Mission
Dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment that enhances the connectivity of veterans and active military personnel with the business community while driving economic growth.
Purpose
The Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce Veteran and Military Affairs Coalition (VMAC) focuses on programs and initiatives encompassing workforce development, education, and community engagement. We are committed to providing resources, advocacy, and support to individuals and businesses that employ, support and positively impact the lives of our military and veteran community. Through collaboration with local businesses, educational institutions, and community organizations we strive to create opportunities that promote the professional growth, entrepreneurship, and employment of veterans and active military personnel.
UPCOMING VMAC EVENTS
Take Command of Your Business.
Build the Plan.
Execute the Mission.
The Veteran Business Accelerator Boot Camp is a five-session, in-person business accelerator designed for veterans who are considering starting a business or want to improve, strengthen or expand an existing business.
Over five consecutive Saturday mornings, participants will use LivePlan, a leading business-planning software platform, to transform a business concept or growth strategy into a launch-ready, fundable business plan.
Presented through the Veteran and Military Affairs Coalition (VMAC), this hands-on program combines practical business planning, direct mentorship and peer collaboration to help veteran entrepreneurs define their mission, build their strategy and prepare for what comes next.
Who Should Request a Seat?
The Veteran Business Accelerator Boot Camp is designed for veterans who live or work in Scottsdale and are:
- Considering starting a business
- Developing or preparing to launch a business concept
- Looking to improve an existing business
- Preparing to expand or grow their business
- Seeking greater clarity around marketing, operations, finances or strategy
Whether you are developing an idea or building the next phase of an established business, the Boot Camp will help you turn your business mission into a strategic plan.
Five Saturdays. One Strategic Business Plan.
All five sessions will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on consecutive Saturdays in October at the HonorHealth Scottsdale Osborn Medical Center - Military Partnership Training Center, 7301 East 4th Street, suite 1, Scottsdale, 85251 (SEE MAP AT BOTTOM FOR PARKING INFO)
Session 1 | The Mission Analysis
Saturday, October 3
Establish the foundation of your business through an Idea Canvas and an examination of the problem you solve, your solution, target market and competitive landscape.
Session 2 | The Course of Action I
Saturday, October 10
Develop the strategy for bringing your business to market, including marketing, sales, operations and key milestones.
Session 3 | The Course of Action II
Saturday, October 17
Build the financial and organizational framework of your business by addressing revenue, direct costs and your hiring plan.
Session 4 | The Battlefield Order
Saturday, October 24
Translate your strategy into a financial roadmap by developing your budget, cash flow projections and executive summary.
Session 5 | The War Games
Saturday, October 31
Put your plan to the test. Participants will assess their strategy, adapt where needed and present the business plan developed throughout the Boot Camp.
REQUEST A SEAT
Veterans interested in participating are encouraged to submit the program interest form:
https://business.scottsdalechamber.com/form/view/40298
Program Partners
The Veteran Business Accelerator Boot Camp is presented through a partnership between Arouet Capital, Scottsdale for Veterans, the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce and the Veteran and Military Affairs Coalition (VMAC).
HonorHealth Military Partnership will host the five-session program.
Take command of your business.
Develop the mission. Build the strategy. Execute the plan.
RECENT VMAC EVENTS
The Adopt-A-Veteran initiative concluded 2025 with a powerful reminder of what community collaboration can achieve. Through the combined efforts of Scottsdale For Veterans, the Veteran & Military Affairs Coalition (VMAC), and the City of Scottsdale Veteran Advisory Commission, this year’s program successfully adopted and delivered aid packages to more than 25 local veterans in need.
Aid packages included Thanksgiving meals with comfort items and Christmas gifts thoughtfully selected from veterans’ wish lists providing not only essential support, but also dignity, joy, and meaningful connection. The program also extended assistance to veterans participating in the City’s Adopt-A-Senior program and those receiving veteran housing support. Because of the generosity, dedication, and compassion of partners and supporters, Scottsdale’s veterans were reminded that their community stands firmly beside them—during the holidays and beyond.
The Veteran and Military Affairs Coalition, in partnership with the ASU Pat Tillman Veterans Center, recently hosted Proving Grounds: Unlocking the Competitive Edge of Veteran Talent on May 27th at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Scottsdale Resort. This impactful event brought together professionals and business leaders to explore the unique value veterans bring to the workforce, including leadership, adaptability, and a mission-driven mindset.
Featured speakers Shawn Banzhaf and Michelle Loposky from the Pat Tillman Veterans Center delivered insights on military culture, strategies for bridging cultural gaps in the workplace, and best practices for empowering veteran employees. Attendees left knowing how to create inclusive and effective teams by leveraging veteran talent.
A Night of Connection & Camaraderie at the March Veteran Networking Mixer!
The Veteran and Military Affairs Coalition's March Veteran Networking Mixer at Amber Creek Inn was an incredible evening filled with meaningful connections, support, and collaboration. Veterans, business leaders, and community allies came together to share experiences, exchange ideas, and forge lasting relationships.
With the generous sponsorship of Arouet Capital and the support of HonorHealth, the event provided a welcoming and productive space for veteran entrepreneurs, professionals, and supporters to expand their networks. Conversations flowed effortlessly, from business opportunities to shared stories of service, highlighting the strength of Scottsdale’s veteran community.
Attendees left inspired, with new contacts and valuable insights to help them grow personally and professionally. If you missed this one, be sure to join us at the next VMAC event—because together, we thrive! 
VMAC NEWS
The Veteran and Military Affairs Coalition is actively seeking venues to host our quarterly mixers dedicated to supporting veterans. These gatherings provide a valuable opportunity for veterans and community members to connect, share experiences, and foster a supportive network. If you have a space and are interested in collaborating with us to honor and support our veterans, we'd love to hear from you. Join us in making a difference and strengthening our community's commitment to those who have served.
Contact Stephanie Miller at: smiller@scottsdalerchamber.com or call 480-355-2704
VMAC Leadership Team
For more information or questions about the Veteran and Military Affairs Coalition,
contact Stephanie Miller at smiller@scottsdalechamber.com