SBDC announces Iowa Veterans Entrepreneurship Conference

Home Base Iowa, America’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Iowa, and the Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship at Iowa State University, are partnering to present the Iowa Veterans Entrepreneurship Conference next month in Ames. 

The conference will be held at the Gateway Hotel and Conference Center on Friday, June 2. A welcome reception will be held on the evening of Thursday, June 1, at the ISU Research Park Core Facility. 

Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from successful veteran entrepreneurs, learn from industry experts and connect with other veterans. The statewide conference is open to veterans, military personnel, their families and business partners, and community members who support veteran entrepreneurs and business owners. It will focus on the unique challenges and opportunities for veteran entrepreneurs in Iowa. 

Organizers said the conference is for attendees who have their own business as well as those considering an entrepreneurial venture who want to learn.

The Iowa Veterans Entrepreneurship Conference offers education, resources, and networking opportunities. The daylong conference will feature keynote speakers, panel discussions, breakout sessions, and a business pitch workshop. Business partners are invited to exhibit at the event. 

New in 2023, Iowa Veterans Entrepreneurship Conference attendees are invited to participate in a pitch competition during the conference. A pitch workshop will be held on June 1, prior to the opening night reception, for those who want assistance with crafting their pitch.

“This event provides a great opportunity to bring together veterans, military personnel, and their families and business partners to connect with entrepreneurial experts and resource providers for a day of learning, networking, and inspiration,” Jathan Chicoine, co-host of Home Base Iowa, said in a news release.

Organizations or companies serving veterans can help sponsor the conference, book an exhibitor table, help cover sponsor registration costs for attendees, should visit here for more information. To register for the conference, visit here or contact Jean Walsh, Iowa State Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship at (515) 294-2776 or info@isupjcenter.org.