Empowering Veteran and Military Spouse Entrepreneurs: A Networking Event at Virginia Tech

In a remarkable show of support for veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs, Virginia Tech and the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership (AEDP) come together to host a networking event on November 13. Titled “From Service to Startups: Veteran and Military Spouse Entrepreneurship in Action,” the gathering took place at the newly established Virginia Tech Institute for Advanced Computing. It served as a platform for veterans and military spouses to connect, share experiences, and explore business opportunities.

The Spirit of Resilience

The spirit of the event was rooted in resilience, highlighting how the leadership skills developed through military service can translate into successful entrepreneurial ventures. Participants were treated to inspiring stories from founders who showcased how their military backgrounds—personal or familial—have laid the groundwork for innovation and community engagement.

Encouraging Leadership

Opening the event, Debbie Bradbard, the Director of the Boeing Center for Veteran Transition and Military Families at Virginia Tech, emphasized the resources available in the region for veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs. “Our mission centers around education, employment, entrepreneurship, and research. This vibrant region offers extensive support for veteran- and military spouse-owned businesses, and today’s gathering aims to unify those efforts,” she noted, setting an optimistic tone for the discussions ahead.

Philomena Fitzgerald, the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Manager at AEDP, further highlighted the importance of streamlined resources, stating, “We serve as a one-stop platform for local business support services, helping founders navigate the ecosystem here in Alexandria.” This proactive approach reinforces the commitment to empowering participants on their entrepreneurial journeys.

Insights from Veteran Entrepreneurs

A panel featuring three distinguished local entrepreneurs provided valuable insights into how military service and family life have shaped their business journeys:

• Brad Halsey, CEO and Co-Founder of Building Momentum, articulated how his naval background influences his business philosophy. “Success isn’t just about scaling; it’s about doing meaningful work. Entrepreneurship is tough, but perseverance is designed into us,” he shared. His focus on purpose over mere growth resonates deeply in a landscape often obsessed with numbers.

• Kendra Peña-Collazo, owner of Movement in Science and a proud military spouse, emphasized adaptability as a vital entrepreneurial skill. "Being a military spouse requires constant flexibility, and that’s what entrepreneurship demands as well. Building a business that can pivot quickly has been key," she noted. Moreover, she underscored the importance of community impact, stating, “Success for me is about giving back—helping others and fostering local connections.”

• Laura Hatcher, owner of Laura Hatcher Photography and a Navy veteran, reflected on the emotional hurdles of transitioning from military to civilian life. “Losing the structure I once relied on was difficult,” she acknowledged, illustrating the challenges many veterans face. Her path now involves supporting fellow veterans through photography and mentorship, drawing upon lessons learned in teamwork and diplomacy.

Networking for Success

Amidst the speeches and presentations, the importance of networking was evident. Attendees mingled with representatives from organizations like the Virginia Small Business Financing Authority (VSBFA) and SCORE DC, which are dedicated to fostering a supportive environment for entrepreneurship.

Organizers stressed the value of these connections. Fitzgerald encouraged participants to capitalize on their networking opportunities, elaborating, “This is the moment to connect, learn about available resources, and build relationships that can sustain your business.”

Shared Experiences and Community Support

As the event unfolded, repeated mentions of community support reverberated through the discussions. Bradbard reinforced this notion by urging attendees to support one another: “Many of you are facing similar challenges; support one another, because together, you can achieve more.”

This focus on collective empowerment served as a reminder that while the entrepreneurial journey can be daunting, sharing experiences can reinforce resilience and community ties.

A Commitment to Growth

The event at the Virginia Tech Institute for Advanced Computing epitomized the commitment to empowering veterans and military spouses in their entrepreneurial pursuits. It illustrated how entrepreneurship and military service intertwine to create a dynamic and impactful community, ready to face the challenges of building and sustaining businesses.

The stories and insights shared during this gathering not only highlighted the unique challenges faced by veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs but also celebrated their tenacity and innovation, promising a brighter future for the entrepreneurial spirit in this community.