From Military Service to Business Success: Seton Hall Program Helps Ne

June 30, 2026 - 19:09

Victoria Funn, a Newark resident and military veteran, has turned her passion for cooking into a thriving business, and she credits a university program for helping her take the next step. Funn, who owns a culinary venture, recently completed Seton Hall's ImpactNJ initiative, a national collaborative designed to support local entrepreneurs.

The program provides veterans and other small business owners with resources, mentorship, and strategic guidance. For Funn, it meant gaining the tools to scale her operation beyond a home-based concept. She learned how to refine her business plan, navigate funding opportunities, and build a stronger brand presence in the competitive food industry.

ImpactNJ is part of a larger effort to bridge the gap between military service and civilian entrepreneurship. Many veterans possess discipline and leadership skills but lack the formal business training needed to succeed. The program addresses that by offering workshops, one-on-one coaching, and access to a network of industry experts.

Funn's journey from service member to business owner highlights a growing trend of veterans entering the food sector. Her story is not just about personal achievement but also about the broader impact of targeted support programs. By equipping veterans with practical knowledge, initiatives like ImpactNJ help transform ambition into sustainable business growth.

For Funn, the program was a turning point. She now plans to expand her menu, hire more staff, and eventually open a brick-and-mortar location. Her success serves as a model for other veterans looking to build a future beyond the military.