IT'S TIME!
Nominate the Next Vetrepreneur® of the Year and Honor a Legacy of Veteran Excellence!
Nominations open from March 14 – May 24, 2024
The search has begun for exceptional veteran entrepreneurs to compete for the 2024 Vetrepreneur® of the Year (VOY) Award.
Join us in celebrating the spirit of veteran entrepreneurship by nominating the next Vetrepreneur® of the Year. Since 2006, this prestigious award has recognized the resilience, determination, and success of those who have transitioned from the military to become extraordinary business leaders. It’s time to honor the heroes who not only served our country but continue to serve and inspire through their entrepreneurial journey.
Why Nominate?
1) A Salute to Success
By nominating a deserving veteran, you contribute to the legacy of triumph over challenges. Your nomination could be the key to spotlighting a remarkable story of success, resilience, and dedication.
2) Empower Heroes Beyond Uniform
Every nominee has a unique story of transitioning from the battlefield to the business arena. Your nomination helps recognize and elevate these heroes, showcasing the diverse skills and leadership they bring to the business world.
3) Fueling Growth and Excellence
Vetrepreneurs embody sustained business growth and excellence. Your nomination serves as a powerful acknowledgment of their commitment to building and sustaining successful enterprises, contributing to the economic landscape.
Must Know Information
Eligibility:
- U.S. military veteran with an honorable discharge.
- Minimum of 51% equity in the business must be owned by a veteran or veterans to be considered a veteran-owned business.
- Nominee must be actively involved in day-to-day operations of the enterprise.
Selection Criteria:
Nominees will be considered for finalists based on the following criteria:
Sustained Business Growth: Demonstrated success in achieving consistent business growth and excellence over a sustained period.
Impact: Commitment to veteran entrepreneurship, philanthropy and community engagement.
Nomination Process:
- The deadline for submission is midnight May 24.
- Finalists will be selected for public voting beginning in June.
- The winner will grace the cover of the September issue of Vetrepreneur magazine.
- Winners for sub categories will be selected.
- Self-nominations are welcome.
Celebrating Veteran-Owned Business Owners Since 2006
Veterans are awarded based on the high standards related to themselves, their business and determination to be successful. Their perseverance, ability to face adversity, community involvement, mentorship and overcoming obstacles are just a few of the reasons these amazing veterans earned the honor of being named a Vetrepreneur of the Year®.
Below are Just a Few of Our Past Vetrepreneur® of the Year Winners
Get to know some of our past winners. Read their stories and get inspired.
James Kelly
Invictus International Consulting
2017 Vetrepreneur of the Year®
Navy Veteran
Michael Durant
Pinnacle Solutions Inc.
2013 Vetrepreneur of the Year®
Army Veteran
Frank Bonanno
Fifth Avenue
2012 Vetrepreneur of the Year®
Army Veteran
Staci Redmon
Strategy and Management Services
2017 Woman Vetrepreneur of the Year®
Army Veteran
Bede Ramcharan
Indatatech
2015 Minority Vetrepreneur of the Year®
Army Veteran
Kaney O’Neill
O’Neill Contractors, Inc. 2015 Woman Vetrepreneur of the Year®
Navy Veteran
James Bendel
Crazy Horse Coffee
2023 Pittsburgh Vetrepreneur of the Year®
Army Veteran
Bruce Freshwater
Sierra Experts
2022 Pittsburgh Vetrepreneur of the Year®
Air Force Veteran
Martin Beichner
AccuTrex Products
2020 Pittsburgh Vetrepreneur of the Year®
Navy Veteran
Michael Cherock
AE Works
2019 Pittsburgh Vetrepreneur of the Year®
Navy Veteran
“I appreciate the opportunity to be recognized as Pittsburgh Vetrepreneur of the year 2023 and honored to be featured in G.I. Jobs April issue as the winner! Most of all I’d like to thank my ‘Fully Caffeinated’ supporters and ‘Caffeine Dealers.’ Without their vote of confidence in all that we do @crazyhorsecoffee my actions, efforts, and dedication to “@Help.Hard” could not be what it is. Telling my story through entrepreneurship and philanthropy is how I manage to continue to challenge myself, stay positive, contribute to my community and provide for my family.”
James Bendel
Crazy Horse Coffee
2023 Pittsburgh Vetrepreneur of the Year®
Army Veteran
“My experience in the Navy was very formative to me as a leader, business person and entrepreneur. There is no other educational institute, job training program or experience that can come close to what the military has to offer for young men and women. Being the Pittsburgh Vetrepreneur of the Year is the highest honor I can receive as an entrepreneur, as it was the military that gave me the confidence, and tools and education to be a successful entrepreneur.”
Joe Calloway
RE360
2021 Pittsburgh Vetrepreneur of the Year®
Navy Veteran
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