About VetWorks Ocala
We're the veterans of Marion County.
A network of Marion County veterans active in our local business community. We meet. We refer. We hire each other. And we keep showing up — for the network, for our clients, and for the community we came home to.
Our story
Network. Empower. Service.
VetWorks Ocala started inside the Ocala/Marion CEP after COVID — an effort to rebuild veteran-led business community after a year that pulled everyone apart. It stayed quiet at first.
The network didn't really take off until 2022, when Owen McCarthy stepped up and took the lead. We started meeting monthly at the Power Plant business incubator — a handful of veterans, lunch together, and the start of something that stuck.
The veterans listed on this site today are those founding members — the ones who kept showing up month after month, and built this network into what it is. Every one of them plays a role in why we still meet.
What started in a small incubator room is now a directory of veteran-owned businesses, a monthly network that meets in person, and a community of veterans — owners and the people who work alongside them — who hire, refer, and show up for each other across Marion County.
How we meet
Lunch on the 2nd Tuesday.
2nd Tuesday · 12:00 – 1:30 PM
Monthly Lunch
Lunch, real introductions, and one of us in the spotlight. Hosted at a member business, a local veteran-owned business, or a local restaurant — rotates each month, so the room sees each other's operations in person.
CEP veteran members · 2 trial lunches
Who can attend
Active members must belong to the Ocala/Marion CEP. Veterans who aren't CEP members are welcome for up to 2 trial lunches — come see if the network is a fit before joining the CEP.
Our home
Part of the Ocala/Marion CEP.
VetWorks Ocala is a member network of the Ocala/Marion CEP — “the Voice of Business since 1887.” That affiliation plugs our members into the broader business community of Marion County: chamber events, partner resources, and a name with real local weight behind it. We're one of many groups under the CEP umbrella — the one for the veterans.
Frequently asked
Common questions about VetWorks Ocala
Quick answers to the things people ask most. Don't see what you're looking for? Email us.
- What is VetWorks Ocala?
- VetWorks Ocala is a network of veteran-owned and veteran-active businesses across Marion County, Florida. We meet for lunch on the 2nd Tuesday of every month — networking, referrals, and continued service to our community. VetWorks Ocala is a member chapter of the Ocala/Marion Chamber & Economic Partnership (CEP). Our brand pillars are Network, Empower, Service.
- How do I join VetWorks Ocala?
- Submit an application at vetworksocala.com/join. A founding member will reach out within one business day to invite you to the next 2nd-Tuesday lunch. Members must be Marion County veterans active in the local business community, and full membership requires Ocala/Marion CEP membership. Non-CEP veterans are welcome for up to two trial lunches before joining the CEP.
- Who is eligible for VetWorks Ocala membership?
- Marion County veterans who are active in the local business community — whether you own a business, lead one from inside, or work for one. You served, you live or work in Marion County, you have a seat at the table. Full members must belong to the Ocala/Marion CEP.
- When does VetWorks Ocala meet?
- On the 2nd Tuesday of every month from 12:00 to 1:30 PM. Lunches rotate between member businesses, local veteran-owned businesses, and local restaurants.
- What is the Ocala/Marion CEP?
- The Ocala/Marion Chamber & Economic Partnership is the Marion County area chamber of commerce and economic development organization — "the Voice of Business since 1887." VetWorks Ocala is a member network under the CEP umbrella, specifically for veterans active in the local business community.
- Is VetWorks Ocala only for business owners?
- No. Whether you own a company, lead one from inside, or work for one — if you served and you call Marion County home, you have a seat at the table. The network is for veterans active in the local business community, not just business owners.
- How much does VetWorks Ocala cost?
- VetWorks Ocala itself does not charge dues — costs are member-funded through hosting and lunch costs. Full membership requires Ocala/Marion CEP membership; non-CEP veterans are welcome for up to two trial lunches before joining the CEP.
Want to join the network?
Come to a Tuesday lunch first. Up to two free trial visits to see if the room feels right. If it does, join the CEP and apply. If it doesn't, no hard feelings.