targets veteran and military spouse executives leading growth-stage businesses with over one million dollars in revenue or five million dollars in funding who need peer support to scale operations.

What Makes CEOcircle Different

CEOcircle is the only peer accountability program exclusively for veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs scaling growth-stage companies. It combines the structure of a CEO peer group with the resources of JPMorgan Chase Commercial Banking and the D'Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University.

At a Glance

Duration: 13 months (November to November)
Format: 9 virtual monthly huddles + 4 in-person fly-in forums across the US
Cohort size: ~70 founders, organized into smaller groups of 10-12
Cost: Free, no equity taken
Eligibility: Veteran or military spouse founders with $1M+ annual revenue or $5M+ capital raised
Applications open: June through August

Program Structure

The program runs on a consistent monthly rhythm. Virtual huddles give founders a confidential space to discuss real-time challenges with peers who understand the specific pressures of scaling a business. The four in-person fly-in forums bring the full cohort together for breakout sessions, high-profile speakers, and intentional facilitation designed to build lasting relationships.

Who Should Apply

CEOcircle targets founders and executives who have moved past the early startup phase. The revenue threshold ($1M annual or $5M raised) ensures participants are working through growth-stage challenges like hiring leadership teams, entering new markets, managing cash flow at scale, and preparing for major capital events. If you are a veteran or military spouse running a company at this stage, CEOcircle provides a rare peer group of founders who share both your entrepreneurial ambitions and your military-connected background.

What Participants Get

Beyond the structured programming, CEOcircle members gain access to dedicated JPMorgan Chase Commercial Banking liaisons who can help with banking relationships, treasury management, and capital strategy. The alumni network spans 173+ veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs across diverse industries including technology, healthcare, consumer packaged goods, and manufacturing.