Editor's Note: Due to the Government shutdown, SBA services/events may be modified/cancelled. Please check with the SBA at sba.gov for current guidance.
Every November, the nation pauses to recognize the grit, resilience, and leadership of those who’ve traded military uniforms for business ownership. National Veterans Small Business Week (NVSBW), celebrated this year from November 3–7, honors the more than 1.9 million veteran-owned businesses fueling the U.S. economy.
Behind the scenes of that success story is a quiet powerhouse, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and a suite of programs built to help veterans transform battlefield lessons into boardroom victories.
A Mission Built for Veterans
The SBA’s Office of Veterans Business Development (OVBD) leads the national effort to support veterans, service-disabled veterans, National Guard members, reservists, and military spouses who want to start or grow a business. During NVSBW, the agency and its partners host workshops, webinars, and local events spotlighting how military service translates into entrepreneurial excellence.
At the center of these initiatives is the Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) network — 28 regional hubs across the country offering no-cost counseling, business plan development, and training. Many of the week’s events take place through these centers, which act as on-ramps for veterans exploring entrepreneurship for the first time.
And if you remember sitting through a “Boots to Business” course during your Transition Assistance Program (TAP) briefing, you’ve already met one of the SBA’s most effective tools. That two-day introduction to entrepreneurship helps transitioning service members apply their operational mindset of planning, leadership, and adaptability to civilian business challenges.
From Classroom to Capital
“Boots to Business” is just the beginning. Veterans ready to go deeper can join Boots to Business: Reboot, an expanded version offered through local chambers, universities, and VBOCs.
After that, many entrepreneurs turn to the SBA’s loan programs for financing. The SBA Veterans Advantage program reduces or waives fees for certain loans up to $1 million, making capital more accessible for veterans launching or expanding their companies. These loans can fund equipment, inventory, or even building renovations, with flexible repayment options.
The numbers tell a powerful story: veteran-owned businesses employ over 5 million Americans and generate more than $1 trillion annually in economic output. In other words, veterans aren’t just creating jobs; they’re driving the U.S. economy forward.
Mentorship and the Power of Connection
If there’s one thing veterans understand, it’s that no mission succeeds alone. The SBA mirrors that philosophy with mentorship programs designed to pair new business owners with experienced professionals.
Through SCORE, a nationwide network of volunteer business mentors (many of whom are veterans), entrepreneurs can access free, one-on-one guidance on everything from marketing to financial forecasting.
Meanwhile, the SBA Mentor-Protégé Program gives veteran-owned companies a path to partner with larger firms on federal contracts — a critical step in scaling up. This collaboration often leads to long-term partnerships and expanded capabilities.
Government Contracting: Leveling the Playing Field
Federal contracting is another area where the SBA opens doors for veterans. The Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) certification allows qualified businesses to compete for set-aside contracts across federal agencies.
In fiscal year 2024 alone, the federal government awarded billions in contracts to veteran-owned companies. That’s not just symbolic support; it’s real revenue driving innovation in logistics, tech, and manufacturing.
During NVSBW, the SBA and its partners often host contracting workshops and matchmaking events, helping veteran entrepreneurs navigate the federal marketplace, one of the most lucrative sectors in the country.
Military Spouses and Guard Members Included
Entrepreneurship isn’t limited to veterans. Military spouses, Guard members, and reservists can all access SBA resources. For spouses who frequently relocate, self-employment offers flexibility and stability, while Guard and Reserve members can apply for SBA disaster assistance loans if their business is affected by a deployment.
The Military Spouse Pathway to Business program provides additional support through mentorship and funding navigation, recognizing that behind every service member is a family managing its own set of challenges and ambitions.
A Call to Action
National Veterans Small Business Week isn’t just about celebrating success stories; it’s about encouraging more veterans to take the leap.
Throughout the week, the SBA and its partners are hosting in-person and virtual events under this year’s theme, “Mission: Veteran Entrepreneurship.” From social media campaigns to local success panels, the goal is simple: to connect veterans with resources, mentors, and each other.
If you’ve ever thought, “I could start my own business,” NVSBW is the perfect time to explore what’s possible. You can find local and national events by going to the SBA website, where workshops, success stories, and live Q&A sessions are available all week long.
How to Get Started
- Find your Local VBOC: Locate the nearest Veterans Business Outreach Center.
- Take the First Step: Sign up for a Boots to Business session through your TAP office or at the SBA website.
- Apply for Certification: Learn about SDVOSB and other contracting programs.
The Bottom Line
From the battlefield to the boardroom, veterans know what it means to lead under pressure, adapt to challenges, and finish the mission. The SBA’s role is to make sure they don’t have to go it alone.
As National Veterans Small Business Week reminds us, entrepreneurship isn’t just about personal success. It’s about continuing to serve, lead, and strengthen the communities we call home.
So, if you’ve got an idea and the drive to see it through, this is your week to start. The mission continues, and the SBA will stand by your side.
