Operation Entrepreneur 2025: Insights from the VBOC Directors

Held November 4–6, Operation Entrepreneur 2025 brought together military-connected entrepreneurs for a week of learning. Sessions covered topics like certification, financial readiness, and franchising, with an additional Boots to Business class at Ft. Richardson for those taking their first steps toward business ownership.

I caught up with Traci Willett, Program Director of the Alaska VBOC, and Jasmin Garcia, Program Director of the Northwest VBOC, both of whom helped lead this year’s event. They shared what stands out most, and how this annual program continues to deliver the goods and resources to budding and existing military-connected entrepreneurs.

What inspired this year’s theme, “American Made, Veteran Led: From Local Production to Global Markets”?

Traci Willett (Alaska VBOC):
The U.S. “Made in America” initiative prioritizes reshoring production and bolstering domestic supply chains. Veterans own 5.5% of small businesses, positioning veteran manufacturers as ideal candidates through their proven leadership, dependability, and alignment with national goals. Utilizing, Veteran-owned business programs and SBA manufacturing resources provide access to capital, training, and government contracts, while the “Veteran-Owned” + “Made in America” label enhances credibility and unlocks opportunities in critical sectors such as defense, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing.

What stands out most about the entrepreneurs who participate each year?

Traci Willett:
From those sketching business plans on napkins to seasoned owners scaling their operations, these Veteran entrepreneurs show up eager to learn, connect, and grow. Whether attending our online webinars or the in-person networking events we’ve hosted alongside the SBA in past years, Veterans bring a desire for authentic peer connection. Through this shared perspective, they bond over common experiences such as tackling supply chain challenges, managing payroll hurdles, and celebrating milestones like opening new locations or successfully navigating the SBA loan process.

How does Operation Entrepreneur support businesses at different stages?

Traci Willett:
Operation Entrepreneur is designed to support Veterans at every stage of their entrepreneurial journey. Our daily webinars cover a wide range of topics. Anything from becoming financially prepared when applying for a loan to developing effective pricing strategies. During these lunchtime sessions, Veteran entrepreneurs also have the opportunity to engage in open conversations with fellow Veteran business owners, asking candid questions about both the challenges and successes they’ve encountered along the way.

In addition to the virtual sessions, our in-person networking events bring together entrepreneurs at all stages, from those still refining their ideas to those running established businesses. These gatherings provide valuable face-to-face opportunities to share experiences, exchange advice, and build meaningful connections within the Veteran entrepreneur community.

What makes this program unique compared to other business trainings offered through Business Impact NW?

While Business Impact NW offers a wide variety of trainings and workshops throughout the year, Operation Entrepreneur stands out. It’s the one week dedicated specifically to celebrating and supporting Veterans.  This event is a powerful demonstration of Business Impact NW’s ongoing commitment to those who have served by setting aside time to focus entirely on helping Veteran entrepreneurs succeed. It’s our way of showing gratitude and saying thank you.

Do you have a memorable client story?

Traci Willett:
I have the privilege of working with military-connected businesses every day, and it’s always inspiring to witness their dedication, resilience, and drive. Many of us support Veteran-owned businesses regularly, often times without even realizing it. One of the Veteran entrepreneurs I work closely with operates in the cybersecurity industry. A field that is both highly technical and critically important in today’s business landscape.

Her company secures contracts at both the local and global levels. It’s her personal mission to give back to the entrepreneurial community. She regularly hosts her own seminars and workshops, educating fellow business owners on the importance of cybersecurity. She emphasizes that every business, no matter how large or small, is vulnerable to digital threats. Her dedication is a powerful reminder that every entrepreneur has a responsibility to protect what they’ve built from cyber risks.

Jasmin Garcia (Northwest VBOC):
One that comes to mind is Ted Taylor, a Veteran who came to us with just an idea for a non-emergency medical transportation business. Through VBOC coaching, business-planning support, and connections to startup capital, he launched within a year. He’s now approaching his second year, preparing to add a second handicap-accessible vehicle, and expanding his impact in the community. His story shows how determination—paired with the right support—can turn a concept into a growing, mission-driven business.

What feedback do you hear most often from participants?

Traci Willett:
We consistently hear from Veterans that they appreciate the lunchtime webinars because the format fits seamlessly into their busy schedules. These sessions allow them to participate and learn without disrupting their workday or taking too much time away from their business operations. The convenience and accessibility make these webinars a practical and valued resource for our Veteran entrepreneurs.

Each year, we also receive numerous requests for an in-person follow-up event to reconnect with fellow entrepreneurs and the SBA. The sense of camaraderie and mutual support that develops through this event is one of the most valued aspects of the program. This is especially true in Alaska, where the Veteran business community is strong yet geographically spread out. This makes opportunities for face-to-face connections all the more meaningful and impactful.

The Takeaway

Even with a smaller group this year, the impact was tangible. Each webinar and conversation, whether about funding, planning, or growth, gave participants a next step to take. Operation Entrepreneur continues to serve as a place where experience meets opportunity, and where Veteran entrepreneurs find both community and support.

Recordings of some sessions are available online. Or connect with a coach for additional support.