Transition Skills Training, an Austin-based nonprofit, will host VetBizWeek 2026, a three-day virtual small business conference from November 10-12, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, offering no-cost training and resources to veterans, active-duty service members, military families, and first responders nationwide. The event aims to equip aspiring and existing business owners with practical tools and expert guidance to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship.
The conference comes at a critical time as military-connected entrepreneurs face unique hurdles in starting and sustaining businesses. According to CJ Niehoff, Executive Director of Transition Skills Training, "Starting a business is often the easy part. It's navigating everything that comes afterward that can be really challenging." VetBizWeek addresses this by providing more than just information—it offers practical tools, experienced mentors, and a network of peers who understand the day-to-day realities of business ownership.
Sessions will cover essential topics including starting or rebuilding a business, exploring funding options, artificial intelligence for beginners and advanced users, marketing, customer development, brand building, government procurement, business planning, and financial management. The event features experienced military-connected business owners and subject matter experts, such as Maria Duron of Grow With Google, Marc Boudria of Better Engineer, Vicky Valdez of LoneStar Foundation, procurement specialist Kayla S. Bey, and Joana Linares of Enumerista. Air Force veteran and entrepreneur Mike Johnson will share his journey of resilience and reinvention after military service.
What sets VetBizWeek apart is its emphasis on application and networking. Each training topic includes a practical toolkit with templates, guides, and software resources. Daily morning briefings feature success stories, and afternoon Office Hours allow participants to connect with coaches for personalized guidance. The interactive virtual environment encourages networking through profiles, a virtual lobby, and private meeting rooms, enabling attendees to build lasting connections. "One of the most powerful parts of our classes is the networking that happens between participants," Niehoff added. "People come for training, but they also find encouragement, new perspectives, potential collaborators, and people who can help them solve problems down the road."
The conference is accessible from anywhere, including rural communities where in-person training may be limited. A special Veterans Day presentation on November 11 will introduce the Legacy Project, a new online initiative preserving the stories of World War II veterans, presented by Alex Freeman, a past participant in Transition Skills Training's program.
Registration provides an All-Access Pass to the entire conference, allowing participants to attend sessions most relevant to their needs. The program is supported by a grant from the Texas Veterans Commission Fund for Veterans' Assistance. For more information and to register, visit https://vetbizweek.com. Details about the Fund for Veterans' Assistance are available at www.tvc.texas.gov, and more about Transition Skills Training can be found at https://transitionskillstraining.org.
