12 Annual Veteran and Small Business Trade Show

(Photo: swvbrc.org)

The Southwest Veterans’ Business Resource Center is gearing up for its 12th Annual Veteran and Small Business Trade Show, set to take place on September 25, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This event offers opportunities for Veteran and small business owners to network, trade ideas, and connect with experienced buyers and suppliers.

The trade show, hosted by OPPS 4 VETS, will be held at the Moreno Valley Conference & Recreation Center, located at 14075 Frederick St, Moreno Valley, CA.

The event will bridge the gap between entrepreneurs and private, state, county, and federal government organizations. Attendees will have the chance to network with representatives from these organizations, gaining insights into how to conduct business and pursue contract opportunities across various sectors.

The event’s agenda is packed with informative sessions and activities, including an opening ceremony featuring a National Anthem performance and MCJROTC Color Guard at 9 a.m., followed by a performance by the 1st Marine Division Band and Duet at 12 p.m.

The event’s agenda includes two panel discussions. The first panel, “Learning the Ropes: Navigating the Business Landscape,” will be moderated by Darre Steele of SoCal VBOC, featuring CEOs from various companies. The keynote speaker for this panel is Bjorn Nilsen, Small Business Manager at Dragados-Flatiron Joint Venture, who is a strong advocate for Veteran-owned businesses.

The second panel, “Learning the Ropes: Selling to the Government,” will be moderated by DGS Wayne Gross, Business Outreach Liaison, and feature buyers from organizations like Calvet, RCTC, Caltrans, MWD, and CDCR.

In addition, an immunization clinic at the event will be offering Tdap and MPOX vaccines from Riverside University Health System Public Health from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Food will be available from El Burrito Taco Shop.

The 12th Annual Veteran and Small Business Trade Show is open to Veterans in business, small business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs, state and local buyers and suppliers, as well as business mentors and coaches. The event is free for all attendees.

For registration, full event details, and the agenda, click here: https://swvbrc.org/Annual-Business-Summit/.

Rikki Almanza
Author: Rikki Almanza

Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.