Small Business Conference and Networking Conference
Just Added

Small Business Conference and Networking Conference

U.S. Small Business Administration and American Legion Networking conference on August 25, 2025 from 8:30am to 5pm.

Date and time

Location

Tampa Marriott Water Street

505 Water Street Tampa, FL 33602

Agenda

8:30 AM - 9:00 AM

Registration & Coffee Networking

9:00 AM - 9:15 AM

Opening Remarks


Elias Hernandez, Associate Administrator, SBA Office of Veterans Business Development, Florida State Senator Jay Collins, Matthew Jabaut, Chairman, The American Legion National Veterans Employment & ...

9:15 AM - 9:45 AM

Veterans In Manufacturing, Exporting & the Industrial Base (Moderated by SBA)


Lisa Shimkat, Associate Administrator, or David Bolls, Deputy Associate Administrator, SBA Manufacturing & Trade Chip Bishop, Deputy Chief Counsel, or Will Purcell, Assistant Advocate SBA Office of A...

9:45 AM - 10:30 AM

Procurement & VETS First Policy (Moderated by SBA)


Larry Stubblefield, Deputy Associate Administrator, or Dr. Demerick (Tre) Pennie, Associate Administrator, SBA Government Contracting Barbara Ashe, National Director, Veteran Institute for Procuremen...

10:30 AM - 10:45 AM

Networking Break

10:45 AM - 11:30 AM

Veteran Transition Support-Support & Capital Access for Veteran Entrepreneurs


Dianna Seaborn, Deputy Associate Administrator, SBA Office of Capital Access OR Ginger Allen, Chief, 7(a) Loan Origination Division, SBA Barbara E. Carson, Managing Director, Programs and Services –...

11:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Entrepreneur Spotlights (Moderated by FAVOB or Florida Commerce)


Highlighting Florida-based veteran-owned business leaders and Legionnaires

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Networking Lunch


Keynote: The Honorable Patrick J. Murphy

1:30 PM - 4:15 PM

Afternoon Breakout Roundtables


Track A: Federal Policy & Advocacy Led by The American Legion Task Force VETS First Expansion Manufacturing & Onshoring Capital Access & Federal Tools Fixing the NMR Waiver Subcontracting & Teaming ...

4:30 PM - 5:00 PM

Closing Session: Veteran Entrepreneurship as a National Growth Strategy


Elias Hernandez, Associate Administrator, SBA OVBD Final remarks from American Legion Task Force leadership

About this event

  • Event lasts 8 hours 30 minutes

During the conference, you will learn proven strategies for veteran entrpreneur success, including branding, mentorship, policy, procurement - all led by industry experts and veteran business leaders.

Small Business Administration's (SBA) participation in this cosponsored activity is not an edorsement of the views, opinions, products or services of any cosponsor or other person or entity. All SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminitory basis. Reasonable arangements for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance.

Frequently asked questions

What can I expect at this event?

*Find out how veterans are driving innovation support to launch and grow a successful business. *Learn how to access funding and transition support to launch and grow a business. *Discover how to advocate for your business and access government contracting opportunities.

What should I wear?

Business professional dress is recommended. You will be meeting business leaders, industry experts, and other veteran business leaders.

Organized by

Free
Aug 25 · 8:30 AM EDT