Have you considered speaking with people involved in helping veterans through their military-to-civilian transitions? Re-entering the civilian work force after 6, 10, or 20 years in the disciplined, insulated environment of the armed forces is a bit like getting out of jail. Not that I regard my own Navy background as a prison sentence, by any means! Quite the contrary! Only it's a disorienting readjustment that poses career and personal challenges very similar to what former prisoners must be facing.

It may be worthwhile to compare notes with programs that assist veterans with job placement, career retraining, franchises, and startups. Perhaps some veterans would themselves be able to share tips. Most people, when they get out of the military, plug themselves into a salaried position in another established organization. But quite a few do try their hand at startups. Since their network outside the military is often minimal, many veterans have a tough road too and will probably sympathize with what your program is doing.

Incidentally, if your program (or a sister program) needs a name, I've been holding onto this one for just such an endeavor:

OffParole.com