Kelly Loeffler, the Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), oversees federal programs that support more than 36 million small businesses nationwide, including 1.6 million veteran-owned firms. Before joining the Trump Administration, Loeffler served as a United States Senator and previously sat on the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, where she helped shape legislation aimed at strengthening veteran entrepreneurship. A daughter and granddaughter of veterans, Loeffler has long emphasized that supporting veteran-owned small businesses is central to her mission at SBA.
Amid a prolonged government shutdown, programs that veterans rely on, loans, counseling, contracting pathways, and training, have been paused or severely disrupted. In this exclusive Q&A with Military.com, Administrator Loeffler discussed how the shutdown is affecting veteran entrepreneurs, what the SBA is preparing to do when operations resume, and what gives her hope for the path ahead.
“The shutdown is punishing all Americans, but it most acutely affects the heroes who have served our country.”
National Veterans Small Business Week was meant to celebrate veteran entrepreneurs. With events canceled or paused, what impact does this have on veterans and their families?
Loeffler: America’s 1.6 million veteran entrepreneurs are some of the hardest-working job creators in our country. They contribute more than $1 trillion annually to GDP, especially in critical sectors like manufacturing and defense. Because Senate Democrats refuse to support a clean funding bill to reopen the government, not only will SBA be unable to spotlight their work at our 12th annual National Veterans Small Business Week, we are unable to provide them with the access to capital, business counseling, and contracting opportunities that we offer.
While the shutdown is punishing all Americans, it’s deeply disappointing that it most acutely affects the heroes who have served or are serving our country, including over 1 million active-duty troops who may miss their next paycheck.
A growing number of veteran families are delaying hiring, expansion, and even mortgage payments because SBA loans are stalled. What do you say to those entrepreneurs sitting at their kitchen tables, worrying about the future?
Loeffler: With SBA’s loan programs shuttered, we’ve been unable to deliver about $4.5 billion in capital to over 8,500 small businesses, many of those being veteran-owned. Before the shutdown, SBA was approving about $28 million per week in federally guaranteed loans for veteran entrepreneurs.
So it’s absolutely true that job creators, including our veterans, are talking about cutting hours, laying off workers, and canceling start-up or expansion plans. CEA estimates that for every month of the shutdown, we’re at risk of losing over 40,000 jobs across the economy and $60 billion in GDP. That’s a real economic impact on working families.
It’s why Senate Republicans have been advancing a clean funding bill to reopen the government – and why Senate Democrats must stop opposing it.
“Veteran-owned small businesses are paying the price.”
Many transitioning service members rely on Boots to Business and Veterans Business Outreach Centers. How will you ensure that the shutdown doesn’t cause them to miss their chance to start a business?
Loeffler: There is no stronger advocate for America’s veterans than President Trump – and as soon as Senate Democrats agree to a clean funding bill to reopen the government, the SBA is committed to immediately resuming the services that have helped countless veterans and veteran spouses achieve the American Dream of entrepreneurship.
Veteran entrepreneurs often carry additional family responsibilities and sometimes service-connected disabilities. How do you ensure their challenges remain front and center as SBA plans its recovery?
Loeffler: When I served on the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, I led legislation to streamline and enhance veteran services at SBA. Under my leadership, SBA has recommitted to putting veteran entrepreneurs first, including those with service-connected disabilities.
It’s why I took immediate action on Day One of my tenure to reverse the Biden Administration’s decision to raise the 8(a) contracting goal to 15%—well above its statutory 5%—which put service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs) at a disadvantage in the federal contracting marketplace.
Our goal is to ensure those who served our country have access to the resources and support they need for success.
What do you want veterans and military spouses to know about SBA’s commitment during a time when the government feels unreliable?
Loeffler: The Trump Administration and SBA are pursuing every option to support our troops – as evidenced by the extraordinary measures President Trump has taken to pay the military throughout the shutdown.
And one of my first actions as a member of the Trump Administration was to partner with VA Secretary Doug Collins to strengthen support and cooperation between our agencies to advance veteran entrepreneurship, especially in federal contracting.
But until Senate Democrats reverse course, veteran-owned small businesses will keep paying the price.
When the government reopens, we will move quickly to restart veteran loan approvals, contracting support, and business counseling – and continue working with the Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure no veteran entrepreneur is left behind.
“Veterans lead with discipline, teamwork, and integrity.”
You meet veteran entrepreneurs across the country. What have they taught you about resilience and creativity?
Loeffler: As part of SBA’s Made in America Manufacturing Tour, I’m traveling the country from Alaska to Maine, meeting with small businesses powering our economy in sectors ranging from energy and defense to consumer and industrial products.
What I’ve seen is that the men and women who make our country run aren’t caught up in politics; they’re leaders in their communities and industries while building generational businesses.
Whenever I meet with veteran founders, investors, or small business owners, I’m reminded that one of America’s greatest strengths comes from them. Veterans lead with discipline, teamwork, and integrity—the same traits that make our military the best in the world. Now those values are fueling Main Street.
Looking ahead, what gives you hope as veterans and their families prepare to rebuild when the government reopens?
Loeffler: It is the honor of my lifetime to serve small businesses as part of the Trump Administration. This work has renewed my hope in America, especially when I get outside the Beltway and spend time with job creators.
So many are living the ideals that built our nation—taking bold risks, innovating, creating something new, and putting others first through service, family, and faith.
What gives me hope are the veterans and families who refuse to quit, especially over the last four years, and who are rebuilding stronger than before. Veteran entrepreneurs represent the best of America through leadership, sacrifice, and innovation.
Once Senate Democrats end this shutdown, SBA will be ready to empower them with the resources and support they deserve.
