Lessons from Pinup Coffee Co.: Growing Your #VetBiz with SBA Resources
Stephanie and Bryce Wein, Navy veterans and founders of Pinup Coffee Co., transformed their home-based coffee roasting operation in Virginia Beach, Virginia, into a thriving business with a café, wholesale program, and international e-commerce platform. With the support of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and its network of resource partners, the couple achieved remarkable growth while staying true to their values of sustainability and community engagement.

Their journey illustrates how SBA programs empower veterans and military spouses to scale their businesses. The Weins discussed their experience leveraging local resources and finding mentorship during a virtual SBA event. The Weins serve as an inspiration and a guide for other veteran entrepreneurs. Read on to learn about their approach and tips for using these same resources to grow your skills and business.

Start with Mentorship
Early on, Stephanie and Bryce knew that navigating the complexities of running a business would require expert guidance. “Our mentors helped us see the bigger picture while ensuring we stayed focused on the details,” Stephanie said. They turned to the SBA’s resource partner network, including SCORE mentors, to develop financial plans, analyze costs, and manage cash flow. The mentorship provided them with the confidence to make data-driven decisions and set the foundation for growth.
 
Tip: Like the Weins, you can connect with mentorship from SCORE or Veterans Business Outreach Centers  to receive tailored advice, build a road map for success, address challenges, and identify new opportunities.

Leverage Regional Expertise with VBOCs
Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs) were instrumental in developing Pinup Coffee Co., offering tools and workshops tailored to the couple’s needs. VBOCs specialize in assisting veteran entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey. “The VBOC team’s local expertise gave us the edge we needed to succeed in Virginia’s competitive coffee market,” Bryce said. For the Weins, their regional VBOC connected them with resources that supported everything from refining their business model to scaling their marketing strategies.
 
Tip: Engage with a local VBOC to access region-specific tools, workshops, and mentorship essential for navigating unique business environments and unlocking growth opportunities.

Build Your Skills
Stephanie and Bryce credit SBA training programs, like the Boots to Business and Boots to Business Reboot program, with helping them master core business principles. “These programs gave us the skills and confidence to take our business to the next level,” Stephanie said. The Boots to Business introduced them to fundamentals like financial management, marketing, and operational planning. Later, Boots to Business Revenue Readiness helped them refine their business plan and prepare for rapid expansion.
 
Tip: Enroll in SBA training programs to strengthen entrepreneurial skills, foster connections with peers and mentors, and tackle challenges while seizing opportunities.

Tap Into Local Assistance
As their business grew, the Weins turned to their local Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for customized consulting services. “The SBDC helped us navigate the growing pains of expansion,” Bryce said. The SBDC helped them refine their financial forecasts, secure funding for their 4,500-square-foot facility, and optimize inventory management and logistics.
 
Tip: Local resources like SBDCs and Women’s Business Centers offer personalized support to help you overcome challenges, stabilize your operations, and scale sustainably.

Start by Applying These Lessons to Your Business:

  1. Seek mentorship through SCORE or VBOCs for expert guidance.
  2. Leverage VBOCs for workshops and region-specific tools.
  3. Invest your time in training programs like Boots to Business or Boots to Business Reboot to strengthen your business fundamentals.
  4. Use local resources like SBDCs and Women’s Business Centers to overcome challenges and plan for growth.


Final Thoughts
The Weins’ success demonstrates the power of determination, mentorship, and SBA resources in achieving sustainable business growth. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand, SBA’s network offers the tools and support you need to reach your goals.
 
As Stephanie and Bryce’s story shows, strategic planning and leveraging available resources have the power to transform a small operation into a thriving business. Take the first step by exploring SBA resource partners and see where your #VetBiz can go!
 
For additional resources, updates, and inspiration, follow the SBA Office of Veterans Business Development on LinkedInX, and Facebook.
 

This blog was originally written by the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Veterans Business Development (OVBD). To learn more about OVBD and its offerings, visit sba.gov/ovbd.

© Copyright 2025. Veterans Business Outreach Center @ Fayetteville State University