“Notice: Our Headquarters has relocated to 4220 Duncan Ave., Suite 201, St. Louis, MO 63110”

Our Mission

Our mission is to support Veterans and military families in building successful small businesses that impact communities by creating jobs and igniting economic growth.

We serve active duty personnel transitioning to civilian life, Reserve and National Guard members, honorably discharged Veterans, military spouses and families, as well as Veteran caregivers located in Missouri, Kansas, and Southern Illinois.

Our Team

Danielle Lowery VBOC at VetBiz Director, Operations & Programs

Danielle Lowery

Director, Operations & Programs

Danielle is a skilled communications administrator with expertise in communications, event planning, team leadership, and customer support. She joined VetBiz in 2019 and looks forward to many more years of growth.

Mitch Fitzpatrick VBOC at VetBiz Director, Training & Outreach

Mitchell Fitzpatrick

Director, Training & Outreach

Mitch, a former Army noncommissioned officer from Kansas City, joined VetBiz in 2020. He’s dedicated to continuous learning and professional growth, and eager to make a positive impact on the community.

Damon Chaffin VetBiz Senior Business Consultant

Damon Chaffin

Senior Business Consultant

Damon is a pragmatic operations and sales expert. He leverages his financial acumen and customer service skills to grow businesses. As the senior business advisor at VetBiz he provides consultation and mentoring to clients throughout various stages of business development.

Brandie Schmidt

Kansas Outreach Coordinator

Brandie, a non-profit professional, comes to VetBiz with a history in a sales and small business management. Joining VetBiz in 2023, she comes with a learning fever to grow her expertise and provide the Kansas City community with all the benefits VetBiz has to offer

Allie Pike VetBiz Outreach Coordinator

Allie Pike

Regional Outreach Coordinator

Allie, an Army veteran, Reservist, and St. Louis native, joined VetBiz in 2022. Her expertise in military leadership, and infectious enthusiasm, make her well-suited to support veterans and military families in entrepreneurship.

Danielle Lowery VBOC at VetBiz Director, Operations & Programs
Mitch Fitzpatrick VBOC at VetBiz Director, Training & Outreach

Christina Kimerle

Danielle Lowery

Mitchell Fitzpatrick

Executive Director

Director, Operations & Programs

Director, Training & Outreach

Christina comes from a military family, and she brings 15+ years of nonprofit executive-level management experience to the VetBiz team. She will focus on general management, increased visibility, fundraising, and the growth of VetBiz.

Danielle is a skilled communications administrator with expertise in communications, event planning, team leadership, and customer support. She joined VetBiz in 2019 and looks forward to many more years of growth.

Mitch, a former Army noncommissioned officer from Kansas City, joined VetBiz in 2020. He’s dedicated to continuous learning and professional growth, and eager to make a positive impact on the community.

Damon Chaffin VetBiz Senior Business Consultant
Allie Pike VetBiz Outreach Coordinator

Damon Chaffin

Allie Pike

Brandie Schmidt

Senior Business Consultant

Regional Outreach Coordinator

Kansas Outreach Coordinator

Damon is a pragmatic operations and sales expert. He leverages his financial acumen and customer service skills to grow businesses. As the Senior Business Advisor at VetBiz, he provides consultation and mentoring to clients throughout various stages of business developement.

Allie, an Army veteran, Reservist, and St. Louis native, joined VetBiz in 2022. Her expertise in military leadership, and infectious enthusiasm, makes her well-suited to support veterans and military families in entrepreneurship.

Brandie, a non-profit professional, comes to VetBiz with a history in a sales and small business management. Joining VetBiz in 2023, she comes with a learning fever to grow her expertise and provide the Kansas City community with all the benefits VetBiz has to offer.

Board Of Directors

Board Chair

Sekhar Prabhakar

CEO, CEdge Software Consultants, LLC

Vice Chairman

Brian Sexton

Entrepreneur/Early Stage Investor, One Salute

Treasurer

Mac McDougell

Retired Banker, CPA

Secretary

Takisha Lovelace

VP/Chief Operating Officer at Affinia Healthcare

Director, Fundraising Committee Chair

Roderick Gilliam II

Broker, The Guardian Life Insurance Company

Director

Jessica Fox

Director Strategy & Corporate Development Hussmann

Director

Patrice Manuel

CEO – Principal, P/Strata

Director

Frank Burns

Assistant Director – New Markets & Historic Tax Credits U.S. Bancorp Community Development Corporation

Director

Jessica Fox

Director Strategy & Corporate Development Hussmann

Director

Josh Frank

Principal, RSM Federal

Board Chair > Sekhar Prabhakar

CEO, CEdge Software Consultants, LLC

Vice Chairman > Brian Sexton

Entrepreneur/Early Stage Investor, One Salute

Treasurer > Dio Manaran

SVP Cief Credit Officer, Bank Star

Secretary - Donovan Foster

Business Success & Maturity Coach, Ladder Set Coaching

Director - Frank Hopper

Director of New Business Development & Marketing, Sketch Development

Director - Bob Tisone

Executive Vice President, Senture, LLC

Director > Derek Hoffman

Owner, Ignite Performance & Health

Director > Coming Soon

Director > Coming Soon

Director > Coming Soon

Director > Coming Soon

Director > Coming Soon

Success Is Defined By You

We believe in results, not numbers. Our clients are more
than just a number in the door to us. It’s that simple.  

Frank Totten- F2 Garage Solution

Charlie Felker- Free 2 Grow

Honoring Tim Smith's Legacy 1978 – 2025

It is with deep sorrow that we at VetBiz share the passing of our dear friend and longtime client, Tim Smith. Tim lost his battle with cancer on February 5th—after courageously overcoming it three times before—and his strength, resilience, and kindness have left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him, especially our staff and fellow clients. Tim’s journey was one of unwavering service and achievement. Before establishing himself as a businessman, he proudly served his country, an experience that shaped his commitment to integrity and service. Transitioning into the business world, Tim has built multiple successful ventures while always prioritizing the welfare of others, especially his fellow veterans. His leadership at Patriot Commercial Cleaning and his role as a founding member of our Veterans CEO Roundtable are just two examples of his dedication to supporting those who have served our nation. Beyond his impressive professional accomplishments, Tim was known for his genuine warmth and steadfast care for those around him. Whether he was working through a business challenge, spending time with family and friends, or engaging in thoughtful conversation, his compassion was evident. Most recently, Tim added author to his list of achievements, sharing his story, imparting wisdom, and highlighting his experiences to inspire future generations.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to his beloved wife, Ana Teresa “Terri” Farias-Smith, and his sons, Tim Jr. and Tyler Smith. As they continue Tim’s legacy, our VetBiz team stands with them, offering our unwavering support during this difficult time and beyond.

 

For those wishing to honor Tim’s memory, please find details of the funeral service here:
Funeral Announcement

 

You can also support Tim’s family via the GoFundMe page:
Support Tim’s Family

 

Thank you, Tim, for your service, your friendship, and your inspiring leadership. You will be deeply missed.

 

 

Proud VetBiz Clients

Frequently Asked Questions

Entrepreneurs

There is no cost for all who qualify for our services.  

Well yeah! We encourage you to bring business partners, family members, and investors with you to the consulting meetings. Basically, anyone that you still want to have a relationship with as you are starting this business should come.
 
One of the worst thing you can do is learn new information but your support system does not.

Starting a business takes a significant amount of planning and answering essential questions. Complete and submit the Business Idea Quiz and an advisor will review your answers to help you make the right decision. (All submissions are confidential.)

Watch this video of senior business consultant Damon Chaffin taking you through the Edward Lowe Business Idea Quiz.

Resources

For information on the process to apply for government contracts visit the SBA Federal Contracting Website. If you find that site confusing or need more assistance, come on back and join our unit. We are only too happy to help.

The Boots to Business (B2B) program is a 2-day intensive course held on military post for transitioning military personnel and their families. Registration is completed through the Transition Assistance Program or Army Career Assistance Program through the Family Readiness Center on post.
 
If you are already a transitioned military member (i.e. Veteran) please contact your local post to see if you can attend. If not, there will be Reboot B2B happening in our region.  The program will be open for all Veterans and family members. 
Yes, there are loan options available for veterans and military caregivers.
The Military Reservist Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (MREIDL) is an example of a loan program that provides up to $2 million to cover operating costs that cannot be met due to the loss of an essential employee called to active duty in the Reserves or National Guard.
To explore more loan and financing options for veterans, you can refer to the Small Business Administration’s resource for funding options for your business (https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/plan-your-business/fund-your-business) and utilize their tools such as Lender Match to connect with lenders.
 
Although VetBiz does not provide loans, our business advisors and resource partners throughout the region can assist you as you start the application process.
If you need funding for your venture, there are several programs available to assist you. Keep in mind that grants are highly competitive and often have specific eligibility requirements, so do research and review the guidelines carefully before applying. Our business advisors can assist you in reviewing your application, but they won’t complete it for you. Working with a counselor doesn’t guarantee a grant award.

Volunteer

Visit the volunteer page and apply online through the provided link and our representative will contact you via email.

Our volunteers have diverse professional backgrounds. Indicate your specialty in the application, and we will match you with relevant opportunities such as administrative tasks, delivering business presentations, event staffing, and more.

We always have need of volunteers in the Missouri and Kansas areas. when you apply indicate how far you are comfortable traveling around your region, and we will find the opportunity that is right for you.

Contact Us

Via Mail

St. Louis Office

4220 Duncan Ave., Suite 201, St. Louis, MO 63110

Hours of Operation

Office visits are by appointment only

Via Phone

Headquarters Phone Number

(314) 531-8387 (VETS)