Daymond John Is on a Mission to Help Heroes The Shark has teamed up with Bob Evans Farms to provide much-needed cash and advice to veteran entrepreneurs.

By Dan Bova

The Shark Group

If you are veteran who owns a business, ask yourself this: Would I like a $25,000 grant, a trip to New York City and a face-to-face mentoring session with Daymond "The People's Shark" John?

If you answered yes, read on.

Bob Evans Farms has launched their second-annual Heroes to CEOs program, which will award three veteran-owned businesses all of the above. Get your application here. Registration is open May 22 through June 27, 2018.

Related: 12 Daymond John Quotes to Help You Achieve Greatness

Daymond swung by Entrepreneur's office in New York City to discuss the program and why it means so much for him to be part of it. Read this excerpt from the interview, and listen to the entire conversation on an upcoming episode of Entrepreneur's How Success Happens podcast.

Why is it important for you to work with these men and women?

I've always been passionate about helping others and this hits various different areas that I value, including the people who have protected us and continue to protect us. And on Shark Tank, I give up my money and I have to take a percentage of the business. But with this, they're getting much-needed cash without anyone taking a percentage. I think it's all around just an amazing program.

Related: 5 Things You Should Do to Stay Happy, Passionate and Productive

This is your second year being involved with this program. What have you learned about veterans that separates them from other entrepreneurs?

I learned that they use a lot of the practices that they had in the field for getting things done one way or another. They're not the type of people who would just lay back and go, "I hope somebody will help me this." They're very assertive and have a very tight community. And in business, the only thing that is more important than the number is the person. In their prior life in the military, they were not selfish at all. They didn't care about what's in it for them. They were fighting for us. And they're running their business with the same mentality -- what's in it for the person that they are serving. And because of that, they grow very, very fast.

What is your mentor session like?

They sit with me for a couple hours and we powwow about hopefully how they can improve their business. Of course, I end up learning probably more from them than they learned from me.

To apply for the Heroes to CEOs award, visit here.

Dan Bova

Entrepreneur Staff

VP of Special Projects

Dan Bova is the VP of Special Projects at Entrepreneur.com. He previously worked at Jimmy Kimmel Live, Maxim, and Spy magazine. His latest books for kids include This Day in History, Car and Driver's Trivia ZoneRoad & Track Crew's Big & Fast Cars, The Big Little Book of Awesome Stuff, and Wendell the Werewolf

Read his humor column This Should Be Fun if you want to feel better about yourself.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Innovation

4 Ways Market Leaders Use Innovation to Foster Business Growth

Forward-thinkers constantly strive to diversify and streamline their products and services, turning novelties into commodities desired by many.

Business News

JPMorgan Shuts Down Internal Message Board Comments After Employees React to Return-to-Office Mandate

Employees were given the option to leave comments about the RTO mandate with their first and last names on display — and they did not hold back.

Business Process

The Best Times, Days and Months To Post on YouTube (2023)

When is the best time to post YouTube videos to maximize their effect? Discover the best time to post on YouTube in this detailed guide.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Business News

Your Old Apple AirPods Can Soon Act as an Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid, According to the FDA

The new software is compatible with the Apple AirPods Pro and accessible through iOS — for free and now FDA-authorized.

Business Culture

What Every Business Leader Can Learn From Dutch Bros' People-First Culture

The coffee chain is turning employees into owners of the customer experience.