Events Nationwide Will Highlight Agency’s Efforts to Support Nearly 2 Million Veteran and Military Spouse-Owned Small Businesses
WASHINGTON – Today, Administrator Isabel Guzman, the head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and voice in President Biden’s Cabinet for America’s more than 33 million small businesses, announced the SBA will celebrate the 10th annual National Veterans Small Business Week (NVSBW) from Oct. 30 to Nov. 3.
Throughout the week, the SBA, its resource partners, and local organizations across the country will host a series of virtual and in-person events to highlight the entrepreneurial journeys of veteran- and military spouse-owned small business owners and the agency’s support of this important community. Topics include transition assistance, entrepreneurial training, government contracting, disaster assistance, and access to capital. Currently, there are around 100 virtual events that are free and open to the public. View the full schedule and register at sba.gov/nvsbw.
“For the last 10 years, the SBA has celebrated National Veterans Small Business Week to honor and highlight America’s nearly two million veteran entrepreneurs who have served our nation heroically in the military and now as leaders of their local communities,” said Administrator Guzman. “The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to supporting veterans in every facet of their lives once they return home, and the SBA stands ready to help thousands of transitioning service members, veterans and military spouses get access to opportunity and the American dream through the path of business ownership.”
In addition to its support for veteran-owned small businesses, the Biden-Harris Administration recently announced an executive order to support military spouses, under which the SBA will provide resources, capital and other specialized support to help get their businesses off the ground. The SBA has made a number of key changes in the past year to expand access to capital for veteran- and military spouse-owned small businesses, including:
- Implementing the SBA Veteran Business Certification program, which connects service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses with federal contracting opportunities through a more streamlined and user-friendly process.
- Expanding the Veteran Business Outreach Center (VBOC) program from 22 to 28 VBOCs across the country to provide more resources and support to active service members, veterans and military spouses.
- Overhauling its loan program to expand access to capital for veteran-owned small businesses.
- Launching its new Military Spouse Pathway to Business training program to help military spouses looking to start their entrepreneurial journey.
Each year, veteran-owned businesses make significant contributions to the U.S. economy, employing over 5 million Americans and generating $1.3 trillion in total sales.
For more information about National Veterans Small Business Week, and to find events in your area, visit sba.gov/nvsbw. Sign up for an event and join the online conversation using the hashtag #NVSBW23.
