Upcoming events.
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!
Bearing Witness: Veterans, Memory, & the Meaning of Service: The Importance of Remembering
Bearing Witness: Veterans, Memory, & the Meaning of Service: The Importance of Remembering
In observance of Veterans Day, the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum will host a free community day on November 8, featuring free admission and activities including gallery talks and film screenings in the Museum’s Cinemark Theater.
As part of the day’s programming, VR Small will moderate a conversation with North Texas veterans Tom Starr and Chaplain Richmond E. Stoglin.
Visitors are encouraged to reserve tickets online in advance. Walk-ins will be accommodated based on availability.
About the Conversation
The goal of the panel is to reflect on the importance of remembering the past and preserving the stories of those who served. Panelists will discuss why bearing witness is essential to honoring sacrifice, combating historical amnesia, and educating future generations.
Lastly, the panelists will explore how military service has shaped their understanding of democracy, patriotism, and their enduring responsibility to protect the values they pledged to defend.
Small, a Navy Veteran, educator, and experienced moderator, brings a shared connection to military service and a commitment to facilitating meaningful conversations across experiences and generations. She will guide the discussion as Starr and Stoglin share their perspectives on service, memory, sacrifice, and the responsibility to preserve these stories for future generations.
Tom Starr serves as an Honor Guide and Docent at the National Medal of Honor Museum in Arlington, Texas. He is a Vietnam Veteran and was the recipient of a Bronze Star Medal and the Joint Service Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster among other awards.
Starr is the author of They Never Heard the Final Shot, a dissertation regarding the Vietnam War. He served as the Executive Director of four college football post-season football games and was named College Football Bowl Executive of the Year twice. He was presented with the College Football Bowl Association Legacy Award in 2023. The Armed Forces Bowl Most Valuable Player Trophy is named in his honor.
A graduate of the University of Iowa, Starr holds a master’s degree from Iowa State University. He is also a graduate of the ESPN School of Business and the U.S. Army Adjutant General School.
Chaplain Richmond E. Stoglin served his country in the United States Navy Reserve Chaplain Corps from 1985 to 2013. His final position was department head of religious services at the Federal Medical Center in Fort Worth.
He has attained the rank of Commander and was former Regimental Chaplain to the 14th Marines, the largest artillery command in the US Marine Corps. and Chaplain Stoglin also served as the Command Chaplain of the NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan and the Combined Security Training Command-Afghanistan, which consisted of US Troops and Coalition Troops from 38 nations.
He currently serves as president of the Stoglin Group, which specializes in consulting organizations on workplace ethics, strategic planning, leadership development, public policy, and law enforcement counseling.
Chaplain Stoglin also works as the director of community engagement for the Anglican Diocese of Fort Worth.
Veterans Day at the Museum
Visitors are encouraged to reserve tickets online in advance. Walk-ins will be accommodated based on availability.
Free admission and programming are made possible through the support of Amazon.
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) for this pre-Veterans Day gathering.
We will also recognize our Financial First Bootcamp, Summer Series Graduates.
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.
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.
Women, Power & Influence Summit - A FREE Virtual Summit | November 16–20
Women, Power & Influence Summit - A FREE Virtual Summit | November 16–20
What If Empowerment Is More Than You Think?
What does empowerment really mean?
We use the word often. But empowerment is more than motivation, encouragement, or someone else giving us permission to succeed. It begins within.
VWEC Founder & CEO VR Small joins Women, Power & Influence host Becca Camp for a featured conversation exploring purposeful transformation and the power of empowerment.
Together, they explore what it means to recognize your capacity, use it more intentionally, move from inspiration to execution, create opportunities for other women, and keep growing yourself.
And that conversation is part of something much bigger.
The Women, Power & Influence Summit brings together 30+ women for a virtual experience centered on power, leadership, influence, purpose, and what becomes possible when women become more intentional about using their capacity to shape what comes next.
Register here to join the conversation: https://bit.ly/VRWomen_Power_and_Influence
Purposeful Transformation & The Power of Empowerment:
“Purpose is stronger than circumstance.”
In their conversation, VR and Becca go beyond empowerment as a motivational concept to explore what it looks like when women actually put it into practice.
Listen in as they discuss recognizing the strength that already exists within you, believing you are worthy to win, moving from inspiration to intentional execution, leading with excellence, making space to recharge, and understanding why true empowerment creates independence rather than dependency.
The conversation also moves into servant leadership, real relationships, and Sisterhood in Action, including why women can continue growing themselves while opening doors, creating opportunities, and investing in the success of other women.
You won't get all the answers here.
You'll have to join the conversation for the full experience.
WHO IS IT FOR?
Designed for women executives and entrepreneurs who already have influence and want to get better at using it, the summit explores:
Staying present through tension, uncertainty and consequence
Becoming someone others trust enough to follow
Knowing when and how to use the power you already have
Turning individual capacity into the ability to build something larger than yourself
Whether you're leading a company, growing a business, shaping a team, serving a community or considering what comes next, the summit is an opportunity to examine how you use your influence and what you can build with it.
HOW DOES IT WORK? November 16–20 | Virtual | FREE
You do not have to watch live.
The conversations are prerecorded, so you can watch them when it works for you during summit week.
Each day, you'll receive an email with three new keynote conversations plus gifts. Watch one or watch them all. Each conversation runs approximately 45–60 minutes, on your schedule.
The summit, the gifts, and the toolkit cost nothing.
THE PARALLEL ECONOMY TOOLKIT
On the last day of the summit, you'll receive a separate email containing the Parallel Economy Toolkit.
The Toolkit brings together tools and resources from 20+ women, organized by category so you can continue exploring and applying what you've learned.
It's FREE, and it's yours to keep.
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
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.
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.
Strategic Growth: Six Strategies to Successfully Scale Your Business
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
VWEC DALLAS SMALL BUSINESS EXPO TOUR & VR’s STRATEGIC GROWTH WORKSHOP
Join VWEC for a VIP Small Business Expo Experience
This year, VWEC is doing the Dallas Small Business Expo differently, and we’re inviting our members to experience it with us!
Instead of spending the day behind a booth, we’re stepping onto the Expo floor together for a VIP experience designed to connect, engage, learn, and build relationships.
Join VWEC as we experience the full energy of the Small Business Expo and discover firsthand why we participate in SBE events across the nation. Visit exhibitors, attend workshops and keynote presentations, participate in speed networking, and connect with entrepreneurs and businesses from across the DFW area.
This is your day to make connections, explore opportunities, and expand your network. Let’s experience the Expo together!
Interested in joining the VWEC VIP group?
Email info@veteranwomensec.org with the subject “Join VWEC at the Dallas Small Business Expo” for group details.
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.
COUNTDOWN TO National Veteran Small Business Week - VWEC Event Series - 1-Week
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 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.
Small Talk with VR Small: Women Helping Women WIN with Ericka McKim
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.
COUNTDOWN TO National Veteran Small Business Week - VWEC Event Series - 2-Weeks Left
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.
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.
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.
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.
CANCELED DUE TO SCHEDULING CONFLICTS Strategic Growth: Six Strategies to Successfully Scale Your Business
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
Small Talk with VR Small: Women Helping Women WIN with Karen Tinsley-Sroka
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.
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.
First Mondays Group Mentoring
October 5th Group Mentoring Session
In-Person | First Monday of Each Month | 12 PM – 1 PM CST
Marketing Mechanics: Turn Visibility into Qualified Leads
Marketing without strategy is simply activity.
The goal of marketing isn't to reach everyone.
It's to reach the right customers and move them toward becoming paying clients.
This mentoring session focuses on building marketing strategies that generate qualified leads and support sustainable business growth.
Participants will explore:
Identifying ideal customers
Strengthening brand messaging
Creating marketing activities with purpose
Building lead generation strategies
Turning visibility into measurable business opportunities
Group mentoring provides the opportunity to receive feedback on your messaging while learning what is working for other entrepreneurs across different industries.
When entrepreneurs learn together, everyone grows faster.
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.
VWEC NAVIGATING THE NATION: 2026 SMALL BUSINESS EXPO TOUR
JOIN IN LAS VEGAS!
It’s our third stop on 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.
First Mondays Group Mentoring:
No First Mondays Group Mentoring Session
There will be no mentoring session in September in observance of Labor Day.
We encourage participants to use this time to implement the strategies developed throughout the year and continue making progress toward their business goals.
Our mentoring series resumes in October.
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.
Kick Off - Strategic Growth: Six Strategies to Successfully Scale Your Business
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
Veteran Women Entrepreneurs - National Focus Groups Series - August 2026
VWEC Veteran Women Entrepreneur: National Focus Group Series - Oklahoma City
As VWEC celebrates its ninth year supporting veteran women entrepreneurs, we are focusing on implementing our next-level transformation to enhance service availability across the nation. To this end, we want to hear from you!
As a part of our 2026 AEO South Central Region Tour, we are hosting a Focus Groups exclusively with Veteran Women Entrepreneurs.
What You Need to Know:
Veteran women entrepreneurs play a pivotal role in our business landscape, driving innovation, economic growth, and employment opportunities. Despite your invaluable contributions, we know you often encounter unique obstacles on your path to success.
To better understand and address these challenges, we are hosting a series of in-person focus groups across the nation, specifically designed for you—veteran women business owners.
Purpose:
This Focus Group seeks to glean insights into your experiences, needs, and aspirations as they relate to available business support. By delving into your challenges and resource requirements, we will be armed with the data to craft tailored initiatives and the appropriate infrastructure to bolster your success.
Benefits of Participation - Influence Change, Access Resources, Network, Visibility, Recognition, and Community Empowerment:
Your Voice can directly impact the development of policies and programs supporting the entrepreneur ecosystem for veteran women-owned businesses.
Your Voice will provide insight that can guide the creation of tailored initiatives to address identified gaps in services and support.
Your Voice will aid in raising awareness of the true impact of veteran women-owned businesses, create enhanced opportunities, and highlight your economic contributions.
The narrative for veteran women entrepreneurs is yours to narrate.
Submit your interest to participate by completing a brief pre-survey, so we can ensure a diverse representation of industries and businesses from your area.
Register: https://bit.ly/VWENationalFocusGroups
INTERESED IN BEING A HOST PARTNERS:
To learn more about becoming a Host Partner, email info@veteranwomensec.org with the subject: Host Partner (and your city). Host Partners are needed in Las Vegas and Phoenix.
Host Partner referrals will have first choice at participation. Note: The final selection must represent a mix of industries and business stages.
Breakfast with a Banker Oklahoma City - AEO South Central Region Tour
You're invited to join VWEC's long-standing Breakfast with a Banker, sponsored by the Bank of Oklahoma, for our second and final 2026 AEO South-Central Region Tour on:
Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at 8:30 A.M.
South OKC Chamber, 701 Southwest 74th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73139
AGENDA:
Networking & Breakfast
Welcome & Intros
Speakers:
The Power of Empowerment:
VR Small, AEO, South-Central Region Chair
Keynote:
Daniel Garcia, Business Development Officer, Metafund
Bank of Oklahoma: The Business of Banking Panel
Moderator:
TC Alexander, Senior VP, Community Development Relationship Manager, BOK Financial
Panelists:
Donnie Broms, Mortgage Banker, NMLS #1901681, Bank of Oklahoma
Jahaira Martinez, Vice President, Bilingual Financial Center Leader, Bank of Oklahoma
Will Parsons, Vice President, Financial Center Leader, Bank of Oklahoma
Empowering Entrepreneurial Capital Readiness
As the South-Central Region Chair for the Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO), VWEC CEO VR Small is supporting ecosystem collaboration across Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, and New Mexico.
Through this leadership role, VWEC launched the AEO South Central Region Tour, powered by BOK Financial, convening entrepreneurs, financial institutions, and ecosystem partners to advance our theme and shared mission of Empowering Entrepreneurial Capital Readiness. This collaboration is designed to help entrepreneurs effectively engage capital providers while expanding access to financial education and credit development.
"Empowering entrepreneurs requires more than inspiration and information. It requires intentional technical assistance, capital infrastructure, financial frameworks, and ecosystem alignment designed to build sustainable businesses that smash survival statistics.” ~VR Small
Join us as we connect entrepreneurs and ecosystem leaders to build businesses that last.
First Mondays Group Mentoring
August 3rd Group Mentoring Session
In-Person | First Monday of Each Month | 12 PM – 1 PM CST
Technology should simplify your business—not complicate it.
Today's entrepreneurs have access to hundreds of digital tools, but knowing which ones actually improve productivity, customer experience, and operations can be overwhelming.
This mentoring session focuses on practical technology solutions that help entrepreneurs save time, improve efficiency, and build scalable businesses.
Together we'll discuss tools that support:
Customer relationship management
Project management
Marketing automation
Financial organization
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Business productivity
Rather than chasing every new platform, you'll learn how to choose technology that aligns with your business goals.
The discussion becomes even more valuable as participants exchange recommendations, lessons learned, and practical solutions they've successfully implemented in their own businesses.
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.
Five Days Left to get registered for our Financials First Bootcamp - 2026 Summer Series
Build Financial Confidence. Strengthen Your Business. Become Capital Ready.
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.
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.
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
IS THIS BOOTCAMP RIGHT FOR YOU?
This program is ideal for women entrepreneurs who are ready to:
Strengthen their accounting and financial management practices
Improve cash flow management and financial decision-making
Understand and confidently interpret business financial statements
Prepare for loans, grants, contracts, or other capital opportunities
Finish the year with a stronger fourth quarter and a solid financial strategy for continued growth
SESSION SCHEDULE:
August 4 - Week 1 | Accounting 101: Building Your Financial Foundation. Every successful business begins with organized financial records.
August 18 - Week 2 | Accounting 101: Building an Accurate Financial System. Accurate financial reports begin with accurate data entry.
September 1 - Week 3 | Understanding Your Balance Sheet Your Balance Sheet tells the financial story of your business at a specific moment in time.
September 15 - Week 4 | Understanding Your Profit & Loss Statement. Revenue alone does not determine business success. This session explores how to analyze your Profit & Loss
October 6 - Week 5 | Financial Ratios That Matter. Financial statements tell you what happened: Financial ratios tell you what it means.
October 20 - Week 6 | Financial Forecasting & Preparing for Growth. Great businesses don't simply react to change—they plan for it.
Graduation - October 27: Participants who successfully complete the program will leave with stronger financial systems, greater confidence in understanding their business financials, and practical tools to support future funding opportunities, strategic growth, and long-term business success.
Your numbers tell the story of your business. Learn to understand them, manage them, and use them to unlock your next level of growth.
We’ll less than 2 weeks away from kicking off our Financials First Bootcamp - 2026 Summer Series
Build Financial Confidence. Strengthen Your Business. Become Capital Ready.
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.
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.
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
IS THIS BOOTCAMP RIGHT FOR YOU?
This program is ideal for women entrepreneurs who are ready to:
Strengthen their accounting and financial management practices
Improve cash flow management and financial decision-making
Understand and confidently interpret business financial statements
Prepare for loans, grants, contracts, or other capital opportunities
Finish the year with a stronger fourth quarter and a solid financial strategy for continued growth
SESSION SCHEDULE:
August 4 - Week 1 | Accounting 101: Building Your Financial Foundation. Every successful business begins with organized financial records.
August 18 - Week 2 | Accounting 101: Building an Accurate Financial System. Accurate financial reports begin with accurate data entry.
September 1 - Week 3 | Understanding Your Balance Sheet Your Balance Sheet tells the financial story of your business at a specific moment in time.
September 15 - Week 4 | Understanding Your Profit & Loss Statement. Revenue alone does not determine business success. This session explores how to analyze your Profit & Loss
October 6 - Week 5 | Financial Ratios That Matter. Financial statements tell you what happened: Financial ratios tell you what it means.
October 20 - Week 6 | Financial Forecasting & Preparing for Growth. Great businesses don't simply react to change—they plan for it.
Graduation - October 27: Participants who successfully complete the program will leave with stronger financial systems, greater confidence in understanding their business financials, and practical tools to support future funding opportunities, strategic growth, and long-term business success.
Your numbers tell the story of your business. Learn to understand them, manage them, and use them to unlock your next level of growth.
SPACE IS LIMITED - SIGN UP NOW: Financials First Bootcamp - 2026 Summer Series
Build Financial Confidence. Strengthen Your Business. Become Capital Ready.
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.
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.
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
IS THIS BOOTCAMP RIGHT FOR YOU?
This program is ideal for women entrepreneurs who are ready to:
Strengthen their accounting and financial management practices
Improve cash flow management and financial decision-making
Understand and confidently interpret business financial statements
Prepare for loans, grants, contracts, or other capital opportunities
Finish the year with a stronger fourth quarter and a solid financial strategy for continued growth
SESSION SCHEDULE:
August 4 - Week 1 | Accounting 101: Building Your Financial Foundation. Every successful business begins with organized financial records.
August 18 - Week 2 | Accounting 101: Building an Accurate Financial System. Accurate financial reports begin with accurate data entry.
September 1 - Week 3 | Understanding Your Balance Sheet Your Balance Sheet tells the financial story of your business at a specific moment in time.
September 15 - Week 4 | Understanding Your Profit & Loss Statement. Revenue alone does not determine business success. This session explores how to analyze your Profit & Loss
October 6 - Week 5 | Financial Ratios That Matter. Financial statements tell you what happened: Financial ratios tell you what it means.
October 20 - Week 6 | Financial Forecasting & Preparing for Growth. Great businesses don't simply react to change—they plan for it.
Graduation - October 27: Participants who successfully complete the program will leave with stronger financial systems, greater confidence in understanding their business financials, and practical tools to support future funding opportunities, strategic growth, and long-term business success.
Your numbers tell the story of your business. Learn to understand them, manage them, and use them to unlock your next level of growth.
REGISTER NOW for the Financials First Bootcamp - 2026 Summer Series
Build Financial Confidence. Strengthen Your Business. Become Capital Ready.
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.
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.
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
IS THIS BOOTCAMP RIGHT FOR YOU?
This program is ideal for women entrepreneurs who are ready to:
Strengthen their accounting and financial management practices
Improve cash flow management and financial decision-making
Understand and confidently interpret business financial statements
Prepare for loans, grants, contracts, or other capital opportunities
Finish the year with a stronger fourth quarter and a solid financial strategy for continued growth
SESSION SCHEDULE:
August 4 - Week 1 | Accounting 101: Building Your Financial Foundation. Every successful business begins with organized financial records.
August 18 - Week 2 | Accounting 101: Building an Accurate Financial System. Accurate financial reports begin with accurate data entry.
September 1 - Week 3 | Understanding Your Balance Sheet Your Balance Sheet tells the financial story of your business at a specific moment in time.
September 15 - Week 4 | Understanding Your Profit & Loss Statement. Revenue alone does not determine business success. This session explores how to analyze your Profit & Loss
October 6 - Week 5 | Financial Ratios That Matter. Financial statements tell you what happened: Financial ratios tell you what it means.
October 20 - Week 6 | Financial Forecasting & Preparing for Growth. Great businesses don't simply react to change—they plan for it.
Graduation - October 27: Participants who successfully complete the program will leave with stronger financial systems, greater confidence in understanding their business financials, and practical tools to support future funding opportunities, strategic growth, and long-term business success.
Your numbers tell the story of your business. Learn to understand them, manage them, and use them to unlock your next level of growth.
First Mondays Group Mentoring
July 6th Group Mentoring Session
In-Person | First Monday of Each Month | 12 PM – 1 PM CST
Good decisions begin with good information.
A SWOT Analysis helps entrepreneurs evaluate their Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats, turning business insights into strategic action. Rather than relying on assumptions, you'll learn how to identify where your business is positioned today and where your greatest opportunities for growth exist.
This session is designed for entrepreneurs who have already completed meaningful market research. Understanding your customers, competitors, and industry landscape is essential to developing an effective SWOT analysis. Without that foundation, it becomes difficult to accurately identify opportunities or anticipate challenges.
During this interactive group mentoring session, participants will:
Evaluate internal strengths and areas for improvement
Identify external opportunities and competitive threats
Learn how to use a SWOT Analysis to make more confident business decisions
Gain valuable perspectives from fellow entrepreneurs and mentors
Group mentoring adds another level of value by allowing participants to compare experiences, challenge assumptions, and discover opportunities they may not recognize on their own.
Prerequisite
To gain the greatest value from this session, participants should have completed their Market Research before attending.
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.
Veteran Women Entrepreneurs - National Focus Groups Series - June 2026
VWEC Veteran Women Entrepreneur: National Focus Group Series - San Francisco
As VWEC celebrates its ninth year supporting veteran women entrepreneurs, we are focusing on implementing our next-level transformation to enhance service availability across the nation. To this end, we want to hear from you!
As a part of our 2026 Navigating the Nation: Small Business Expo Tour, we are hosting a series of Focus Groups exclusively with Veteran Women Entrepreneurs across the nation.
What You Need to Know:
Veteran women entrepreneurs play a pivotal role in our business landscape, driving innovation, economic growth, and employment opportunities. Despite your invaluable contributions, we know you often encounter unique obstacles on your path to success.
To better understand and address these challenges, we are hosting a series of in-person focus groups across the nation, specifically designed for you—veteran women business owners.
Purpose:
Each Focus Group seeks to glean insights into your experiences, needs, and aspirations as they relate to available business support. By delving into your challenges and resource requirements, we will be armed with the data to craft tailored initiatives and the appropriate infrastructure to bolster your success.
Benefits of Participation - Influence Change, Access Resources, Network, Visibility, Recognition, and Community Empowerment:
Your Voice can directly impact the development of policies and programs supporting the entrepreneur ecosystem for veteran women-owned businesses.
Your Voice will provide insight that can guide the creation of tailored initiatives to address identified gaps in services and support.
Your Voice will aid in raising awareness of the true impact of veteran women-owned businesses, create enhanced opportunities, and highlight your economic contributions.
The narrative for veteran women entrepreneurs is yours to narrate.
Submit your interest to participate at a location near you by completing a brief pre-survey, so we can ensure a diverse representation of industries and businesses from your area.
Register: https://bit.ly/VWENationalFocusGroups
INTERESED IN BEING A HOST PARTNERS:
To learn more about becoming a Host Partner, email info@veteranwomensec.org with the subject: Host Partner (and your city). Host Partners are needed in Las Vegas and Phoenix.
Host Partner referrals will have first choice at participation. Note: The final selection must represent a mix of industries and business stages, preferably
VWEC NAVIGATING THE NATION: 2026 SMALL BUSINESS EXPO TOUR
COME WITH US TO SAN FRANCISCO!
Our Second Stop on 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.
VWEC Joins the Veteran Loan Fund - Veteran & Military Spouse Business Accelerator
VWEC joins the Veteran Loan Fund launch of a National Accelerator to boost Veteran and Military Spouse businesses.
Major initiative supported by Truist Foundation
The Veteran Loan Fund (VLF), a national effort of Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), advancing economic opportunity for military-connected entrepreneurs, today announced the launch of the Veteran & Military Spouse Business Accelerator, created to expand access to capital, training, and business support for Veteran and Military Spouse entrepreneurs across the country. The initiative is supported by Truist Foundation, through a grant to PeopleFund, Texas’ member of VLF, to establish and scale the Accelerator nationally through VLF.
Register at https://www.veteranloanfund.com/vmsba/
Since launching in 2021, VLF has raised approximately $30 million, which members have leveraged locally to deploy more than $110 million in small business loans to over 1,500 Veteran and Military Spouse entrepreneurs, supporting approximately 8,000 jobs nationwide.
The Veteran and Military Spouse Business Accelerator uses a coordinated model that delivers business education and mentorship, capital readiness and financial training, marketing and operational support, access to affordable loan capital, and grants.
The Veteran Women’s Enterprise Center (VWEC) CEO VR Small is once again excited to join forces with PeopleFund and the VLF to lead a portion of the curriculum and content delivery.
“Through this program, we are creating stronger, more accessible pathways for Veteran and Military Spouse entrepreneurs to build, grow, and sustain successful businesses.” VR Small
WHAT YOU GAIN:
Participants will complete a free, 8-week program combining weekly instruction, structured assignments, one-on-one business coaching, and free access to LivePlan a business planning and financial forecasting platform used to build plans, model projections, and track performance.
Those who successfully complete all program requirements will receive:
Ongoing technical assistance for up to three years,
Access to up to $350,000 in loan capital,
A grant ranging from $3,000 to $5,000, and
Complimentary access to the Business Beyond Battlefield Conference at the National Medal of Honor Museum in Arlington, Texas in October 2026.
The program is delivered in collaboration with member CDFIs and veteran-serving organizations, with the University of Texas at Arlington Veterans Business Outreach Center (UTAVBOC) and the Veteran Women’s Enterprise Center (VWEC) leading the curriculum and content delivery.
The launch of the Accelerator kicks off a new phase of growth for the Veteran Loan Fund, building on strong national momentum and a proven model that combines capital with hands-on business support.
Through this initiative, VLF aims to deploy an additional $15 million in loans and up to $1.5 million in grants, supporting approximately 300 Veteran and Military Spouse entrepreneurs and helping create or retain 1,500 jobs within the next year.
About Veteran Loan Fund:
The Veteran Loan Fund is a national effort of a growing number of Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and specialized technical assistance partners dedicated to helping Veterans and Military Spouses start and grow small businesses. Member CDFIs currently include Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs (GA), Ascendus (NY), Appalachian Community Capital (VA), BBIF (FL), Business Impact Northwest (WA), Colorado Enterprise Fund (CO), DreamSpring (NM), Economic and Community Development Institute (OH), Justine Petersen (MO), Pathway Lending (TN), PeopleFund (TX), Pursuit (NJ), Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (WI) and members of African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs. Learn more at www.veteranloanfund.com.
VWEC NAVIGATING THE NATION: 2026 SMALL BUSINESS EXPO TOUR
We’re Back—JOIN IN BOSTON!
As we kick off 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.
Walmart's Road to Open Call event, supported by IVMF, hosted at the VWEC
Walmart's Road to Open Call 2026 is coming to Dallas, TX
What is Open Call?
Now in its 13th year, Walmart's Annual Open Call connects U.S.-based entrepreneurs directly with Walmart and Sam's Club merchants to pitch shelf-ready products - with the potential to land deals for store shelves and Walmart.com.
It's a cornerstone of Walmart's $350 billion commitment to products made, grown, or assembled in America by 2030, supporting more than 750,000 U.S. jobs.
About the Dallas Stop hosted at the Veteran Women’s Enterprise Center
This stop is part of a nationwide tour bringing Walmart directly to entrepreneurs before the main Open Call event on October 6–7, 2026.
Selected participants will get face time with Walmart merchants and the chance to scale their business with one of the world's largest retailers.
How to Apply?
1. Create a free profile at RangeMe.com
2. Submit your application by April 24
3. Learn more: Walmart / Road to Open Call 2026
Be In The Room Business Summit, hosted by the Durant Area Chamber of Commerce
We're celebrating National Small Business week!
Our CEO, VR Small is a Featured Panelist at the - Be In The Room Business Summit
Hosted by Durant Area Chamber of Commerce
Thursday, May 7th,
Kiamichi Tech
Durant, Oklahoma
Big ideas, fresh strategies, and real conversations happen when business owners come together.
The Small Business Summit, is designed for entrepreneurs, leaders, and growing businesses ready to level up.
From business strategy to marketing insights and the latest industry trends, our breakout sessions are built to give you practical takeaways you can put to work right away.
Breakout sessions include:
• Business
• Marketing
• Trends
Hope to see you in the room!
Get your tickets online: https://lnkd.in/eqMXmNiB
First Mondays Group Mentoring: Mission
May 4th Group Mentoring Session
In-Person | First Monday of Each Month | 12 PM – 1 PM CST
Mission
Every successful business knows what it does.
The most impactful businesses know why they exist.
Your mission defines the purpose of your company. It explains the problem you are solving, who you serve, and the impact your work is meant to create.
When a mission is clearly defined, it becomes more than a statement—it becomes a decision-making framework that guides strategy, leadership, and growth.
A strong mission helps entrepreneurs:
Communicate their purpose clearly to customers and partners
Build a stronger brand rooted in meaning and impact
Align business decisions with long-term goals
Inspire teams, collaborators, and clients to believe in the work
Research consistently shows that organizations built around a clear mission perform better across multiple areas of business.
Purpose-driven organizations are 22% more productive than those without a clearly defined mission.
Employees who understand and connect with their company’s mission show significantly higher engagement and motivation, which directly improves performance and growth.
Some studies have found that mission-driven companies generate over twice the value per employee compared with industry averages.
In short, when people understand why the work matters, they perform at a higher level.
What You’ll Gain from This Session
During this interactive group mentoring session, participants will explore how to refine or redefine the mission that drives their business.
Participants will:
Define the purpose behind their business and the impact it is designed to create
Clarify how their mission connects to customers and community
Strengthen their brand messaging and positioning
Learn how a strong mission supports leadership, culture, and growth
The goal is not simply to write a mission statement.
The goal is to ensure your business operates with clarity, purpose, and alignment.
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.