Alexandria Vet Named Runner-Up Small Business Veteran of the Year

ALEXANDRIA, VA — A military veteran and small business owner in Alexandria has been named the runner-up of the Virginia Small Business Veteran of the Year award. This award recognizes veteran business owners who make a difference in their communities through duty, volunteerism, and an appreciation of country, democracy and freedom.

Laura Hatcher is a Navy veteran who launched Laura Hatcher Photography in Old Town Alexandria four years ago. The business provides photography services in a studio in historic Crilley Warehouse and is Small, Women-owned, and Minority-owned certified. Hatcher has photographed many local and regional events and specializes in professional headshots. She also mentors military veterans and spouses on transitioning from military to civilian life and employment and on starting small businesses. Hatcher has donated more than 100 professional headshots to veterans entering the civilian job market.

Aside from the latest statewide award Hatcher won the 2021 Trailblazer Award from the Women Program Office of the Virginia Department of Veteran Affairs. That award recognizes efforts to create change and improve the quality of life for Virginia’s women veterans.

On Nov. 4, Hatcher was presented with the runner-up certificate for the Virginia Small Business Veteran of the Year award by Alexandria Small Business Development Center executive director Bill Reagan and Virginia Small Business Development Center associate state director Susan Lee Merrow.