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AppRiver Unveils Veteran-to-Entrepreneur Program

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Justin Gilbert
Justin Gilbert

Email and web security company AppRiver has launched an exclusive, limited-time program designed to help veterans succeed as entrepreneurs in the IT space.

The Veteran to Entrepreneur (V2E) program addresses the lack of sales and marketing training available to many veterans who operate IT businesses, AppRiver Channel Sales Manager Justin Gilbert told ChannelE2E. It provides veterans with marketing and sales resources, along with business development tools and co-selling opportunities.

"We're always looking to help the underserved and underrepresented," Gilbert stated. "It made sense for us to start here."

A Closer Look at the V2E Program

The V2E program highlights AppRiver's ongoing commitment to the veteran community, Gilbert told ChannelE2E. AppRiver has supported and hired veterans in the past, including Gilbert, a former Navy air crewman.

Ultimately, the V2E program offers an "easy button" for veterans in the IT space, AppRiver noted in a prepared statement.

The program features multiple levels of training and support, along with business counsel and marketing and sales assistance for veterans. It also includes a limited-time refund program that provides veterans with additional capital to invest in their businesses.

In addition, after the first six months, or when veteran-owned companies have earned $5,000 in revenue from AppRiver, veterans can pursue one of the following options:

  • Remain as referral agents and receive commissions on future sales; or
  • If qualified, become resellers who get discounted pricing and handle first-tier support calls for their customers.

The V2E program is now available to veterans who own more than a 50 percent interest in a qualifying MSP, independent software vendor (ISV) or value-added reseller (VAR) business that has been operating for less than one year.

AppRiver isn't alone in its efforts. Multiple MSP- and channel-focused technology companies have veterans-related initiatives under way. Examples include the Continuum Veterans Foundation and  CompTIA's various resources for service members and veterans.

AppRiver Targets Channel Partner Automation, Expanded Microsoft Partner Program

AppRiver expects automation to play an important role in its channel efforts this year. Gilbert last month told ChannelE2E that AppRiver intends to increase its automation toolset and "open up automation opportunities" to help channel partners generate more margin from its lineup in 2017.

Moreover, AppRiver plans to expand its Microsoft partner program this year, Gilbert indicated. By doing so, the company may help its partners earn more money by selling Office 365 and other Microsoft products and services.

AppRiver posted a 22 percent year-over-year increase in channel partners and a 19 percent increase in partner customers in 2016. The company has recorded 15 consecutive years of growth and continues to explore ways to further accelerate its channel growth.

Dan Kobialka

Dan Kobialka is senior contributing editor, MSSP Alert and ChannelE2E. He covers IT security, IT service provider business strategies and partner programs. Dan holds a M.A. in Print and Multimedia Journalism from Emerson College and a B.A. in English from Bridgewater State University. In his free time, Dan enjoys jogging, traveling, playing sports, touring breweries and watching football.