From Service to Startups: Building Veteran-Led Businesses with Courtney Zaugg

In this episode of the Spotlight Podcast, host Tim Branyan sits down with Courtney Zaugg, Indiana-based entrepreneur, innovation strategist, and co-founder of Venture Vets, to explore what it really takes to build sustainable support systems for entrepreneurs—especially those from the military community. Courtney shares her journey from international economic development to entrepreneurship, the creation of Venture Vets, and how obsession, service, and trust drive long-term impact. From construction tech and digital skills accelerators to launching a veteran-focused fund, this conversation dives deep into the future of entrepreneurship, policy, and community-driven growth.

Whether you’re a veteran entrepreneur, community leader, economic developer, or someone building the next generation of support organizations, this episode is packed with insight, honesty, and actionable perspective.

🔗 Links & Resources: Courtney Zaugg –

LinkedIn: / courtneyzaugg

Venture Vets: https://www.theventurevets.com/

Tim Branyan – LinkedIn: / timbranyan

Indiana Small Business Development Center (ISBDC): https://isbdc.org/

Vision Studio (Podcast Production): https://bookvisionstudio.com

Produced by Vision Studio 📍 Recorded in Indiana

Supporting entrepreneurs, veterans, and communities nationwide

Episode Timestamps (37:17)

00:00 – Welcome & Courtney’s background

03:10 – From international development to entrepreneurship

09:45 – Why entrepreneurship became the path forward

14:40 – The origin and evolution of Venture Vets

20:55 – Building trust and community in veteran ecosystems

25:30 – Women in leadership & entrepreneurship

30:10 – What’s coming in 2026: accelerators & venture fund

34:40 – Advice for communities & support organizations

36:30 – How to connect with Courtney & Venture Vets