On September 25, 2023, the Arizona Coalition for Military Families took part in a roundtable hosted by Senator Kyrsten Sinema at Black Rifle Coffee Company, a veteran-founded and owned business. The event aimed to address the challenges faced by veteran-owned small businesses in Arizona and included representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Arizona Corporate Council on Veteran Careers, and the Southwest Veterans Chamber of Commerce.

Thomas Winkel, Director of the Arizona Coalition for Military Families, joined the discussion to emphasize the role that Be Connected can play in ensuring veterans and their families remain healthy and connected throughout their journey.

The event also featured Sinema’s Veterans Advisory Council, composed of veterans from various military branches, who provide feedback on issues affecting Arizona’s veteran community. Their participation underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing the challenges faced by veteran-owned small businesses.

The discussions highlighted the need for ongoing dialogue and practical solutions to connect veteran-owned businesses with resources. By bringing together veterans, government representatives, and business leaders, the event aimed to empower veteran-owned small businesses to thrive.

As the Arizona Coalition for Military Families and other organizations continue their work, events like this provide a vital platform for addressing the needs of veteran entrepreneurs. The roundtable reaffirmed the collective commitment to empowering veteran-owned small businesses and ensuring they have the tools and resources to overcome challenges and achieve success.