Business Plan Competition

For VETCON 2024, 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 22, 2024.
  • 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 2024.

Sponsor &
Exhibit Opportunities

Secure a booth for your company! Showcase your support of the Veteran community and VETCON 2024 with an opportunity to reach hundreds of attendees at this year’s conference.

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Attendee
Registration

VETCON 2024 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.

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VETCON 2023 Recap

VETCON 2023 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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VETCON is the premier annual conference dedicated to the education and professional growth of veterans through networking with entrepreneurs, state agencies, and industry leaders.

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