Co-hosted by Home Base Iowa, America’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Iowa, and the Iowa State University Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship, the Iowa Veterans Entrepreneurship Conference offers workshops and resources for Veterans and their families who are considering starting a business, want to grow an existing business or simply hope to learn and connect. The conference helps participants acquire powerful new skills to achieve new levels of entrepreneurial success. Attendees go away with an all-new community of friends, supporters, and valuable connections. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your business to the next level, the Iowa Veterans Entrepreneurship Conference has something for you.

Connect with Fellow Veterans

This conference provides a supportive and collaborative environment where you can connect with other Veterans who are also pursuing or considering entrepreneurship. You’ll have the opportunity to share your experiences, learn from others, and build relationships to help you succeed.

Attend the Opening Reception the evening prior to the start of the conference to get a jump start on making connections while enjoying live music and yummy food and drinks!

Learn from Experts

Year after year, the Iowa Veterans Entrepreneurship Conference boasts an impressive lineup of speakers and presenters who share their knowledge and expertise on various topics, including business planning, marketing, finance, and more. You’ll leave the conference with practical insights and strategies to apply to your business.

Access to Resources

As a Veteran entrepreneur, you may have unique challenges and needs. We’ve partnered with organizations and resources that specifically support Veteran-owned businesses, and you’ll have the opportunity to connect with them at this conference.

Iowa Veterans Entrepreneurship Conference Pitch Competition

Are you looking for investors or customers? The conference provides a platform for you to pitch your business to a panel of experts and investors. You’ll receive valuable feedback and exposure to help you take your business to the next level.

Need tips for pitching your business? Attend the Pitch Workshop prior to the Opening Reception or check out these online resources.

Recognition and Celebration

We believe it’s important to celebrate the achievements of Veteran entrepreneurs. At the conference, we will recognize and celebrate the success stories of Veteran-owned businesses.

Join us at the Iowa Veterans Entrepreneurship Conference and be part of a supportive and collaborative community of Veteran entrepreneurs. Let’s work together to build successful businesses and make a positive impact in our communities.

Want to sponsor the Iowa Veterans Entrepreneurship Conference?

As a conference sponsor, your financial support will make it affordable for Veterans to attend, where they will connect with fellow Veterans and supporters in learning from industry experts and business professionals about navigating entrepreneurship from industry experts and business professionals. 

 Sponsoring the 2023 Iowa Veterans Entrepreneurship Conference is a highly visible, cost-effective way to reach a local, state, and regional audience of approximately 150 attendees, including Veterans, military personnel, and their families and business partners.