2026 Veterans Business Battle & HRVCC Small Business EXPO

We’re gearing up for the 2026 Veterans Business Battle & HRVCC Small Business EXPO where innovation, entrepreneurship, and veteran leadership come together! 💼

📅 Save the Date: April 8–9, 2026
📍 Location: The ION – Houston, TX

🎤 Ready to Pitch Your Business?
Applications for the 2026 Veterans Business Battle Pitch Contest are NOW OPEN!
Showcase your business, connect with investors, and compete for funding and resources to fuel your growth.

👉 Learn more & register here:
🔗 Rice Veterans Business Battle Registration

About the Event

The Veterans Business Battle is the nation’s largest pitch competition for U.S. military veteran-led startups — welcoming all entrepreneurs (veterans and non-veterans) passionate about innovation and business growth.

Agenda Highlights

Wednesday, April 8 – Rice Innovation District  at  (THE ION)
🕚 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM · Welcome Lunch
🕧 12:30 – 2:30 PM · Educational Panels
🕑 2:30 – 3:30 PM · Startup Elevator Pitches
🕞 3:30 – 4:00 PM · Keynote Presentation
🕓 4:00 – 6:00 PM · Small Business EXPO & Happy Hour

Thursday, April 9 – McNair Hall, Rice University at  (RICE UNIVERSITY)
☕ 8:00 – 9:00 AM · Breakfast
🚀 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM · Startup Pitches
🥗 12:00 – 1:00 PM · Lunch
💼 1:00 – 4:00 PM · Startup Pitches
🏆 4:00 – 6:00 PM · Awards Ceremony & Reception

Registration Info

🎟️ Rice Students/Staff: FREE
🎟️ Professionals: $50
🎟️ Non-Rice Students: $20
🎟️ Business EXPO Exhibitors: $100

Register To Attend

For waiver codes, contact Taylor West at taylor.west@rice.edu

💥 Early Table Sign-Up Open Now!
Contact Breanna Brower (bbrower@hrvcc.org) to be added to the HRVCC Small Business EXPO exhibitor list.

Let’s make 2026 our strongest year yet!

💪 ONE TEAM, ONE MISSION