VR Small Veteran Women's Enterprise Center (VWEC)

VR Small is the visionary Founder and CEO of the Veteran Women’s Enterprise Center (VWEC), a groundbreaking national initiative that empowers women entrepreneurs associated with the military to successfully scale sustainable businesses.

VR is a dynamic Navy Veteran, proud stepdaughter, and sister to U.S. Army Retired Vietnam & Iraq Veterans, respectively. Living her personal slogan, “Changing the way we see the world and do business,” she is a highly regarded motivational speaker, moderator, educator, and resolute advocate for long-lasting, impactful change. VR has a proven history of driving impactful social and economic innovations nationwide.

A past fellow of SMU’s Hunt Institute for Engineering and Humanity—Inclusive Economy, Dallas Public Voices, the Bush Institute Stand-to-Veteran Leadership Program, VR's leadership has earned her national recognition, including being honored by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Center for Women Veterans, a Trailblazer “Women Veterans Leading the Way,” and appointed the Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO) South Central Regional Council Chair, promoting enterprise opportunities across New Mexico, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Texas.

A fearless advocate of Women Helping Women W.I.N., Sisterhood in Action, and a champion of the Power of Empowerment. Now Substack author of “Smashing Survival Statistics: Building Businesses that Last,” VR shares insights on strengthening entrepreneurial infrastructure by exploring how intentional technical assistance, financial frameworks, and ecosystem alignment empower businesses to smash survival statistics and forge their own paths to sustainable success.

With unwavering commitment and passion, VR continues to inspire and lead, breaking barriers and setting the standard for excellence in entrepreneurial success.