On this episode of The Current by TreasureCoast.com, we sit down with Veronica Kolibab, longtime business development leader and founder of the Martini Network, for a dive into how small business owners on the Treasure Coast can tap into powerful and often overlooked tools, support systems, and connections.
Veronica has been helping entrepreneurs for nearly two decades. She’s developed a passion for connecting people, building community, and removing barriers. It’s her mission to make business support accessible to everyone that makes this episode a true game-changer for Treasure Coast business owners and hopeful entrepreneurs.
Free Business Coaches That Can Help You Right Now
Veronica discusses what she calls the Treasure Coast’s “best-kept secret”, free business coaching and mentorship.
Through organizations like the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Indian River State College and SCORE Mentors, local entrepreneurs can get one-on-one guidance from experienced professionals. This isn’t just vague advice either; you can be matched with mentors in your specific industry who will sit down and help you troubleshoot your challenges and grow your business strategically.
And no, you don’t need to be a member of anything or pay thousands of dollars. They also provide online events if you want to try out before you jump in.
Veronica explains how SBDC advisors can assist with everything from market research to government contract certifications, and SCORE mentors can become trusted long-term advisors. For newer business owners specifically, this level of support can mean the difference between struggling and scaling.
Monthly Business Resource Workshops
To make these resources even more accessible, Veronica hosts monthly Business Resource Workshops across the region, in Fort Pierce, Vero Beach, Stuart, and Port St. Lucie. Each one brings together different support agencies in a single room, including:
- Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
- U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
- SCORE Mentors
- Better Business Bureau
- Local experts on marketing, digital tools, and more
Rather than expecting business owners to find and visit each agency individually, Veronica’s events centralize everything. Attendees can ask questions, connect with experts, and find out which services are right for them—all in one stop.
And again, it’s free.
She’s also inviting guest speakers like Nicholas Scalise to teach practical skills such as social media reel creation, bridging old-school relationship building with the demands of the modern digital economy.
The Martini Network
The Martini Network started almost two decades ago as a casual happy hour, and it grew into one of the Treasure Coast’s longest-lasting grassroots networking organizations.
Veronica created it to be the opposite of the “exclusive, members-only” model. There are no annual dues, no industry lockouts, and no pressure. It’s open networking, with a cover charge that supports the event’s cost.
She still hosts these gatherings monthly, rotating between Martin and St. Lucie Counties. The energy is inclusive, supportive, and collaborative. You’ll often find multiple professionals from the same industry—roofers, marketers, or realtors—who see each other as allies, not competitors.
And as Veronica says in the podcast, the results speak for themselves. “I wish I could put a number on how much business has come out of that group. I’m sure it’s millions.”
Collaboration Over Competition
A major theme in our conversation is collaboration. Veronica makes it clear that the Treasure Coast isn’t short on talent; it’s short on awareness of how to bring people together.
She regularly partners with other organizations like the Port St. Lucie Business Club, co-hosting seminars, supporting nonprofits, and building stronger networks across county lines. These partnerships are more than events—they’re the framework for a thriving business ecosystem.
Whether it’s a large roofing company or a brand-new startup, Veronica believes every business should feel like they have a seat at the table.
How to Get Involved
If you’re reading this and thinking, “Why didn’t I know about this sooner?”—you’re not alone. Many Treasure Coast business owners have no idea how many free tools and networks exist locally. But that’s changing, thanks to efforts like Veronica’s.
Here’s how to get started:
Join the Martini Network Facebook Group
That’s where all the networking events and Business Resource Workshops are posted. Events are pinned to the top of the group so you never miss one.
Reach out to the SBDC or SCORE Mentors
If you’re unsure where to start, Veronica recommends reaching out to the SBDC at IRSC or requesting a SCORE mentor to begin the support process.
Giving Back to Animals in Need
Beyond business, Veronica is also a passionate advocate for animal rescue. She volunteers with shelters like Dogs and Cats Forever in Fort Pierce, a no-kill shelter that’s been saving lives since the 1980s. She fosters animals, donates supplies, and uses her network to raise awareness.
In the episode, she speaks emotionally about why adopting, not shopping, is so important, and calls on listeners to support local shelters however they can. “They do so much with so little,” she says. “And the animals are incredible.”
It’s a reminder that building community goes beyond profit and that the same spirit of generosity that fuels business growth can be used to make a difference in other areas, too.
Whether you’re launching a new business, trying to break through a plateau, or simply looking to connect with like-minded professionals, the tools are already here on the Treasure Coast.
