VetConnect: A Military & Veteran Community Resource Fair
Connecting veterans, service members, and their families with trusted community resources.
VetConnect is the Midlands Veteran Engagement Council’s (MVEC) first joint, large-scale community collaboration event—designed to connect Veterans, service members, and their families with trusted financial, benefits, career, housing, and wellness resources in one accessible location.
Hosted in partnership with First Citizens Bank, VetConnect will convene 20–40 Veteran-serving organizations at Segra Park (Club Lounge) in downtown Columbia, South Carolina, on February 24, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. This station-driven resource fair creates a practical, welcoming environment where military-connected individuals can gain guidance, build confidence, and strengthen their personal and financial readiness.
Location:
Segra Park (Club Lounge)
1640 Freed Street,
Columbia, SC 29201
Date & Time:
February 24, 2026
11:00am – 2:00pm
Event Purpose
- VetConnect exists to:
- Improve access to financial education, military benefits literacy, housing readiness, and career planning
- Strengthen coordination between federal, state, and community-based Veteran service providers
- Create a collaborative space where Veterans can engage directly with experts and organizations that serve them
- Launch MVEC’s collective impact approach to community engagement in the Midlands
Station-Driven Experience
Participants will rotate through 10 interactive stations, supported by MVEC partners best aligned to each focus area:
1.
- Cash Flow & Financial Readiness
- Banks, credit unions, financial counselors, nonprofit financial educators
2.
- Credit Readiness & Protection
- Credit counseling agencies, consumer protection organizations
3.
- Smart Debt Strategy
- Certified financial planners, nonprofit debt management services
4.
- Military & VA Benefits Literacy
- Certified financial planners, nonprofit debt management services
5.
- Housing & Homeownership Readiness
- VA home loan specialists, housing nonprofits, realtors with military expertise
6.
- Career Progression & Financial Planning
- Workforce development agencies, veteran employment nonprofits
7.
- Investing & Long-Term Wealth Building
- Financial advisors, community investment education partners
8.
- Protection Planning
- Insurance professionals, legal aid organizations
9.
- Financial Identity & Mindset
- Mental health providers, veteran wellness organizations
10.
- Building Your Support Network
- Peer support groups, family service nonprofits, community connectors
Community Partner Tables
In addition to the stations, 20–40 Veteran-serving organizations will be invited to table and share programs, services, and opportunities. Potential partners include:
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VHA) representatives
- South Carolina Department of Veterans’ Affairs (SCDVA)
- Local VSOs and County Veteran Offices
- Veteran-focused nonprofits:
Range Fore Hope, Big Red Barn Retreat, Transitions, United Way, Goodwill, Celebrate Freedom Foundation, Workout Warrior Foundation, Hidden Wounds, Alston Wilkes Society, Disabled American Veterans (DAV), American Legion, VFW, Team Red White & Blue, and local veteran wellness and employment organizations (Columbia Chamber of Commerce)
A Collective Impact Event
VetConnect reflects MVEC’s mission to align community, state, and federal partners in support of Veterans and their families. By convening diverse service providers in one space, VetConnect strengthens collaboration, reduces barriers to access, and ensures Veterans in the Midlands are connected to the resources they’ve earned.
VetConnect is more than a resource fair—it is a coordinated commitment to serving those who have served.
Sponsorship Packages
Become a sponsor for our annual Heros Unite event
Silver Sponsor
$250
Bronze Sponsor benefits
Opportunity to set up a table to distribute resources and marketing materials
Gold Sponsor
$ 500
Silver Sponsor benefits
Logo displayed on event signage
Social Media recognition
Platinum Sponsor
$1,000
Gold Sponsor benefits
Opportunity to set up a vendor booth (tent and table)
Verbal recognition during the event
Diamond Sponsor
$2,500
Platinum Level benefits
Present an award to a first responder or military member during the recognition ceremony
Premium placement for tent and table
Premier Sponsor
$5,000
Diamond Level benefits
Present awards to both a first responder and a military member
Prominent logo placement on all event materials
Recognition ceremony honoring local first responders and military community members
Financial Literacy for Success
Understanding personal finances is key to long-term success. Our financial literacy workshops teach veterans how to budget, manage debt, and save effectively, helping them build a solid financial foundation.