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Upcoming Engagements
COUNTDOWN TO National Veteran Small Business Week - VWEC Event Series - 3-Weeks
Oct 19
COUNTDOWN TO National Veteran Small Business Week - VWEC Event Series - 3-Weeks

National Veteran Small Business Week - VWEC Event Series

Join VWEC as we celebrate National Veteran Small Business Week, with a series of in-person events and an online conversation designed to bring veteran women together to connect, collaborate, and celebrate a history of camaraderie that has allowed us to collectively conquer our challenges and lead in our communities.

This FREE series is designed for all women who have and are serving in the military.

A Salute to Female Veterans: Your Stories Matter November 10, from 11 AM to 2 PM

Honor the service, celebrate the impact, and hear the stories of women who have strengthened our military and our communities. Join VWEC and the Southwest Dallas County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., as we educate, validate, and commemorate their contributions and recognize our Financial First Bootcamp, Summer Series graduates. Whether your path includes business, career, family, or community service, your story belongs here.

Small Talk with VR Small: Smashing Survival Statistics November 11 at 6 PM CST

What does it take to move beyond survival and build a business that lasts? Join VR Small and Hyacinth Tucker, Founder of The Laundry Basket, for a conversation about her entrepreneurial journey and the decisions, challenges, and lessons that shape sustainable business growth. This edition of Small Talk brings the concept of Smashing Survival Statistics: Building Businesses That Last into focus through the experience of a woman veteran entrepreneur.

Picture the Brand: Podcast the Expertise November 12, from 11 AM to 1 PM

Your expertise deserves to be seen and heard. Join Marian Diop and Brianna Jovahn for a practical session on turning your professional image and voice into greater visibility. Discover how professional headshots and intentional personal branding strengthen your presence, while podcasting creates a platform to share your knowledge, build credibility, and establish thought leadership. Bring your expertise and explore new ways to make it count.

Read more →
Financials First Bootcamp - 2026 Summer Series
Oct 20
Financials First Bootcamp - 2026 Summer Series

October 20 - Week 6 | Financial Forecasting & Preparing for Growth.

Great businesses don't simply react to change—they plan for it. The final instructional session focuses on financial forecasting and strategic planning.

Participants will learn how to build realistic revenue projections, anticipate expenses, manage cash flow throughout the year, and develop quarterly financial goals that support sustainable growth.

This session brings together everything learned throughout the Bootcamp to create a practical financial roadmap for the future.

Business Development Assignment - In-session only

You must attend the full series to graduate.

Your numbers tell the story of your business. Learn to understand them, manage them, and use them to unlock your next level of growth.

PROGRAM STRUCTURE:

Schedule: Bi-Weekly Sessions
Time:10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Each session includes:

  • Interactive learning modules

  • Hands-on financial exercises

  • Business Development Assignments (BDA)

  • Guided implementation between sessions

  • Personalized opportunities to apply concepts directly to your business

SUMMER SERIES OVERVIEW:

Strong businesses are built on strong financial foundations. Whether you are preparing to secure funding, scale operations, or simply gain greater control over your business, understanding your financials is no longer optional—it is essential.

The Financial First Bootcamp is an intensive summer capital readiness series is designed to empower women entrepreneurs associated with the military to develop the financial knowledge and systems necessary to make informed business decisions and prepare for long-term success.

A TOTAL OF SIX INTERACTIVE SESSIONS:

Over six interactive sessions, participants will move beyond simply generating revenue to understanding what lenders, investors, and financial institutions expect from businesses seeking capital.

Through hands-on instruction, guided exercises, and practical business development assignments, participants will organize their financial records, develop accurate financial statements, improve cash flow management, and build the financial confidence needed to lead a growing business.

By the conclusion of the series, participants will have established or strengthened the accounting systems necessary to produce critical financial reports, including:

  • Profit & Loss Statements

  • Balance Sheets

  • Cash Flow Statements

  • Financial Ratios

  • Quarterly and Annual Financial Forecasts

Because capital readiness is more than revenue. It requires organized financial systems, healthy cash flow management, accurate reporting, and the ability to confidently explain the financial story behind your business.

This bootcamp is designed to position your business for a stronger fourth quarter and future growth opportunities.

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Small Talk with VR Small
Oct 21
Small Talk with VR Small

Small Talk with VR Small

Her journey becomes our conversation.

Behind every business is a woman with a mission—and a journey worth sharing. In honor of National Women’s Small Business Month, join VR Small, Founder & CEO of the Veteran Women’s Enterprise Center, for conversations with women business owners about challenges conquered, collaborations forged, and what women can build together.

Every Wednesday in October, we’ll celebrate the women behind the businesses and explore the experiences, decisions, and connections that continue to shape their success.

Women Helping Women W.I.N. will lead our conversation during Small Talk with VR Small:

W — Building Generational Wealth

I — Inspiring Disruptive Innovations

N — Nurturing Networks that Work

These conversations bring women together to share knowledge, celebrate their journeys, and empower another woman to move forward with greater confidence and purpose.

Join us live for one hour beginning at 6 p.m. Central each Wednesday in October on LinkedIn & Facebook. YouTube coming soon!

Listen, learn, and be part of the conversation.

Share Your Journey

Are you a woman business owner with a story that could empower another woman? Schedule a 15-minute conversation with VR Small to be considered as a guest.

Read more →
First Mondays Group Mentoring
Nov 2
First Mondays Group Mentoring

November 2nd First Monday Group Mentoring Session

In-Person | First Monday of Each Month | 12 PM – 1 PM CST

Turn Your Vision into Action with SMART Goals

Successful businesses don't grow by chance.

They grow because their leaders establish clear priorities and execute them consistently.

SMART Goals provide a framework for transforming ideas into measurable action.

During this mentoring session, participants will learn how to develop goals that are:

  • Specific

  • Measurable

  • Achievable

  • Relevant

  • Time-Bound

More importantly, participants will learn how to write goals that actually move their businesses forward—not simply fill a planning document.

Through group mentoring, entrepreneurs receive valuable feedback that helps strengthen their goals and uncover blind spots before implementation

The Power of Group Mentoring

These sessions are intentionally designed as small group mentoring experiences, allowing entrepreneurs to share perspectives, exchange insights, and learn from one another’s experiences.

With only 10 participants per session, each entrepreneur has the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussion and leave with practical insights they can immediately apply to their business.

No-shows will not be able to register for future sessions

Reserve Your Seat

If you want your business to stand for something meaningful—and communicate that purpose with clarity—this session will help you begin that work.

Seats are limited to maintain a focused mentoring environment.

Register: https://bit.ly/FirstMondaysGroupMentoring_VWEC

Read more →
VWEC joins GEW North Texas Pre-Campaign Event: Startup Economics 101 Summit
Nov 7
VWEC joins GEW North Texas Pre-Campaign Event: Startup Economics 101 Summit

Startup Economics 101 Summit

The Startup Economics 101 Summit 2026 is an annual, forward-thinking event designed to empower entrepreneurs of all levels, regardless of their demographic or business type.

The summit seeks to encourage meaningful discussions on various topics, including economic resilience, Innovation, Investment, Digital transformation, and much more. 

This event is free to attend, with a paid VIP option. Secure your ticket today by visiting: Startup Economics Summit 101.

Our Founder/CEO, VR Small, joins a panel of industry leaders:

09:00 AM - 09:45 AM

Protecting Generational Wealth

If you have ever considered what it takes to maintain and grow your wealth, this session is for you. This panel of industry experts are ready to share their insights on how you can achieve your financial goals, and build generational wealth.

Additionally, you'll learn how to avoid selling your family property for a mere dollar sign, ensuring that your history is preserved for generations to come.

Moderator:

Dr. W. Marvin Dulaney will leads the conversation, bringing over 30 years of experience at the African American Museum as a history professor, published author, and dedicated community servant.

Panel Members:  

Pamela Turner, Jaide Flynn, Andrea Filer and VR Small  

Through engaging with informative panel discussions and valuable networking sessions, participants will have the chance to connect with industry stakeholders, exchange practical ideas, share industry best practices, and forge partnerships that promote sustainable economic growth.

Whether you are an Entrepreneur, Community Stakeholder, or Industry Expert, this is an event you do not want to miss!  

Read more →
A Salute to Female Veterans: Your Stories Matter
Nov 10
A Salute to Female Veterans: Your Stories Matter

A Salute to Female Veterans: Your Stories Matter
Educate. Validate. Commemorate.

Women have served our nation across generations, caring for the wounded, supporting critical missions, and leading military operations. Their service has strengthened our armed forces and expanded the paths available to those who followed. Understanding this history allows us to honor their contributions with greater awareness and gratitude.

Their impact continues beyond the uniform. As entrepreneurs, employers, professionals, and community leaders, women veterans create jobs, deliver solutions, and strengthen local economies. Validating their impact means recognizing the expertise, discipline, and servant leadership they bring to their workplaces, families, and communities.

This salute honors their service and the grit and resilience required to overcome the challenges of being a woman in the military. Rooted in gratitude, this gathering creates space to listen, reflect, and celebrate women whose commitment to serving others continues to shape our communities. Whether you own a business, pursue a career, care for your family, volunteer, or are exploring your next chapter, this gathering is for you. Your service matters, and your story belongs here.

Join the Veteran Women’s Enterprise Center (VWEC), in collaboration with the Southwest Dallas County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., for this pre-Veterans Day gathering.

We will also recognize our Financial First Bootcamp, Summer Series graduates.

Read more →
Small Talk with VR Small: Smashing Survival Statistics
Nov 11
Small Talk with VR Small: Smashing Survival Statistics

Small Talk with VR Small: Smashing Survival Statistics

What does it take to move beyond survival and build a business that lasts? Join VR Small and Hyacinth Tucker, Founder of The Laundry Basket, for a conversation about her entrepreneurial journey and the decisions, challenges, and lessons that shape sustainable business growth. Available for viewing November 11 at 6 PM CST, this edition of Small Talk brings the mission of Smashing Survival Statistics: Building Businesses That Last into focus through the experience of a woman veteran entrepreneur.

Read more →
Picture the Brand: Podcast the Expertise
Nov 12
Picture the Brand: Podcast the Expertise

A Salute to Female Veterans: Your Stories Matter
Educate. Validate. Commemorate.

Women have served our nation across generations, caring for the wounded, supporting critical missions, and leading military operations. Their service has strengthened our armed forces and expanded the paths available to those who followed. Understanding this history allows us to honor their contributions with greater awareness and gratitude.

Their impact continues beyond the uniform. As entrepreneurs, employers, professionals, and community leaders, women veterans create jobs, deliver solutions, and strengthen local economies. Validating their impact means recognizing the expertise, discipline, and servant leadership they bring to their workplaces, families, and communities.

This salute honors their service and the grit and resilience required to overcome the challenges of being a woman in the military. Rooted in gratitude, this gathering creates space to listen, reflect, and celebrate women whose commitment to serving others continues to shape our communities. Whether you own a business, pursue a career, care for your family, volunteer, or are exploring your next chapter, this gathering is for you. Your service matters, and your story belongs here.

Join the Veteran Women’s Enterprise Center (VWEC), in collaboration with the Southwest Dallas County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., for this pre-Veterans Day gathering.

We will also recognize our Financial First Bootcamp, Summer Series graduates.

Read more →
VWEC NAVIGATING THE NATION: 2026 SMALL BUSINESS EXPO TOUR
Nov 18
VWEC NAVIGATING THE NATION: 2026 SMALL BUSINESS EXPO TOUR

THIS IS IT OUR LAST STOP: PHOENIX!

We’re closing out our 2026 Tour to Connect, Collaborate & Celebrate women entrepreneurs associated with the military across the nation!

Now in our seventh year collaborating with the Small Business Expo, VWEC continues to engage Veteran Women Entrepreneurs, gaining invaluable insights from New York City, to Pasadena, Houston, Atlanta, DC, Chicago, Columbus; and of course, here in Dallas—connecting with over 2,500+ entrepreneurs.

This year, we’re back, continuing with our engaging booth, standing-room-only live workshop, and now we’ll be presenting a webinar for the Small Business University!

Volunteer with VWEC to spotlight your business and compete for $100 in grant funding.

https://bit.ly/VWEC2026NavigatingTheNation_SmallBusinessExpoTour

You really DON’T want to miss this opportunity!

Join VWEC at one of America’s BIGGEST business-to-business trade shows, conferences & networking events of the year.

  • Boston * May 27th * The Westin Boston Seaport District

Whether you're launching a startup or scaling a multi-million-dollar enterprise, sustained success in today’s fast-evolving market requires a strategic growth plan. Join us for Strategic Growth: Six Strategies to Successfully Scale Your Business, where you'll discover proven methods to drive measurable value—not just to your bottom line, but to your customers, employees, and stakeholders.

This is your opportunity to position yourself as an industry leader and achieve long-term, sustainable growth.

As a national initiative, VWEC is dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs associated with the military—including veterans, active duty, reservists, and military spouses—empowering them to scale their businesses and achieve lasting success.

Read more →
First Mondays Group Mentoring
Dec 7
First Mondays Group Mentoring

December 7th: First Monday Group Mentoring Session

In-Person | First Monday of Each Month | 12 PM – 1 PM CST

Measure What Matters: Establish KPIs & Critical Success Factors

If you aren't measuring progress, you're guessing.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Critical Success Factors (CSFs) provide entrepreneurs with meaningful data that supports better decision-making throughout the year.

Rather than tracking everything, successful business owners focus on the metrics that matter most.

During this mentoring session, participants will learn how to:

  • Identify meaningful KPIs

  • Define Critical Success Factors

  • Monitor business performance

  • Use data to improve decision-making

  • Create accountability for continued growth

This session helps entrepreneurs finish the year with a performance framework they can use to evaluate progress, make adjustments, and prepare for future growth.

As with every First Mondays Group Mentoring Session, participants also benefit from the shared knowledge and experiences of fellow entrepreneurs who are working toward similar goals.

The Power of Group Mentoring

These sessions are intentionally designed as small group mentoring experiences, allowing entrepreneurs to share perspectives, exchange insights, and learn from one another’s experiences.

With only 10 participants per session, each entrepreneur has the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussion and leave with practical insights they can immediately apply to their business.

No-shows will not be able to register for future sessions

Reserve Your Seat

If you want your business to stand for something meaningful—and communicate that purpose with clarity—this session will help you begin that work.

Seats are limited to maintain a focused mentoring environment.

Register: https://bit.ly/FirstMondaysGroupMentoring_VWEC

Read more →

VR Small, Founder and CEO, Veteran Women’s Enterprise Center (VWEC) has been a powerful voice for women entrepreneurs associated with the military—so much so that VWEC’s impact has been highlighted across major media platforms, including, but not limited to: NBC 5 Texas Today, Spectrum News: In Focus, FOX 4 Good Day Dallas, CW33 Morning, and WFAA Weekend Daybreak.

This visibility reflects the importance of the work VWEC accomplished over the past nine years—equipping, elevating, and empowering women entrepreneurs associated with the military to scale successfully. But recognition alone doesn’t sustain our mission.

YOUR SUPPORT DOES!

Empower Us to Empower HER Success! https://mtyc.co/4gqg5g

NEWS YOU CAN USE

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NEWS YOU CAN USE ***

CEO Suite of Services

VWEC’s CEO Suite of services offered three key services: 1) Expert Mentorship (one-on-one and group); 2) Intentional Technical Assistance and performance-based Implementation Funding.

Over nine years, we have engaged more than 5,000 individuals with applicable information, designed to empower them to successfully scale sustainable businesses.

We have reinvested more than $250,000.00 directly into businesses to implement their strategic growth strategies, via pitch competitions, matching lines of credit, and program performance-based grants.

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Our Mission in Action

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Leading the way to developing long-term lending relationships!

Our “Navigating the Nation” Tours offer us to the opportunity to build relationships and connect with our clients across more than 40 states.

Advocating for relevant research, funding and services.

Advocating for relevant research, funding and services.

 

Client Testimonials

Visit our Google Reviews for up-to-date testimonies about the impact of VWEC’s support via Mentorship