About this Event
You served. Now you're building. This is the one day in Tennessee designed for veteran founders at every stage, from "I have an idea" to "I have customers and need what's next."
The Tennessee Veteran Entrepreneur Summit brings together veteran founders, the people who've already done it, and the resources built specifically for you: funding, certification, mentorship, and the two programs co-hosting the day. You'll leave with real plans on paper, a room full of fellow veterans building alongside you, and a clear next step.
Who this is for
- Veterans, service members, and military spouses with a business idea
- Veteran-owned businesses looking to grow
- Ecosystem partners, employers, and supporters of veteran entrepreneurship (morning session)
The day
Morning: Everyone (8:00–11:00 AM)
- Breakfast and welcome
- Opening keynote: to be announced
- Veteran Founder Panel: Tennessee veterans who've built companies share what worked, what didn't, and what they'd do differently. Moderated by Paul Whitten, founder of Nashville Adventures.
- Networking with veteran-focused resource partners, including veteran-focused lenders, certification resources, and ecosystem partners.
Afternoon: Founders (11:30 AM–3:15 PM)
- Lunch
- Three hands-on workshops, built from what veteran founders tell us they need most. We’re collecting topic votes at registration and will announce the lineup in November. Early favorites: accessing capital, government contracting and veteran-owned certification, marketing and finding customers, and using AI in your business.
- Closing session: your 30-day plan, plus how to apply to the UTC Veterans Entrepreneurship Program and plug into the Nashville Entrepreneur Center
- Optional happy hour to follow for those sticking around in Nashville
Every workshop ends with something written you can use Monday. No lectures, no slideshows you'll never open again.
Tickets
- Free for all attendees. Breakfast and lunch included. Space is limited to 100 veteran founders for the afternoon workshops, so register early.
About the hosts
The Nashville Entrepreneur Center has helped thousands of founders launch and grow through accelerator programs, mentorship, and a 20,000-square-foot home base in downtown Nashville.
The UTC Veterans Entrepreneurship Program at the Gary W. Rollins College of Business is a free, nationally recognized program that has helped hundreds of veterans across the country start and grow businesses.
Event venue & nearby stays
Nashville Entrepreneur Center, 41 Peabody St, Nashville, United States
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