https://www.citadel.edu/vtli/vboc/

South Carolina VBOC, Bastin Hall 328/79 Hagood Avenue, Charleston, SC (2026)

10/09/2026

Connections spark opportunities—and yesterday’s SC APEX Impact Summit brought both! 🤝🇺🇸

Thank you to SC APEX Accelerator for inviting the South Carolina VBOC to join a day dedicated to connecting South Carolina businesses with government contracting opportunities.

Jennifer Liddy (and Sarah DePeri) represented SC VBOC at our booth, connecting with entrepreneurs, sharing resources, and discussing how we support veterans and military spouses as they start and grow their businesses.

A special thank-you to keynote speaker Nathaniel “Nat” Durant III, Founder, President & CEO of ND3 Inc., for sharing his perspective on service, leadership, entrepreneurship, and government contracting.

We also thank the moderators and panelists who shared practical guidance and real-world experiences:

👏 Moderator Chase Kasper and panelists Jacquin “Quin” Gilchrist, Dr. Camille Stebbins, Susie Shannon, and Melissa Lindler for discussing pitfalls to avoid in business and government contracting.

👏 Moderator Tosha Dash and panelists Mark Broughton, David Lusk, and Allyson Mendez for sharing client successes, contracting stories, and lessons learned.

Thank you to SC APEX State Director Ron Conner, the emcees, guest speakers, organizers, exhibitors, and resource partners who helped make the day informative and welcoming!

When entrepreneurs and resource partners come together, we strengthen the connections that help businesses move forward. SC VBOC is proud to be part of that community, and we incredibly encouraged to run into so many clients!

10/09/2026

⛽ Fueling good starts with community!

The South Carolina VBOC invites you to join our client Juiced Fuel for Fuel Forward Foundation’s inaugural Fueling Good Celebration fun evening supporting a mission that matters.

The Foundation’s first major fundraiser will help support its work to provide critical fuel resources to communities during disasters and emergencies.

📅 November 13
⏰ 6–9 PM
📍 Over the Horizon Brewing

Enjoy live music, food, b**r, and raffle prizes while connecting with others who want to make a difference. Bring a friend, spread the word, and help fuel this important mission!

🎟️ Event details and tickets:
https://simplyk-bucket-production.s3.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com/deliveries/ef4b1a2b-fc43-4fcc-9f68-3e2f49984866/body.html

10/08/2026

🔥 South Carolina VBOC proudly introduces Emberwright Studio!

Meet Dave Rao, an Air Force veteran bringing his experience in security, operations, and mission planning to a new mission: helping small businesses build websites and digital tools around their everyday needs.

Dave served in the U.S. Air Force from 2011–2020 and the Colorado Air National Guard until 2023, separating as a Technical Sergeant. He began in Security Forces before becoming a Phoenix Raven, supporting 32 combat airlift missions to Afghanistan and Iraq and protecting Department of State missions across more than 100 countries.

He later served as a Defense Courier and managed Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection and Emergency Management programs. His service earned him two Air Force Achievement Medals, an Air Force Commendation Medal, and a Joint Service Achievement Medal.

💻 Founded in June 2026, Emberwright Studio starts with understanding how each client’s business works, who it serves, what customers need, and where processes get stuck. Dave then creates solutions tailored to those needs, including custom websites, estimate calculators, intake workflows, logos, brand materials, and print pieces.

🚀 Recent milestones include launching websites for Oddity Decor Store and multimedia artist Andres Gallardo. Dave also built his own client pipeline and task management app to organize leads, follow-ups, and projects and is exploring offering a version to other small businesses.

Along the way, the SC VBOC has been supporting Dave with his business plan, SAM.gov and VetCert preparation, and connections in the Charleston business community. Next up: attending the Myrtle Beach Veteran Entrepreneur Workshop on October 15–16!
Please join us in celebrating Dave’s new chapter.

Follow his journey, explore his work, and help us welcome Emberwright Studio to South Carolina’s veteran business community!

🌐 Visit Emberwright Studio
📸 Follow on Instagram
🤝 Connect on LinkedIn
📧 [email protected]

10/06/2026

🤝 Connections today can open doors for business growth tomorrow!

South Carolina VBOC’s Debbie Remsen attended the SBA Upstate Lenders Matchmaker on September 30 at the Greenwood County Library, joining entrepreneurs, lending professionals, and small business resource partners.

Through one-on-one conversations, business owners had the opportunity to discuss startup funding, expansion plans, and equipment financing while building relationships with potential lenders.

For veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs, understanding financing options is an important part of preparing for your next step. Events like this offer a chance to ask questions, learn what lenders look for, and connect with resources that support your business journey.

Thank you to the SBA, participating lenders, and community partners for helping South Carolina entrepreneurs move forward!

📩 Exploring funding for your business? Connect with the South Carolina VBOC for guidance and resource referrals.

10/05/2026

Your next mission could include federal contracting!

The South Carolina VBOC is excited to share a new investment in veteran entrepreneurship: On October 2, the U.S. Small Business Administration announced a $3.75 million grant over five years to the Veterans Institute for Procurement to operate the nationwide Veteran Federal Procurement Entrepreneurship Training Program.

The program will offer no-cost, in-person training and mentorship to help veteran-owned small businesses prepare to compete for federal contracts. With five cohorts planned each year, it is expected to serve approximately 250 businesses annually.

Participants will learn how to:
✅ Identify federal contracting opportunities
✅ Develop capability statements
✅ Prepare competitive proposals and pricing
✅ Build the operational readiness to perform federal contracts

The program will focus on certified veteran-owned and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses, veterans pursuing certification, and transitioning service members exploring entrepreneurship.

For South Carolina’s veteran entrepreneurs, this announcement highlights another resource to support your next stage of growth. Whether you’re exploring business ownership or preparing for contracting opportunities, the SC VBOC is here to help you connect with resources and move forward with confidence.

📧 Connect with us: [email protected]
🔗 Read the full SBA announcement: https://legacy.sba.gov/article/2026/10/02/sba-awards-375-million-train-veteran-owned-small-businesses-compete-federal-contracts

10/05/2026

Big ideas, new connections, and opportunities to THRIVE! 🚀

South Carolina VBOC’s Debbie Remsen and Lauren Ramos joined the small business community at the 8th Annual THRIVE 10X Small Business Tradeshow & Forum on September 29 at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center!

Hosted by the Richland County Office of Small Business Opportunity (OSBO) in collaboration with the City of Columbia Office of Business Opportunities (OBO), the event brought entrepreneurs, corporate buyers, government agencies, and private-sector leaders together under one roof.

A highlight was connecting with Melissa Lindler, SBA South Carolina District Director, and SC VBOC client Christina Harris, a military veteran, licensed therapist, and owner of Metamorpe LLC. Connecting with resource partners and the entrepreneurs we serve makes events like this especially meaningful!

Learn more about Christina and her work:
https://openpathcollective.org/therapist/christina-harris/

From showcasing business capabilities to exploring contracting opportunities and participating in educational breakout sessions, THRIVE 10X offered small business owners opportunities to build relationships and move their businesses forward.

Thank you to the organizers and community partners for creating a space to spotlight, educate, and celebrate South Carolina entrepreneurs!

Veterans, service members, and military spouses: your next business connection could open a new door. Keep showing up, asking questions, and building your network! 🤝

10/02/2026

🌟 October Veteran Business Owner Spotlight: Holy City Healthcare Consultants

The South Carolina VBOC is proud to spotlight Ralph Fontanez, founder of Holy City Healthcare Consultants, a veteran-owned mobile medical practice bringing care directly to clients’ homes.

Ralph enlisted in the Army as a medic in 2014, served with the 173rd and 82nd Airborne, and deployed to Afghanistan. He earned Distinguished Honor Graduate at the Expert Field Medical Badge event with a 100% go rate. After medically retiring in 2021, Ralph became a Registered Nurse and began building a new vision for healthcare.

Holy City Healthcare Consultants offers primary care, urgent care, hormone therapy, GLP-1 weight loss services, and IV therapy in the home. Its membership model pairs each client with a critical care–trained Registered Nurse who serves as an in-home Clinical Concierge and works with medical providers through telehealth. The team now includes a supervising physician, three nurse practitioners, and four registered nurses.

Ralph believes healthcare technology should strengthen human connection. By combining in-home nursing with access to providers and new tools, his team aims to make care more personal and responsive to each client’s needs.

Ralph connected with the VBOC while researching his business. He credits its guidance, resources to the team and having access to LivePlan (Initially provided by Revenue Readiness) in helping him turn an idea into a plan, despite having no prior experience starting a business.

Please join us in celebrating Ralph and the Holy City Healthcare Consultants’ team!

Be sure to connect and follow Holy City Healthcare.
🔗 holycityhc.com |

10/01/2026

The South Carolina VBOC October newsletter is here!

This month, we’re spotlighting Army veteran Ralph Fontanez, founder of Holy City Healthcare Consultants, and the mission behind his mobile healthcare practice.

Inside, you’ll also find upcoming events, resources from our community partners, and a look ahead at National Veterans Small Business Week.

Whether you’re exploring a business idea or growing one, we hope this issue helps you make your next connection. Read the newsletter and share it with a veteran or military spouse entrepreneur in your network!

09/30/2026

South Carolina VBOC Business Spotlight: College Planners USA

Meet Jenny Whittle, a former military spouse and the founder of College Planners USA. Jenny began her educational consulting business in 2005, bringing her experience as a teacher and guidance counselor to a goal she still pursues today: helping young people find a path where they can thrive.

Jenny and her team guide students and families through college planning, applications, and financial aid questions. They also help students explore other options when a traditional college path may not be the right fit. Their approach considers each student’s academic goals, interests, and personal needs.

The business recently changed its name from College Planners of South Carolina to College Planners USA, reflecting its work with families across the country and abroad. Congratulations to Jenny and her team on this next chapter!

Be sure to connect and follow with College Planners USA

🌐 collegeplannersusa.com
📧 [email protected]
📱 Facebook | Instagram

09/28/2026

Boots to Business took South Carolina VBOC instructors Debbie Remsen and Lauren Ramos to Shaw Air Force Base this week!

During the class, participants explored what it takes to turn a business idea into a plan. Working in teams, they used the Business Model Canvas to develop their own concepts, then presented how their businesses would serve customers. The creativity, teamwork, and questions made for a great learning experience.

Thank you to Debbie and Lauren for leading the class, and to guest speakers Anthony Hodges of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Fletcher Smith of the South Carolina Small Business Development Centers, and Jade Berkley of the South Carolina Department of Veterans’ Affairs for sharing their expertise.
We look forward to seeing where these future entrepreneurs take their ideas!

South Carolina VBOC

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