AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — PeopleFund a Texas non-profit small business lender, the Veterans Business Outreach Center University of Texas at Arlington (UTAVBOC) and the Veteran Women’s Enterprise Center (VWEC), proudly announced the graduation of the inaugural Military-Connected Small Business Accelerator cohort. Nine Veteran and Military Spouses completed the program and were recognized at the 6th Annual Business Beyond the Battlefield Conference, held at the National Medal of Honor Museum in Arlington, Texas on October 9th. Two additional participants are expected to complete the program requirements over the next few weeks.
“This group is joining a growing network of over 400 graduates from PeopleFund Small Business Accelerators. Cumulatively, they’ve accessed nearly $20 million in loan capital, received over $1.7 million in grants, and helped create or retain close to 2,000 jobs across Texas,” said Gustavo Lasala, President and CEO of PeopleFund.
Participants engaged in a rigorous curriculum of virtual training sessions, business planning assignments, and individual coaching sessions.
“Empowering veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs means giving them the tools to transform their service-driven mindset into sustainable business success,” said VR Small, Founder and CEO of the Veteran Women’s Enterprise Center. “This type of program strengthens their entrepreneurial confidence and provides real access to critical funding. A combination of resources that allows them to build enterprises that create economic opportunities in their communities and across our nation.”
Graduates received loans from $6,000 to $200,000 and grants from $3,000 to $6,000. In addition, they will receive three years of aftercare provided by PeopleFund and its partners.
“This accelerator is unique; the structure of the program, the classes, the information that they share and the people…I really thank this accelerator for supporting us and allowing us veterans to be heard, to be seen,” said Tammy Loving founder of Gnivol Events, a graduate.
“Veteran entrepreneurship is a critical cause often overlooked by mainstream philanthropy and governmental entities. Yet, there are thousands of Military-connected entrepreneurs who are continuing to serve by starting and growing small businesses,” said Patrick E Alcorn, Founder of Business Beyond the Battlefield Conference. “Programs like this advance the narrative that Veterans and their Spouses are capacity builders who deserve to live the American dream of small business ownership.”
