Veteran EDGE

Engage. Develop. Grow. Elevate.

Section Headline

Veteran EDGE

This unique event is dedicated solely to veteran and military spouse business owners and the ecosystem that supports them. Over the course of four days, stakeholders, IVMF program graduates, and veteran and military spouse business owners from around the country gather to network, and learn about the latest opportunities, best practices, and resources available to their growing companies.

D’Aniello Family Foundation Acceleration Challenge

Acceleration Challenge group photo.Participants (ten total) will be nominated to participate in a series of activities and workshops to assess the barriers confronting their business and best prepare them to leverage the resources of the conference. They will be eligible to apply for up to $10,000 in grant funding for their company.

Don’t miss when the application opens! Sign up below to get notified when it opens.

Name(Required)
Email(Required)
Have you previously attended the Veteran EDGE Conference or another IVMF Entrepreneurship program?(Required)
How did you hear about Veteran EDGE?(Required)

Acknowledge(Required)

 Past Keynote Speakers

Making The Connection

Section Headline

This year provided opportunities to connect with representatives from Fortune 500 companies, multimillion-dollar businesses, nonprofit organizations, entrepreneurship experts and providing opportunities to connect with those in your industry

One-on-One Meetings with Experts

One-on-One Meetings with Experts

Individual consultation and office hours are available with many subject matter experts throughout the event. These exclusive learning opportunities help business owners to maximize their growth potential by pinpointing challenges and finding solutions.

one-on-on coaching sessions at veteran EDGE.

Business Showcase and Resource Expo

Business Showcase and Resource Expo

Product-based business and military community resource and service providers are able to showcase their business offerings to attendees at a dedicated event. With the opportunity to sell products and services on-site, the value add for participating businesses is top-notch!

veteran edge small business showcase expo

Networking Receptions

Networking Receptions

In addition to casual conversations, attendees can mix and mingle with industry leaders, subject matter experts, and fellow veteran and military spouse business owners throughout the conference with multiple networking-focused opportunities. Many successful business partnerships have started as a result of networking receptions at Veteran EDGE!

Two veteran edge participants smiling for photo

Industry Night

Industry Night

Attendees can engage with and learn from fellow business owners within your industry during Industry Night. At Veteran EDGE, other participants are not competitors but instead are resources and battle buddies for one another as we all seek business growth and success opportunities.

Group of people networking at Veteran EDGE conference.

Vet100

Vet100

Headline

The Institute for Veterans and Military Families is working with Inc. 5000 to celebrate the third annual Vet100 Awards Ceremony and dinner powered by Fiserv. This event will honor the 100 fastest-growing veteran-owned businesses in the nation and recognize the hard work and commitment they have put into their entrepreneurial dreams. Learn more about Vet100.

 

Vet Source logo

VetSource

Headline

Integrated into the Veteran EDGE Conference, this procurement-focused initiative seeks to connect veteran- and military spouse-owned businesses with Fortune 500 companies and executives to help them gain valuable resources, information, and best practices related to procurement opportunities. Learn more about VetSource.

FAQ

Section Headline

  • What is the Veteran EDGE Conference?

    The Veteran EDGE Conference is a 3+ day training event that connects veteran and military spouse business owners with breakout sessions, business experts, keynote speakers, and networking opportunities. They will be able to manage the growth of their businesses by finding mentors, connecting with networks, and accessing resources. 

  • Who is eligible to attend?

    This conference is designed to accommodate actively scaling businesses. Participants must be a veteran, active duty service member, National Guard, Reserve, or military spouse business owner who have been operating their business for at least one year as of January 1, 2023. Participants must be able to provide proof of their service or their spouse’s service, along with proof of business ownership.  

  • How can I register to attend the next Veteran EDGE Conference?

    • Applications will open soon! Submit your information at the top of this page to be notified when applications open.
    • A committee will review the company’s eligibility and then a link will be sent to register for those who were accepted to attend the training program 

  • Where is the Veteran EDGE Conference?

    Hyatt Regency Dallas in Dallas, TX.

  • When is the 2023 conference?

    March 22-25, 2023

  • What to expect?
    • We are expecting 250 veteran and military connected business owners to attend in addition to 200 resource partners, stakeholders, and corporations. Prepare to network, build relationships with corporate decision-makers, learn from several subject matter experts across multiple learning sessions, and be inspired by our keynote speakers!

     

     

  • Are there exhibitor opportunities?
    • Business Showcase and Resource Expo will be held on Friday, March 24, 2023. Space will be available on a first-come, first-served basis and a $75 fee will be required to reserve a booth. (Government agencies are exempt) 
      • Business Showcase: Veteran or military-connected business owners are invited to showcase their product(s) and provide items to sell on-site, in additional to promotional materials to distribute to conference attendees. This is an opportunity to show off the amazing value of your business! 
      • Resource Expo: Providers of veteran and/or military-connected services/resources are invited to reserve a booth as part of the Resource Expo. 
    • Information on how to register for the Business Showcase and Resource Expo will be available soon.  

  • What is the out-of-pocket cost to attend this Conference?
    • The registration fee is $250 and will cover:
      • Conference pass for all conference-related events over four days
      • A ticket to Vet100 Award Dinner on Saturday, March 25
      • All meals during the conference
      • Lodging for four (4) nights checking in on Wednesday, March 22, and checking out on Sunday, March 26
    • The participant will be responsible for:
      • All travel and transportation expenses
      • Hotel accommodations outside of what the IVMF offers for the nights of March 22-25
      • Any incidentals and additional expenses outside of those listed above
      • $75 fee to reserve a booth for the Business Showcase and Resource Expo (if showcasing a product or service)
Otis

“I love the Veteran EDGE Conference because it’s a great time to catch up with familiar faces, network, and resharpen your skills. You go back home to your business refreshed and ready to conquer the world.”

Otis Thomas

Noah’s Ark Child Care Academy