Business Plan Competition

For VETCON 2026, we are pleased to again host the VETCON Business Plan Competition, which will give three aspiring or recently-formed veteran business owners the opportunity to pitch their plans to a panel of judges. Following the presentations, the panel will award the following cash prizes at the closing luncheon:

• First place: $3,000
• Second place: $2,000
• Third place: $1,000

How to Apply

To enter, email bizplan@vetconny.com with the information below. The deadline for submissions is November 20, 2026.

  • Current business name or anticipated name if pre-startup
  • Name of owners and branches of service
  • Copies of discharge papers (DD Form 214)
  • An executive summary (in 12-point font, 15 pt. spacing and not in excess of four pages) addressing:
    • Elevator Pitch – product/service name and category, problem you are solving, proposed solution and why customers will pay you for the benefits
    • Team description
    • Industry/market/competitive analysis
    • Growth plan – why your team and business idea are uniquely qualified to capture the opportunity, and how
    • Financial plan – historical financials (if any), annual forecast for three years and expected use of funding prizes

Competition Rules

Rules are as follows: 

  • At least one presenting team member must be a veteran.
  • The veteran ownership in the business (or contemplated ownership, if pre-startup) must be real, substantial and continuing.
  • The veteran ownership must have independent authority to control the day-to-day business decisions.
  • Business is in pre-startup phase, or has been in operation for three years or less.
  • At least one presenting team member must be available to present at VETCON 2026.

Sponsor &
Exhibit Opportunities

Secure a booth for your company! Showcase your support of the Veteran community and VETCON 2026 with an opportunity to reach hundreds of attendees at this year’s conference.

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Attendee
Registration

VETCON 2026 promises to be the best one yet! With 2 days of unrivaled networking and educational opportunities, and deep representation from government agencies, you’re certain to walk away with clear opportunities for the future.

Coming Soon!

VETCON 2025 Recap

VETCON 2025 was a huge success! Thank you to all of the attendees, sponsors & agencies who joined us for two full days of learning, networking, and growth.

Take a look back at last year’s conference below:

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