About VetBiz - vetbiz

“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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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 > Mac McDougell

Retired Banker, CPA

Secretary - Patrice Manuel

CEO – Principal, P/Strata

Director - Donovan Foster

Business Success and Maturity Coach – Ladder Set Coaching

Director - Bob Scharff, Jr.

Owner/Managing Partner, The Todd Organization

Director > Dio Manaran

Vice President – Midwest BankCentre

Director > Bob Scharff, Jr.

Owner/Managing Partner, The Todd Organization

Director > Jessica Fox

Director Strategy & Corporate Development Hussmann

Director > Roderick Gilliam II

Broker, The Guardian Life Insurance Company

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

Proud Vetbiz Clients

Administrative & Legal Services

Alternative/Renewable Energy

Construction

Life Style Service

Retail

Technology

Administrative & Legal Services

Alternative/Renewable Energy

Construction

Life Style Service

Retail

Technology

Frequently Asked Questions

Entrepreneurs

Okay, So what's the catch? How much does this service cost me?

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

Can my family and friends come with me to training?

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.

How do I fill out the Business Idea Quiz?

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

How do I get registered to receive Government contracts?

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.

What is B2B or Reboot B2B? How can I get involved?

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.

Are there loans available for Veterans?

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.

What Grants are available for Veterans and Military Spouses?

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

How do I apply to volunteer?

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

What should I expect when volunteering?

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.

How can I find volunteer opportunities near me?

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.