7 Virtual Kansas City Business Events Built for Veteran Entrepreneurs

It’s no secret that small businesses are vital to the success of our economy more than ever (in Kansas City alone, new small businesses created 2 in 3 net new jobs in the past five years), and so during the SBA’s National Veteran’s Small Business Week, we’d like to highlight some great events for those entrepreneurs who served our country in the armed forces.

But first, did you know that veteran-owned small businesses employ more than 5 million people in the U.S.? Or that they generate revenue of over $1 trillion? (That’s all according to our friends at the SBA.) And it makes sense when you look at the latest U.S. Census Bureau estimates that say there are over 2.5 million businesses that are majority-owned by vets in the U.S. And a majority of those firms are small businesses with fewer than four employees.

So we’ve rounded up some events for veteran small business owners. Chat about your experiences in entrepreneurship, hear from veteran entrepreneurs about their experiences and learn how to start and grow your business.

And there’s A LOT more events where these came from. Just peruse the KC metro’s most-comprehensive business calendar for more upcoming events to help your business.

VBOC Listening Session | Missouri

10 – 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3 and 2-3 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5

The U.S. Small Business Administration and the Veterans Business Outreach Center want to hear from YOU! This listening session is a facilitated discussion on various topics in the ever-changing veteran entrepreneurship experience. If you want to talk about your business experiences to help others, this is the place to do it. The WebEx link for the event will be sent in an email before the session starts.

Veteran Small Business Webinar

Noon – 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3

In celebration of the National Veterans Small Business Week (Nov. 2 – 6, 2020), the U.S. Small Business Administration – Springfield, Missouri, Branch Office and the Veterans Business Resource Center are hosting a FREE Veteran Small Business Webinar. If you’re a veteran or a spouse of a veteran who’s interested in starting or growing a business, this event is built for you.

Attendees will learn about programs and assistance available to veterans and their spouses through the SBA and its resource partners. Learn about entrepreneurial development, access to capital, government contracting, small business certifications, disaster recovery and more.

Let’s Get Started: Entrepreneurship for Veterans

Noon – 1 p.m., Tues., Nov. 10

Starting a business is exciting, but where do you start? Let’s ask some pros! In the first session in a three-part series from Square One Small Business Services by Mid-Continent Public Library and Small Business Administration, a panel of veteran business owners explore all the same startup questions you have. They’ll share their personal stories, obstacles and share the wisdom they’ve learned along the way. The panelists include Pat Montegomery of KC Cattle Co. and Jannae Gammage of The Market Base Inc.

After the panel, a SCORE – Kansas City instructor will take you through a fun and hands-on exercise, customized to your specific business, to make sure your concept is profitable.

You’ll have to register for the event to access the Zoom link. Once you register, you will also be mailed a packet of handouts about the information in each virtual session.

Let’s Level Up: Growing your Business for Veterans

Noon – 2 p.m. Wed., Nov. 11

Once you have a business, how do you grow it to make it even more successful? Ask these panelists in the second session this three-part virtual event series from Square One Small Business Services by Mid-Continent Public Library and Small Business Administration.

This group of local, veteran business owners will share their growing pains with you and share how they overcame obstacles to get the most out of their business. Afterward, join Missouri SBDC at UMKC counselor Jill Hathaway for tips and tricks you need to help your business grow. 

You’ll have to register for the event to access the Zoom link. Once you register, you will also be mailed a packet of handouts about the information in each virtual session.

Veterans in Business Virtual Seminar

10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Thurs., Nov. 12

Learn about business resources and programs available to veterans and their spouses.

Connect with representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration, Veteran Business Resource Center, Missouri PTAC and the Missouri Small Business Development Center

Ask questions and find answers.

Access the Funding You Need to Succeed

Noon – 2 p.m. Thurs., Nov. 12

Did you know that only 8% of small businesses are funded by traditional bank loans? If that’s true, what funding options exist for you?

Join a team of financial expert panelists who can answer those questions in the third and final session in this series of business events for veterans from from Square One Small Business Services by Mid-Continent Public Library and Small Business Administration. These panelists will help guide you to the best type of funding for your business while discussing different types of traditional and nontraditional funding and special loans for veteran business owners.

You’ll have to register for the event to access the Zoom link. Once you register, you will also be mailed a packet of handouts about the information in each virtual session.