INVEST IN KNOWLEDGE. BUILD A LEGACY
At the Women Veteran Business & Market Expo, we believe success begins with knowledge and grows through opportunity. Our workshops provide practical, real-world business education, while our RISE Grant Program helps women veterans take the next step in launching or expanding their businesses.
Whether you're just beginning your entrepreneurial journey or looking to scale your business, you'll find valuable resources designed specifically for you.
EXPERT-LED BUSINESS WORKSHOPS
Our interactive workshops are designed to provide practical strategies, actionable insights, and real-world guidance that participants can immediately apply to their businesses.
WORKSHOP 1
LAUNCHING YOUR BUSINESS: FROM SERVICE TO STARTUP SUCCESS
This fast-paced power session gives women veterans the essential steps to launch a business with confidence and clarity. In just 30–45 minutes, participants will learn how to turn their military strengths into a focused business idea, choose the right business structure, understand the must-know legal and operational basics, and outline a simple launch plan they can start using immediately.
Designed for women who are ready to move from “thinking about it” to taking action, this workshop delivers practical guidance, real-world examples, and a clear roadmap — without overwhelm or fluff.
Women will walk away knowing:
-
The first steps to officially start a business
-
How to structure and organize their business
-
How to turn their idea into a real, workable plan
-
What to do this month to get launched
WORKSHOP 2
BRANDING & VISIBILITY: TELLING YOUR STORY WITH PURPOSE
A strong brand is more than colors and a logo — it’s the story that makes customers connect, trust, and buy. This fast-paced workshop helps women veteran entrepreneurs clarify who they are, what they offer, and why their business matters.
Participants will learn how to craft a compelling brand story, define their visual identity, and communicate their value with confidence. The session also covers simple, effective visibility strategies — including social media, content ideas, and how to stand out in crowded markets.
Perfect for vendors and early-stage entrepreneurs who want to elevate their presence and attract more customers with authenticity and purpose.
Women will walk away knowing:
-
How to define their brand identity
-
How to tell their business story clearly
-
How to create simple, consistent visuals
-
How to increase visibility online and in person
WORKSHOP 3
FUNDING & FINANCING: HOW TO FIND, APPLY FOR & WIN OPPORTUNITIES
This high-energy session gives women veteran entrepreneurs the essential tools to pursue real funding and financing opportunities with confidence. Participants will learn where to find grants for women veterans, women-owned businesses, and small businesses — plus how to prepare a strong application that stands out.
The workshop also introduces practical financing options such as micro-loans, small business loans, and business credit basics, helping women understand which funding path fits their stage of growth.
Designed for entrepreneurs who want clarity without overwhelm, this session delivers actionable steps to become “funding ready” and competitive in the application process.
Women will walk away knowing:
-
Where to find real grants
-
How to prepare a strong application
-
What reviewers look for
-
Common mistakes to avoid
-
What financing options exist beyond grants
-
How to position their business for funding success
WORKSHOP 4
BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS: WELLNESS, BOUNDARIES & SYSTEMS FOR LONG TERM SUCCESS
A sustainable business starts with a sustainable leader. This workshop equips women veteran entrepreneurs with the tools to protect their well-being while building strong, stable businesses or nonprofits. Participants will learn how to manage stress, prevent burnout, and set boundaries that support their goals. They will also explore the core elements of business sustainability — including systems, structure, clarity of mission, and routines that make growth manageable.
This session empowers women to build businesses that last, without losing themselves in the process. It blends personal wellness with practical business strategy to help women veterans create long-term success that feels healthy, balanced, and achievable.
RISE BUSINESS GRANTS
The RISE Grant Program supports women veterans at every stage of entrepreneurship by providing financial assistance to launch, strengthen, and grow businesses that create lasting community impact.
RISE STARTER GRANT
$500
To support women veterans who are launching a new business or are in the early idea stage. This grant provides seed funding for foundational startup needs such as:
-
Business registration (LLC, EIN, permits)
-
First inventory or supplies
-
Marketing materials
-
Website or branding
-
Training, certification, or licensing fees
ELIGIBILITY
-
Woman Veteran
-
Startup or business less than 12 months old
-
Chicagoland resident or surrounding area
-
Must be registered at Expo to apply
QUALIFICATIONS:
-
Clear business idea or concept, Demonstrated need for startup support
-
Ability to describe how the funds will be used
-
Commitment to launching within 6–12 months
-
Willingness to participate in follow-up check-ins
RISE ADVANCEMENT GRANT
$1,000
To support women veterans who already have an established business and are ready to grow, expand, or stabilize. This grant helps with:
-
Equipment upgrades, Marketing, and branding expansion
-
Hiring or contractor support
-
Technology improvements
-
Product development
-
Certifications or licensing for scaling
ELIGIBILITY
-
Woman Veteran
-
Business operating 12+ months
-
Registered business
-
Must be registered at Expo to apply
-
Chicagoland resident
QUALIFICATIONS:
-
Demonstrated business stability
-
Clear plan for growth or expansion
-
Ability to show how funds will increase impact or revenue
-
Commitment to reporting outcomes
-
Willingness to participate in mentorship or peer support