Keynote Speaker is Stedman Graham, National University professor and a leading expert on Identity Leadership
San Diego, Calif. — Recognizing a need to support the successful transition of veterans into the civilian workforce, the San Diego Veterans Leadership Summit Nov. 4 at National University will offer veterans and members of the military community the chance to network and learn from industry experts on enhancing their business leadership skills. The event’s keynote speaker will be Stedman Graham, who is a professor at National University, a New York Times bestselling author and widely-regarded speaker on Identity Leadership and his proprietary 9-Step Success Process.
“With a significant number of military veterans transitioning to civilian lives, through this Summit we want to recognize and support the valuable leadership skills they bring to the workforce, particularly in the areas of entrepreneurship and in leading small businesses,” said Kim Folsom, CEO of Founders First Capital Partners; trustee and faculty member at National University; and event organizer. “We are so very pleased to have Mr. Stedman Graham, who himself served in the military, share his valuable insight of how they can leverage their leadership skills in transformative ways.”
Being held from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 4 at National University’s Sanford Education Center, the Summit is sponsored in part by National University, as well as US Bank and Founders First Capital Partners. The cost ranges from $25-$50, with proceeds from the event going to Disabled Veterans Business Alliance and Army and Navy Academy. A limited number of seats are available for students at no cost.
National University, a private nonprofit university, has its roots in serving the military community through educational programs and support services geared toward their specific needs. Military and veteran students account for approximately 25% of the University’s student body. Mr. Graham, who served in the U.S. Army, is currently the chairman and CEO of S. Graham & Associates, a Chicago-based management and marketing consulting firm, specializing in corporate and educational markets. He joined National University’s School of Business and Management in 2014 to teach leadership topics and contribute to curriculum development.
“I have deep appreciation for our military, veterans and their families,” said Mr. Graham. “My message of Identity Leadership provides a process for success in business and in life. The freedom that comes with knowing who you are is your foundation, and a gift that allows you to pursue a life that is fulfilling, meaningful and rewarding.”
The San Diego Veterans Leadership Summit is a half-day event aimed at providing education, networking and business opportunities for military veterans who advance our country with their small business endeavors and entrepreneurial spirit. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration’s annual report, even though veterans represent only 6% of the total U.S. population, they account for 13.5% ( or 3.7 million) of all small businesses in the United States. These businesses employ 5.8 million Americans; pay wages in excess of $210 billion and contribute $1.7 trillion to the U.S. GDP.
The mission of the San Diego Veterans Leadership Summit is to provide engagement, training and exposure to military veterans, transitioning active duty personnel, students, corporate partners and supporters who wish to help grow military-led veteran businesses and nonprofits through the many opportunities the metro southern California area affords. The program agenda features many other experts in the areas of business, education and veteran issues. It includes a moderated networking opportunity, a session on “How to Build, Finance, Grow and Lead Veteran-Led Businesses” and a cocktail reception for additional networking opportunities.
About Founders First Capital Partners
Based in San Diego, CA, Founders First Capital Partners (FFCP) is a business growth accelerator and venture funds whose mission is to empower underserved groups of business owners by providing them with access to growth capital, expertise and resources to enable them to grow sustainable, profitable, and accretive legacy businesses. FFCP makes revenue-based financing from $50K to $500k and targets business founders from underrepresented, underfunded groups; women, veterans and ethnic minorities. These businesses are independent, privately held companies headquartered in the United States and have revenues of $250K to $2M, and are seeking growth capital to expand and grow their businesses.