Veterans Pitch Showcase Celebrates Entrepreneurial Success at 26 West Center
The 26 West Center at State College of Florida hosted a night to remember as veteran entrepreneurs from the inaugural Veterans Florida x 26 West cohort took the stage for the Veterans Pitch Showcase, marking the culmination of 18 weeks of intensive business development.
The event served as a grand finale for the first cohort of veteran participants, who spent months honing their business concepts, refining pitches, and building skills to transition from military service to entrepreneurship. The showcase allowed them to present their ventures to a panel of executive judges and a supportive community audience.
Dan Bidwell, a U.S. Air Force veteran and founder of Sky Scout Drones LLC, earned top honors with his compelling pitch. His business focuses on drone-based services, showcasing both innovation and real-world applications. Judges commended the professionalism and ambition shown across all presentations.
The evening highlighted the commitment and resilience of the participating veterans, whose ideas spanned technology, logistics, wellness, and creative services. Organizers praised the program’s impact in fostering leadership, innovation, and economic opportunity for veterans in the Manatee-Sarasota region.
The 26 West Center and Veterans Florida program aim to continue supporting veterans as they launch and grow their businesses, strengthening the local economy and empowering those who have served.
