A Veteran-Owned Business Marketplace & Networking Event

BY VETERANS. FOR VETERANS. BUILT AROUND CONNECTION.

There are plenty of places to shop small businesses. There are also plenty of networking events.

The Vet Collective brings those two experiences together with one purpose: creating a space where veteran-owned businesses can be seen, supported, and connected.

Hosted by a veteran-owned business, The Vet Collective is a Richmond gathering for veteran entrepreneurs, military-connected business owners, veterans, active-duty service members, military spouses, and the community that wants to support them.

Research into successful veteran-business events shows that the strongest experiences go beyond simply putting businesses in the same room. They create intentional opportunities for relationship-building, collaboration, and meaningful follow-up. 

That is the idea behind The Vet Collective.

SHOP THE MISSION

Meet the people behind veteran-owned businesses and discover the products, services, stories, and ideas they have built.

From small businesses and makers to professional services and entrepreneurs, this is an opportunity to put a face to the business and make a real connection.

Come ready to discover someone new to support.

NETWORK WITH YOUR PEOPLE

Whether you’re already running a business or thinking about your next mission after military service, this is a place to meet people who understand the veteran and military-connected experience.

Talk business.
Exchange ideas.
Share resources.
Find potential collaborators.
Make introductions.
Build relationships.

The goal isn’t to collect the most business cards.

It’s to leave knowing who you want to talk to again.

Intentional networking and meaningful conversations are increasingly emphasized by major veteran-business organizations because the value of an event often comes from what happens after the introduction. 

SUPPORT VETERAN-OWNED

Every purchase is an opportunity to support a business built by someone who served.

Every conversation can lead to a new connection.

Every introduction can open another door.

And every veteran entrepreneur deserves a place where their business can be recognized for more than the word “veteran” on a label.

Come meet the entrepreneur. Hear the story. Discover the business.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

Veteran-Owned Businesses
Showcase your business, meet other entrepreneurs, and connect with potential customers and collaborators.

Veterans & Military-Connected Entrepreneurs
Meet other people building businesses and expand your network.

Active-Duty Service Members & Military Spouses
Discover veteran-owned businesses and connect with the community.

Veterans
Shop, network, reconnect, and support businesses created by fellow veterans.

Community Supporters
Discover local veteran-owned businesses and put your dollars behind entrepreneurs who served.

Virginia already offers veteran entrepreneurs resources for starting, growing, mentoring, and networking, including Richmond-area entrepreneurship programs. The Vet Collective adds a different piece: bringing the business community together in a public marketplace where the wider community can actually meet and support these businesses. 

THIS IS MORE THAN A MARKET.

It’s a place to NETWORK.

A place to SUPPORT.

A place to CELEBRATE.

A place to BUILD SOMETHING TOGETHER.

SAVE THE DATE

FREE TO ATTEND

VETERANS FOR VETERANS.

Come support the businesses.
Come meet the people behind them.
Come be part of The Vet Collective.