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.

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.

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

• San Francisco * June 25th * South San Francisco Conference Center

• Las Vegas * September 10th * Plaza Hotel & Casino Convention Center

• Phoenix * November 18th * Phoenix Convention Center, South Building

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.

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

Join Us Here At Home For Our Exclusive On-the-road Series

Strategic Growth:

Six Strategies to Successfully Scale Your Business

Offered bi-monthly on the 3rd Thursday @Noon CST.

Are YOU ready to grow?

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.

Unlock Your Full Potential!

At VWEC, our specialized programs are designed to support both emerging and established businesses, equipping entrepreneurs with the strategic growth strategies they need to scale successfully.

VWEC is here to bridge that gap and empower entrepreneurs with the knowledge, tools, and connections to elevate their business to the next level.

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.

Don’t miss your connection!

August 20th, October 15th & December 17th