MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Veterans' Affairs (SCDVA) is proud to announce its first-ever Veteran Entrepreneurship Forum, taking place on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The event will be held at the historic Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum aboard the U.S.S. Yorktown.
This landmark forum is designed to empower South Carolina’s Veteran community by bridging the gap between military service and business ownership. By providing a platform for networking, resource sharing, and expert-led discussions, the SCDVA aims to strengthen the economic impact of Veteran-owned businesses across the Palmetto State.
The event will feature a keynote address from South Carolina Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette, a lifelong entrepreneur and champion of small business growth.
“Our Veterans already know how to lead, solve problems, and deliver results under pressure. Those are the same qualities it takes to succeed in business ownership,” said Lt. Governor Pamela Evette. “I am honored to support this forum as we help our heroes transition those skills into successful business ventures that drive South Carolina’s economy forward."
The forum will host four specialized panel discussions tailored to the evolving needs of Veteran business owners:
- Business Growth & Strategy: Navigating the journey from startup to scale.
- Funding & Financial Management: Accessing capital and managing sustainable cash flow.
- Contracting: Preparing Veteran-owned businesses for state and federal opportunities.
- AI in Veteran Business: Leveraging emerging technologies to gain a competitive edge
SCDVA leadership emphasizes that this forum is more than just a meeting; it is a workforce enhancement mission. "Veterans thrive among us when they have the right tools to translate their military excellence into civilian success," said Todd B. McCaffrey, Secretary of SCDVA. "This forum is a testament to our commitment to making South Carolina the best state in the nation for Veterans to live, work, and now, build their own legacies."
David Rozelle, SCDVA’s Director of Workforce Enhancement, added: "Our goal is to create a one-stop shop for connections. Whether it’s through military skill translation or connecting with financial resources, we want to ensure no Veteran entrepreneur has to navigate the business landscape alone."
Event Details:
- What: SCDVA Veteran Entrepreneurship Forum
- When: Wednesday, 18 February 2026 | 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
- Where: U.S.S. Yorktown, Patriots Point, Mount Pleasant, SC
- Note: The event will conclude with a working lunch, providing further opportunities for networking and community building.
Registration for this event is now closed.