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Small-business growth & resource navigation
Find and use local support, counseling and business-growth resources.
Charlotte, North Carolina · October 27, 2026
Military Thriving®Regional Change ForumCharlotte
Join ZeroMils for a practical, interactive forum connecting small-business owners, military-connected entrepreneurs, corporate buyers, capital providers and workforce partners.
Date & time
Tuesday, October 27, 202611:00 AM–3:30 PM EasternVenue
Wells Fargo550 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202Three discussion topics
One room. Three conversations.
Everyone has a seat at the table for these guided discussions. Each discussion builds on the connections and ideas in the room.
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Procurement, supply chain & capital
Explore readiness for buyer opportunities, supplier networks and access to capital.
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Workforce & skilled talent
Connect employers with military-connected talent and skilled-trades pathways.
The day, in order
Tentative agenda
TENTATIVE · EASTERNTentative agenda — subject to change. All times Eastern.
Read down column 1, then continue at the top of column 2.
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Arrival & discussion
11:00 AM–1:30 PM
- 11:00 AM12:00 PM
Arrival, Check-In & Working Lunch (Networking)
- 12:00 PM12:15 PM
Welcoming Remarks & Purpose Framing
- 12:15 PM12:35 PM
Charlotte Study Perspective: Grounding in Ecosystem Data
Christi Floyd · City of Charlotte
- 12:35 PM12:45 PM
Charlotte Study Q&A
Christi Floyd · City of Charlotte
- 12:45 PM1:30 PM
Practical Expert Panel & Discussion
Moderated by Kevin Schmiegel · Christi Floyd, Tracy Swarthout, Gena Pirtle and Daniel Shires
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Roundtables & next steps
1:30 PM–3:30 PM
- 1:30 PM1:40 PM
Short Break
- 1:40 PM2:40 PM
Collective Interactive Roundtables (Full Room)
Three consecutive 20-minute discussions. Everyone stays in the same room.
- Small-Business Growth & Resource Navigation
- Procurement, Supply Chain & Capital
- Workforce & Skilled Talent
- 2:40 PM3:00 PM
Shared Synthesis & Voluntary Commitments
- 3:00 PM3:30 PM
Closing Remarks & Next Steps
Moderator & panelists
Kevin Schmiegel
Moderator · Opening and closing remarks
Chief Executive Officer
ZeroMils
Kevin Schmiegel is Chief Executive Officer of ZeroMils and a retired Marine Corps lieutenant colonel. He founded Hiring Our Heroes at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and previously led two other national nonprofits. His work focuses on strengthening communities and bridging the civilian-service divide through partnerships that help veterans, military families, and their civilian neighbors thrive.
Christi Floyd
Panelist · Charlotte Study Perspective
Senior Operations Manager, Economic Development
City of Charlotte
Christi Floyd is Senior Operations Manager in the City of Charlotte’s Economic Development Department and leads its Business Innovation team. She connects entrepreneurs and small businesses with resources, programs, and community partners. She also oversees the Charlotte Business Resources Partner Roundtable, bringing together government agencies, educational institutions, nonprofits, and chambers of commerce to strengthen support for Charlotte’s small business community.
Tracy Swarthout
Panelist
Business Banking Relationship Management Manager (LO)
Wells Fargo
Tracy Swarthout is Business Banking Relationship Management Manager (LO) at Wells Fargo, leading a team of Business Bankers across North and South Carolina. A former business owner, Tracy joined Wells Fargo in 2012 and has held leadership and business banking roles. Tracy focuses on developing talent, strengthening client relationships, and helping business owners access financial solutions and guidance for long-term growth.
Gena Pirtle
Panelist · FourBlock’s work, industry pathways & employer engagement
Chief of Partner and Veteran Success
FourBlock
Gena Pirtle is Chief of Partner and Veteran Success at FourBlock, where she helps connect veterans with employers and supports meaningful civilian careers. Her work includes leadership development, talent strategy, and employer engagement. FourBlock offers career readiness programs, coaching, networking, and direct employer connections, including an in-person Charlotte cohort that gives local veterans a resource for navigating their next career chapter.
Daniel Shires
Panelist
Managing Partner
Pineland Ventures
Daniel Shires is Managing Partner of Pineland Ventures, a North Carolina fund investing in pre-seed and seed defense and dual-use technology companies. He served 21 years in Army Special Operations, finishing as Chief of Innovation and Technology at 1st Special Forces Command. Since 2025, he has led the Founder Institute’s Veterans & Military Spouses cohort as Managing Director, helping veterans and military families make the transition from service to startup.