Small business owners are the backbone of our economy, and veteran-owned businesses are no exception. In fact, veterans are twice as likely to start a business than non-veterans. That's why Action Zone Tampa, a non-profit organization that supports veteran entrepreneurs, is hosting events throughout the week to raise awareness about the importance of investing in veteran-owned businesses.

On March 1st, Action Zone Tampa will be at the Entrepreneur Collaborative Center (ECC) for the 1 Million Cups event, where two veteran-owned businesses will present their ideas. The next day, on March 2nd, at HCC Dale Mabry's inLab, the organization will host a panel featuring different Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) in Tampa Bay, such as Veterans Relief Fund and Tampa Bay VetNet. The panelists will discuss how their respective organizations are helping the Veteran community.

On March 3rd, at the Action Zone Tampa location in ECC, attendees can learn about suicide prevention resources from Tony Williams of Veterans Serving Veterans and Dr. Carlos Garcia of Tampa Counseling & Wellness. The panel will also discuss the resources available to help veterans start or grow their own businesses, featuring Action Zone Tampa representatives, Bunker Labs, InLab, and the ECC.

Throughout the week, Action Zone Tampa will continue to celebrate and support veteran entrepreneurs. On March 6th, they will host a Military spouse Networking event, and on March 7th, they will wrap up the week with a celebration at Lee's Grocery, featuring a no-host social event.

Investing in veteran-owned businesses is essential for a multitude of reasons. By investing in these businesses, we can help create jobs for fellow veterans and reduce veteran unemployment rates. Veteran-owned businesses also bring valuable skills to the table, such as leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving. And, as studies have shown, they are often more successful than non-veteran businesses.

In conclusion, National Invest In Veterans Week is an opportunity for us to recognize and support veteran-owned businesses. By doing so, we can create more job opportunities for veterans and contribute to a stronger economy. Join Action Zone Tampa in celebrating National Invest In Veterans Week® and supporting our veteran entrepreneurs.

Bonus Tip: How to Maximize Your Attendance at National Invest In Veterans Week® Events

Attending events during National Invest In Veterans Week® is a great way to network, learn about available resources, and connect with other veterans in the community. To make the most of your attendance, consider these tips:

1. Set goals: Before attending an event, set clear goals for what you want to achieve. This could be to meet a certain number of people, learn about a specific program or resource, or find a mentor. Having goals in mind will help you focus your time and energy.

2. Bring business cards: Make sure to bring plenty of business cards to hand out to other attendees. This is a great way to exchange contact information and stay in touch after the event.

3. Dress professionally: Even if the event is casual, it's important to make a good impression by dressing professionally. This will show that you take your business and networking seriously.

4. Follow up: After the event, make sure to follow up with any new contacts you made. This could be through email, phone, or LinkedIn. Be sure to thank them for their time and reiterate any goals or opportunities discussed.

By following these tips, you can make the most out of your attendance at National Invest In Veterans Week® events and further your personal and professional goals.