Charleston, SC (SCDVA) — Military precision meets the spirit of the startup world. The South Carolina Department of Veterans’ Affairs (SCDVA) launched its first ever Veteran Entrepreneur Forum aboard the U.S.S. Yorktown.
The event, held on February 18, 2026, is part of the department's commitment to support both aspiring and established Veteran entrepreneurs. The forum featured 16 experts from workforce sectors including tech, finance, and government contracting. Rather than just giving speeches, panelists shared the practical side of business: what it actually takes to launch and keep a company running in today’s market.
SCDVA Secretary Todd B. McCaffrey opened the event by reaffirming the department’s mission to serve Veterans across all areas of life, including economic empowerment and entrepreneurship. He emphasized the importance of creating platforms that allow Veterans to transform their skills, discipline, and mission-driven mindset into thriving businesses.
The forum’s keynote address was delivered by Lt. Governor Pamela Evette, who shared her personal journey of building a small business into a nationally recognized company. Drawing from her experience as an entrepreneur, she highlighted the significant impact small businesses have on South Carolina’s economy and encouraged Veterans to pursue bold ideas with confidence and resilience.
Panel discussions featured Veteran business owners, former government officials, and corporate representatives who offered practical guidance and real-world lessons learned. Conversations focused on overcoming common startup challenges, navigating procurement opportunities, securing capital, and leveraging leadership skills developed through military service.
The Veteran Entrepreneur Forum represents another step forward in SCDVA’s commitment to ensuring South Carolina’s Veterans have access to the resources, partnerships, and inspiration needed to thrive in business and beyond.
Additional News Coverage: ABC News 4 Veterans entrepreneurial forum helps vets navigate rocky job market