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Veteran Entrepreneurs shine at HCC & HRVCC VEP Program, securing over $10,000 in cash prizes

Nov 20, 2024


Eight finalists, all veterans or veteran-dependents, showcased their innovative business ideas in a recent virtual pitch competition, vying for a share of over $10,000 in cash prizes.


Eight finalists, all veterans or veteran-dependents, showcased their innovative business ideas in a recent virtual pitch competition, vying for a share of over $10,000 in cash prizes. The competition, a key component of the HCC Veterans Entrepreneurship Program, was a collaborative effort between Houston Community College (HCC) and the Houston Regional Veterans Chamber of Commerce.

A panel of esteemed judges from the community evaluated the pitches and selected the following winners:

  • First place ($3,500): Bryant Coronado (US Army Veteran), Founder of Maps Flowers Oklahoma
  • Second place ($2,500): Henry Banh (US Marines Veteran), Founder/CEO of FOB Sauce
  • Third place ($1,000): Dr. Cecelia Martin (US Army Veteran), Owner/CEO of TEEM Leadership
  • Honorable Mention ($750 each):
    • Dvonne Brian (US Navy Veteran), CEO of Body by Elohim
    • Fabrice Tchouba (US Army Veteran), CEO of Valon Consulting Group
    • Kobe Fair (US Army Veteran), Owner/Operator of Fair & Fit
    • Veronica Cervantes (Air Force Veteran), Owner of Vethos Multiservices
    • Ebony Harris (US Army Veteran Spouse), Founder of Crypto -N- Health

"This competition demonstrated the incredible entrepreneurial spirit and talent within our veteran community," said Dr. Ravi Brahmbhatt, HCC Director of Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship. "We are proud to support these veterans as they launch and grow their businesses."

Dave Weaver, President and Founder of the Houston Regional Veterans Chamber of Commerce, added, "These veterans exemplify the drive and innovation that makes our veteran business community so strong. We are thrilled to partner with HCC to provide them with the resources they need to succeed."

Dr. Maya Durnovo, Associate Vice Chancellor of Economic Development at HCC, emphasized the importance of supporting veteran entrepreneurs, stating, "Investing in veteran-owned businesses is not only the right thing to do, but it's also a smart investment in our local economy. These businesses create jobs and contribute to the vibrancy of our community."

The competition was made possible by the generous support of the following sponsors:

  • NAACE (National Association of Community Colleges for Entrepreneurship) - Katie Calabrese, Lydia Perez, and Dr. Darcie Tumey
  • University of St. Thomas's McNair Center for Entrepreneurship - Dr. Beena George
  • Wallis Bank - Asif Dakri
  • Dr. Maya Durnovo at Houston Community College


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