Upcoming KC Events (and Inspiration) for National Veterans Small Business Week
National Veterans Small Business Week is a program of the U.S. Small Business Administration. It empowers service members, veterans and military spouses who are entrepreneurs or aspiring to become one.
In Kansas City, we have events, programs and inspiration galore for business owners with connections to the armed forces. Here are some of the resources available right now.
KC Veterans Small Business Week events
Who’s it for: Service members, veterans and military spouses who are past, present or future entrepreneurs.
This five-day online conference connects and empowers those who have served. Sessions include:
· Virtual Coffee House: Managing Expectations for Veteran Entrepreneurs
· Are You Ready for Federal Contracting?
· Resources for Starting or Growing a Veteran-Owned Business
· Government Contracting Regulations
· Ascent for Veteran Entrepreneurs Virtual Book Club
When: Monday, Nov. 1 - Friday, Nov. 5
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Apply here.
Who’s it for? Service members, veterans and military spouses who want to learn about starting or growing a business.
Learn about the SBA and its local resource network. This session will explore the Missouri Procurement Technical Assistance Center, the Veterans Business Outreach Center and the government contracting opportunities available to veterans.
When: Wednesday, Nov. 3, 10 - 11:15 a.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Apply here.
Who’s it for: Veterans and their spouses who own small businesses or are thinking about starting a business.
A panel of Kansas veteran business owners will share their stories. SCORE and Kansas SBDC will also introduce resources available to veteran entrepreneurs.
When: Wednesday, Nov. 10, 10 - 11:30 a.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Apply here.
Other events for veterans
Who’s it for: Active service members, veterans and military spouses who are interested in starting a business.
Not sure where to start? This workshop is for you. A panel of veteran business owners will discuss the startup process. Then, breakout sessions will explore key issues like funding, marketing and taxes. Come prepared to share your stories and ask questions.
When: Thursday, Nov. 11, 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Apply here.
Who’s it for: Veterans, business owners and procurement officers.
Veterans and businesses will connect and learn how to do business with one another. Businesses can share information about procurement processes. Veterans can sign up for 10-minute sessions to speak with company representatives about their products and services.
When: Tuesday, Nov. 16, 1 - 3 p.m.
Where: MCC-Penn Valley, Kansas City, Missouri
Cost: Free
Apply here.
Who’s it for: Owners of businesses who may be eligible for small business socio-economic certifications.
Learn about the purpose, eligibility rules, recent updates and benefits of socio-economic certifications. These include woman-owned small business (WOSB/EDWOSB and WBE); veteran-owned small business (VOSB/SDVOSB); disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE); minority business enterprise (MBE); and service disabled veteran enterprise (SDVE).
When: Wednesday, Dec. 15, 9 - 10:30 a.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Apply here.
KC-area veterans-turned-entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurship is a great fit for many people who’ve been in the service. Here are two local veterans who’ve made the transition – and offer inspiration.
Patrick Montgomery couldn’t envision anything but being in the Army. But after five years with the 75th Ranger Regiment, he started to reconsider. Little did he know he’d end up in Weston, Missouri, running KC Cattle Co. and becoming famous overnight – over hot dogs. Read Patrick’s story.
Jannae Gammage served as an intelligence analyst in the Army. Writing reports and helping public affairs introduced her to digital marketing – and she soon learned those skills were in high demand. She co-founded The Market Base, a software platform that lets small businesses work with on-demand marketing teams. Here’s how Jannae made the leap.
What’s your story? If your entrepreneurial tale has some plot holes or hasn’t even started, KCSourceLink can help. We can connect you to more than 240 Resource Partners, including those who specialize in working with veterans.
Check out our
Resource Navigator. If you need more guidance, our Network Navigators can create a
Personal Action Plan just for you.
Stay connected to KC entrepreneurship
Get entrepreneurial insights, inspiration and events delivered right to your inbox.