VetBiz Virtual Coffee House
Take a minutes to work in your business. The virtual coffee houses are brief conversations with industry experts who provide insight for small business owners.
Conversation Leader
Angela Brooks
The journey to becoming a prolific leader is not easy. Entrepreneurs can learn a lot from inspirational trailblazers. Maureen Brinkley, District Director SBA, eastern Missouri, about her path to success, from the challenges she faced to the triumph she celebrated along the way.
Conversation Leader
Maureen Brinkley,
Marketing in the digital age can be a challenge for many small business owners. Re-watch the conversation with Evyn Johnson, VetBiz Digital Marketing Director, covering marketing basics in the digital age. This will be a general overview of some best practices for small business owners looking to advance their digital impact.
Conversation Leader
Evyn Johnson
Today over 75% of employers seek out STEM professionals to drive innovation. The current job market is ripe with available STEM jobs! Many veterans find striking similarities between civilian STEM opportunities and jobs they held while serving. Re-watch the conversation from Monday, April 5th with Wendell Covington Jr Executive Director of NPower. We discussed STEM opportunities and how veterans can utilize their skills to secure STEM careers.
Conversation Leader
Wendell Covington Jr
What does it mean to have a powerful day? How can diverse business owners be a catalyst for growth in their region? Most importantly, what does it mean to be the Chief Fear Conqueror? Join the Virtual Coffee House Monday, March 1st, with President and Chief Fear Conqueror Darcella Craven as we kick off Women’s History Month.
Conversation Leader
Darcella Craven
Learn how entrepreneur Akeem Shannon went from corporate America to landing a deal on Shark Tank. Rewatch the inspiring conversation with the founder and CEO of Flipstick. @getflipstik
Conversation Leader
Akeem Shannon
No man is an island and no business starts on its own! Stay away from the island of me! There are people out there that can help. Join us with Mary Louis Helbig Executive Director of ITEN St. Louis as we discuss the many systems established to help entrepreneurs launch and run successful businesses. You can do it, just not alone.
Conversation Leader
Mary Louise Helbig
Are you tired of spending all your energy with little to show for it? Dive in with us Monday, February 1 as we discuss fine-tunning your sales and marketing engine! Marketing and Sales expert Pat Hawn leads the conversation and teaches us how to get the greatest return for our effort.
Conversation Leader
Pat Hawn
There is no better time to refocus your mindset than at the start of the year. With all of the obstacles we’ve overcome in 2020, it is no wonder many approach 2021 with apprehension. Join us Monday, January 25th with life coach Caldonia Rudd as we discuss resetting your mindset and reframing fear.
Conversation Leader
Caldonia Rudd
Conversation Leader
Yemi Akande-Bartsch
Join us with, Bill Elmore, the original veteran. Elmore initiated, designed, and created America’s contemporary US veteran entrepreneurship programs, policies, and initiatives available today from the federal sector. This includes $30,000,000,000+ annually in economic opportunity for veterans, service members, and their families. Monday’s coffee house will explore the role that St. Louis played in re-engaging entrepreneurial veterans with national resources.
Conversation Leader
Bill Elmore
Finding suitable fellowships and gainful employment for our separating service members is a challenging endeavor. Many of us remember that journey, all too well. Join us as we discuss the transition, and how to help you train up your team so they can help you execute your vision and mission. Learn how Sales Platoon can help maximize your own sales techniques, hire better sales personnel, or consider your own career goals in 2021.
Conversation Leader
Ralegih Wilkins
Managing Childcare and maintaining a child’s sense of normalcy can be trying at the best of times, not to mention during a worldwide pandemic. While the world is figuring out how to navigate the ‘new normal’, we don’t often think about the effect on the younger generations. Join us Monday, November 30, with Jessica Seitz creator of Missouri KidsFirst #Esential4Kids campaign. We will discuss working with children through this COVID-19 pandemic.
Conversation Leader
Jessica Seitz
Rising to the rank of Command Sergeant Major or E-9 level in the enlisted ranks is hard. That is putting it mildly. Join us Monday, November 23 at 8 AM, as we discuss the journey of CSM (ret) Carmen Gamble as she moved up the enlisted ranks to the highest level and discuss what she learned along the way. Discover how she is using the lessons in leadership she lived in the community now.
Conversation Leader
Carmen Gamble
Veterans are the Vanguard of Small Business. Meet the team leading the charge! Join the Veterans Business Resource Center (VBRC) crew as they give their perspectives on veteran entrepreneurship. Meet the crew behind the midwest’s premier Veterans Business Outreach Center. Bonus be among the first to experience the center’s new website. Featuring: Damon Chaffin, Danielle Lowery, Mitchell Fitzpatrick, Ryan Scott, Evyn Johnson, and Darcella Craven
Conversation Leader
VBRC Team
Don’t get stuck on “the island of me.” No one succeeds on their own. Success comes from looking for, finding, and gaining support from others. Join us as we talk to the team from The National Guard’s Employment Support Program to discuss access to important employment, entrepreneurship, and support opportunities for military members, veterans, and their families in the Midwest.
Conversation Leader
John Mickleson
Entrepreneurs and small business owners inevitably juggle a lot on a day to day basis. That juggle can often lead to stress, add a pandemic on top of it all and the stress can boil over. Join Candice Cox, LCSW, Founder and Clinical Director of “A&A Inspirations” and Executive Director of “KHAOS(™) Inc”, and learn how to address, assess, and reduce stress utilizing the K.H.A.O.S. (Keep Healing and Overcoming Struggles) mindset. There has never been a better time to increase your self-awareness to help reduce stress.
Conversation Leader
Candice Cox
So you’ve heard of the Small Business Administration (SBA), but do you know how they can help your business? This conversation covers SBA partnerships with private agencies, and how they are working collaboratively with Veteran Business Outreach Centers like us to make things happen!
Conversation Leader
Trish Freeland
Intentional purposeful thinking and movement are pivotal to growth in both your professional and personal life. As we enter 2021, it is important for small business owners to think of ways to make it a powerful and transformative year. Join us as we discuss ways to generate progress and cultivate a growth mindset.
Conversation Leader
Denise Sneed-Williams
Is your marketing plan lean and mean and fighting for you? Will Katz, Regional Director, KU Small Business Development Center, is here to help entrepreneurs breakdown the principles of lean market research. If you want more high quality conversations in your business, you won’t want to miss this conversation!
Conversation Leader
Will Katz
Community Engagement is a cornerstone for every small business. As your business grows so too does your connection with the people you serve. Navy veteran, community innovator, and entrepreneur James E. Williams Jr. talks about how he generates growth by contributing to his community!
Conversation Leader
James E. Williams Jr.
Eureka! We struck Gold! Join the conversation with Dr. Stan Fine and Jim Jump as they share 20 golden nuggets for success in business. Jump and Fine are the co-host a weekly radio show “It’s Your Business” on KWRH 92.9 FM. The show, which airs Saturdays and noon, empowers listeners to gain knowledge and inspiration to help guide their entrepreneurial journey at any stage. Tune in Monday, September 28th at 8 AM live via zoom or Facebook. Don’t miss this golden opportunity!
Conversation Leaders
Dr. Stan Fine
Jim Jump
Creativity is essential to growth for every entrepreneur. However, it can be a challenge for small business owners to get into a creative mindset when facing adversity. Join Darcella Craven on September 14th as we discusses creativity during turbulent times with artist Lowell Daniels.
Conversation Leader
Lowell Daniels
You’ve adapted your business to fit the socioeconomic climate of today, you’ve prepared to reopen your doors, so now what? Do you know how to keep your business moving in the right direction? Do you have to rethink your entire marketing strategy? Rewatch as we chat with Damon Chaffin about marketing and managing your business.
Conversation Leader
Damon Chaffin
Do you own a business in Iowa? Rewatch the Coffee House with two of Iowa’s most notable small business experts Jo Eckert, Branch Manager of the Iowa SBA, Cider Rapids and Jathan Chicoine, Home Base Iowa Program Manager at Iowa Workforce Development.
Conversation Leaders
Jo Eckert
Jathan Chicoine
Dale Furtwengler joins the Coffee House on Friday July 17th to discuss is book, Uniqueness Myth: and other Misconceptions that Derail Businesses. The information in this book comes from the experience Dale gained in his 3 years with a national CPA firm, 17 years in corporate in Chief Financial Officer (CFO) positions in a variety of industries, 21 years providing fractional CFO services for mid-sized businesses.
Conversation Leader
Dale Furtwengler
Despite the COVID-19 interruption, it’s awards season. Do you know how to harness your professional recognition to advance your career. Join us on Monday July 13th 8 AM CT with Darcella Craven as we discuss navigating awards season and bolstering your professional development.
Conversation Leader
Darcella Craven
Are you prepared to lead form your living room? Join us with Conversation Leader Ray Milano Director of the SBA’s Veterans Business Outreach Center Program. Ray leads a team of over 22 Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs) across the continental US and Hawaii. VBOCs are a one-stop-shop for veterans and military spouses looking start and grow small businesses.
Conversation Leader
Ray Milano
Businesses are starting to open up and consumers, now more than ever, are looking for safe and simple ways to shop. Join us on July 6th with Carlos Pernia of Heartland Payment Systems as we discuss reopening your business in a responsible manner.
Conversation Leader
Carlos Pernia
TED Fellows application open on July 1st. Have you ever wondered what it takes to be a TED Fellow? If you have ever thought “I think I can do that” but have no idea what you would say, or where to start. Join us as we speak to 2015 TED Fellow Dr. Danielle N. Lee.
Follow her and her science adventures on Twitter or Instagram at @DNLee5.
Conversation Leader
Danielle Lee
Energy shifter; author, breast cancer overcomer, inspirational speaker, patient advocate and thought provoker Denise Sneed-Williams, joins the Coffee House to help us welcome change. Denise is mindful about assisting others focus on the necessary inner work to become the best version of themselves.
Conversation Leader
Denise Sneed-Williams
You work hard for your money, so shouldn’t your money do the same for you? Rewatch this amazing conversation with Marvin Mitchell l of Compass Retirement Solutions. Learn how to put your money to work and secure your financial future. .
Conversation Leader
Marvin Mitchell
What’s your dream retirement plan? Will you be ready? Do you have Questions about Social Security? It’s never too early to prepare for your future. Join the Coffee House Monday June 22nd with Veronica Coleman financial advisor at Edward Jones.
Conversation Leader
Veronica Coleman
Serial Entrepreneur and all around good-guy Steve Epner discusses entrepreneurship and innovation. Having failed retirement four times, Steve has dedicated his life to helping entrepreneurs succeeded.
Conversation Leader
Steve Epner
Hazel Beck joins the Coffee House on June 12th to discuss out reach to Native Indian Veteran Entrepreneurs. The Office of Native American Affairs mission is to ensure that American Indians, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians seeking to create, develop and expand small businesses have full access to the necessary business development and expansion tools available through the Agency’s entrepreneurial development, lending and procurement programs.
Conversation Leader
Hezel Beck
Have you ever thought about starting your own business? Join us Monday with Lynn Lowder as we discuss what it means to be an entrepreneur.
Conversation Leader
Lynn Lowder
Are you eager to make a difference in your community? Join us live on June 5th, with Victor Ponce a Real Estate Agent with Ponce Realty Group powered by REMAX Gold. We will be discussing how veterans in real estate are building better communities.
Conversation Leader
Victor Ponce
The process of getting a loan can be daunting, you don’t have to do it by yourself. Elizabeth Yearwood, Economic Development Specialist/Public Information Officer of the U.S. Small Business Administration Nebraska District Office, joins the coffee house to discuss the process of getting an SBA loan.
Conversation Leader
Elizabeth Yearwood
So, What is a VBOC? Learn how these three business professionals are helping Veteran Business Owners nation wide. Hazel Beck, Director of the Socal VBOC; Amy Amoroso, Director VBOC Region II NY/NJ/PR/USVI and Janice Benggio, Business Consultant VBOC Gulf Coast State College join Darcella Craven to chat all things veterans small business.
Conversation Leaders
Hazel Beck
Amy Amoroso
Janice Benggio
Owning a Small Business can be challenging in the best of times. Join Darcella Craven and Rich Messina franchise owner of Play It Again Sports as they discuss small business ownership through this challenging time.
Conversation Leader
Rich Messina
Join Darcella Craven, Zundra Bryant and Gail Taylor as they discuss Intrapreneurship and the utilization of the entrepreneurial mindset in the corporate world
Conversation Leaders
Zundra Bryant
Gail Taylor
Marti Wieland of the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for the Metro East at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) talks about taking action to improve business in a time of crisis.
Conversation Leader
Marti Wieland
Conversation Leader Jordan Lindsey owner of Sunrise Financial Group discusses owner compensation, retirement Plans, and contracts between partners.
Conversation Leader
Jordan Lindsey
Laura Kozak of 3rd Culture Consulting talks about communication and business strategies for both the for profit and nonprofit companies.
Conversation Leader
Laura Kozak
Join Conversation Leader Chris Coleman, of FranNet consulting talks about the benefits or franchising. Tune in to learn if franchising is the right option for you!
Conversation Leader
Chris Coleman
Did you miss Christy Maxfield of Purpose First Advisors? Don’t worry you can rewatch the conversation.
Conversation Leader
Christy Maxfield
Join the conversation with Tony Bryan as we discuss creating opportunity out of crisis CyberUp, a nationally recognized organization.
Conversation Leader
Tony Bryan
Rewatch the conversation with Curtis Bailey of Huffman Law Offices. Learn the importance of estate planning for your small business.
Conversation Leader
Curtis Bailey
Award-winning business coach, professional speaker, and #1 bestselling author, Joshua Frank gives tips on winning government contracts.
Conversation Leader
Joshua Frank
Will Katz of the Small Business Development Center out of KU breaks down the importance of planing for the future of your small business.
Conversation Leader
Will Katz
Rewatch the Coffee House with Conversation leader Jayson Thornton. Learn how the 2020 stimulus package affects your 2020 taxes.
Conversation Leader
Jayson Thornton
Join Conversation Leader Roderick Gilliam as we talk about creating a financial plan during this unique time.
Conversation Leader
Roderick Gilliam
Join us as we address closing the language gap in small business with Conversation leader Gabriela Ramírez-Arellano.
Conversation Leader
Gabriela Ramirez-Arellano
Join Conversation leader Kellie McCoy of the Candra Group as she talks about managing your small business through hard times.
Conversation Leader
Kellie McCoy
Are you new to the Work From Home lifestyle? Rewatch our conversation with Shera Dalin about making the transition to working from home.
Conversation Leader
Shera Dalin
Ready to Take Action?
Are you ready to grow your Veteran or Military Spouse owned business? Click the Request Consultation button below to register for assistance. Our team of small business advisors is dedicated to helping veterans and military family business owners build veteran businesses!