Veterans Florida and 26 West Center Empower Veteran Entrepreneurs with New Program

Veterans Learn from Successful Entrepreneurs at 26 West Center Event

BRADENTON, FL – November 14, 2024- Veterans gathered at the 26 West Center at State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF), on Thursday to attend an inspiring panel discussion featuring successful veteran entrepreneurs. The event, hosted in partnership with Veterans Florida, highlighted the opportunities and challenges veterans face when transitioning to business ownership. It marked the launch of a new entrepreneurship program exclusively for veterans and their spouses.

Moderated by Rob Burke, the Business Services Manager with Manatee County and an Army veteran, the panel featured a distinguished group of veteran business leaders who shared their journeys and insights. Panelists included April and Aaron Caldwell, co-founders of fayVen and Air Force veterans, who discussed their experience in creating an innovative marketplace solution. Carlos De Quesada, a Marine Corps veteran and founder of VeraCruz Advisory, provided guidance on scaling a business in financial services. Robert Ritch, CEO of Ritch Ventures and who served in the Navy, shared his expertise in building and investing in startups. Army veteran John Bucy, Chief Growth Officer and Vice President of Sales at NorthHill Technology Resources, emphasized how his military background shaped his approach to driving business growth.

The discussion focused on the unique strengths veterans bring to entrepreneurship, such as discipline, leadership, and problem-solving skills, as well as practical strategies for turning ideas into successful businesses.

The event also introduced a new entrepreneurship program to support veterans and their spouses in launching and scaling their businesses. This comprehensive program, created by Veterans Florida in partnership with the 26 West Center, offers workshops, one-on-one mentorship, and access to a network of resources tailored to veterans’ needs.

This initiative reflects the commitment of Veterans Florida and 26 West Center to foster economic independence and innovation among veterans and their families. Attendees were encouraged to take advantage of the program’s resources and join a growing community of veteran entrepreneurs.

Applications for the program are now open. Veterans and their spouses can learn more and apply by visiting