BY Niurka Castaneda
V.R. Small, a Navy veteran and the dynamic founder of the Veteran Woman Enterprise Center, is on a mission to transform the entrepreneurial landscape for women associated with the military. With a vision to position these women as leading revenue generators and employers in the nation, Small’s journey is both inspiring and transformative.
Reflecting on the past year, Small recognized a disconnect between the organization’s mission and vision. “While we were diligently executing our mission daily, it wasn’t driving our vision forward,” she explains. This realization prompted a thorough reevaluation of their programs and strategies.
One significant shift in focus was towards international trade, which Small identified as a promising avenue for growth. “Many women entrepreneurs don’t consider expanding outside the U.S., even though 95% of potential buyers are international,” she notes. Highlighting the surprising fact that women are actually leading in international trade, Small sees this as a golden opportunity for women entrepreneurs to tap into new markets, create additional revenue streams, and enhance their business growth.
To promote this vision, the Veteran Woman Enterprise Center embarked on a national tour, aligning their efforts with major Business Expos across the country. The tour kicked off in New York City during National Small Business Week on May 2nd. At these events, veteran women entrepreneurs volunteer at the Center’s booth, showcasing their businesses and gaining valuable exposure. The initiative includes a competition for the best booth setup, with a $500 award in each city. Following New York, the tour will visit Los Angeles in September, Houston in October, and Atlanta in December.
Small emphasizes inclusivity in their events. “Even if someone isn’t in one of these cities, they are welcome to join us at any of our stops,” she says. The goal is to increase the grant amount to $1,000 per city, depending on sponsor support, further empowering women entrepreneurs to grow their businesses.
A cornerstone of their strategy is the international trade program, which features a six-month co-working cohort at the Comerica Business HQ. This program offers six women over 100 hours of technical assistance, helping them develop standard operating procedures, strategic plans, and pitch decks. Participants stand to earn up to $5,000 upon graduation, which will be awarded at the Center’s conference during National Women’s Small Business Week on October 16th.
“The program demands commitment,” Small explains. Participants attend training sessions three days a week and complete homework assignments, ensuring they develop comprehensive SOPs across various business areas such as revenue, technology, sales, marketing, legal, and more. The use of a co-working space and in-person attendance are crucial components of the program.
The inception of the Veteran Woman Enterprise Center stemmed from Small’s personal experiences. After moving to Dallas, she struggled to find a job despite her extensive experience. Joining an entrepreneurial program for veterans, she noticed a glaring lack of resources specifically for veteran women entrepreneurs. Inspired by the rapid growth of veteran women-owned businesses, she founded the Veteran Woman Enterprise Center in 2017. The Center’s mission is succinctly captured in its slogan: “Connecting you is what we do.”
Since its founding, the organization has expanded its reach, now serving women in over 30 states. With the national tour, Small hopes to touch all 50 states, bringing resources and connections to women entrepreneurs nationwide.
Future plans include expanding to states like Arizona, Florida, Michigan, and possibly Tennessee, reinforcing their commitment to empowering women veterans.
Small’s passion and dedication are palpable as she shares her excitement about the Center’s future. “We are small but mighty and committed to doing a better job each day,” she says. Through their innovative programs and national outreach, the Veteran Woman Enterprise Center is making a significant impact, helping women veterans succeed in their entrepreneurial endeavors.
Reflecting on her journey, Small highlights the organization’s commitment to continuous improvement and expansion. “We are building out a community that we will launch at our conference in October, inviting women to sign up for a year for free,” she shares. This initiative aims to foster a supportive network for women entrepreneurs, providing them with valuable resources and connections.
Looking ahead, Small is excited about upcoming programs like the Strategic Growth Plan incubator, set to launch in July and run again in October. This 12-week program offers hybrid sessions, catering to both local and national participants. “Whether you’re a startup or a seasoned business owner, this incubator covers everything you need to develop a solid business plan,” she explains. Participants walk away with a comprehensive plan and a chance to win a share of $10,000 in pitch money.
As V.R. Small continues to champion the cause of veteran women entrepreneurs, her unwavering commitment and innovative approach are set to make a lasting impact. “I’m super excited about the work we do,” she says. With plans to expand the organization’s reach and secure more national funding, the Veteran Woman Enterprise Center is poised to support women entrepreneurs across the country, helping them achieve their full potential.
Niurka Castaneda
Niurka is the visionary force behind Amor Umbrella, a Creative Media & Filmmaking Company. With her multipotentialite personality, she is carving a niche in her industry, blending journalism, short films, and written storytelling. This accomplished trailblazer doesn’t just narrate stories on paper but brings them to life through the lens of creativity, weaving together narratives that splash across diverse genres. She is the author of the book series titled “How to Build the Business that Fits Your Lifestyle,” university accredited online course “New Business Launch Guide,” and currently holds the role of Magazine Editor of Umbrella Splash, and Veteran Columnist for the She Talks Magazine.
