This week, from November 7th to 9th, 2023, Operation Entrepreneur once again brought together military-connected entrepreneurs for an exclusive event that connects service and business.
Hosted by Business Impact NW and the Veteran Business Outreach Center (VBOC), this year’s Operation Entrepreneur had a central theme: “Community Service Through Business.” This theme emphasized that the event aimed not only to help businesses succeed but also to ensure that their success serves the greater good.
Equipping Military-Connected Entrepreneurs With Tools For Success
Knowledge is a key to success, and this year Operation Entrepreneur offered a series of webinars led by seasoned experts. Attendees gained insights into the following topics: Pricing Strategies, Franchise Business, and Building Small Business Credit.
“Through my seminars I try to support the military community. I was not able to serve due to a medical deferment although I was #29 in the first draft lottery and applied for early induction. My dad was a WW 2 CB who served in the Pacific theater. My grandfather, cousins and nephews served until retirement. I am deeply grateful for the freedoms we enjoy every day resulting from the commitment and sacrifice of those who served. ” – Jeff Levy, Guest Speaker.
What sets Operation Entrepreneur apart is the caliber of experts who share their experiences and knowledge.
“More than serving as examples of mission accomplishment and resilience, the role of the military-connected entrepreneur is crucial to our small business ecosystem for their boots-on-the-ground level of civic engagement. In addition to economic contributions and job creation, they support and spearhead local initiatives essential to community vitality.” – Shawn Palmer, Guest Speaker.
These webinars will be available on demand soon. Subscribe to our newsletter to be informed!
Uniting For Greater Impact
Operation Entrepreneur took networking to the next level by hosting in-person events. These sessions provided an opportunity for military-connected entrepreneurs to connect with like-minded individuals, on a personal and professional levels.
On November 7th, entrepreneurs, representatives from the Small Business Administration (SBA), and resource partners gathered together for the in-person networking event that was held in Anchorage, Alaska, at the BP Energy Center. The atmosphere was lively, engaging, and full of interest with many business owners and Boots to Business graduates expressing their gratitude for the opportunity to make face to face connections with like-minded entrepreneurs on a similar journey.
“I was happy to see a few of my former Boots to Business (B2B) students show up for the event and share that they were glad that they took the B2B class! They are starting and running their own businesses now, and I am grateful I had the opportunity to answer some questions pertaining to their businesses, and refer them to the experts in the room, like Theo Ransum (Senior Loan Officer at Business Impact NW).” – Cat Mason, AK VBOC Senior Business Advisor.
Attendees were eager to get to the heart of the event: the opportunity to share and brainstorm amongst their peers on how they’ve tackled setbacks, and how they can help one another reach their small business goals. Participants left with business cards, ideas, and plans for future meetups.
“Business Impact NW provided a location where key players and resource partners can connect with and support [military-connected] entrepreneurs. So many times we hear, “I want to start a business, I just didn’t know how”. This event was a great way to help provide those important connections.” – Traci Willett, AK VBOC Director.
On November 9th, a similar event brought small business owners and supporters together in Tacoma, WA, at the Goodwill Milgard Work Opportunity Center. Small business owners, resource partners and guests mingled, shared stories, and built relationships that extended beyond the event itself.
Forging Partnerships & Uplifting Communities
As we look back on Operation Entrepreneur 2023, we celebrate the connections made, the knowledge shared, and the commitment to service and entrepreneurship. Thank you to all the attendees, speakers, and supporters who contributed to Operation Entrepreneur 2023.
Stay tuned for more updates and future events!
About the author
(ka-ro-lee-na goos-mahn)
Carolina is the Vice President of External Affairs at Business Impact NW, where she oversees marketing, communications, and development efforts, promoting the organization’s brand, reputation, and core mission. Fluent in English and Spanish, she leads a team focused on creating strategic marketing campaigns, establishing partnerships, and securing support for small business communities across the Pacific Northwest. Carolina holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a Master of Finance, and she brings over two decades of experience in marketing, finance, and strategic planning across various industries.