As America rebounds from the recent government shutdown, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Kelly Loeffler says one group is already leading the recovery: veteran entrepreneurs.
In an interview with Military.com, Loeffler outlined how the SBA eliminated a backlog of more than 2,700 Veteran Small Business Certification (VetCert) applications and reduced processing times from 80 days to just 12. She called the move a critical step toward restoring opportunities for veterans in federal contracting.
“On day one, I said we’re going to restore this agency to its original purpose, to promote the interests of small businesses and support economic opportunity,” Loeffler said. “We know our veterans bring a tremendous work ethic and expertise to bear for our nation, so we prioritized them within the agency.”
Clearing the Backlog and Restoring Focus on Veterans
Loeffler said the backlog was the result of prior policy shifts that diverted resources from veteran-owned businesses. Her team re-staffed the VetCert office and rebalanced contracting targets to ensure veterans received their fair share.
“The previous administration had raised contracting goals for socially and economically disadvantaged businesses from 5% to 15%, which effectively crowded out veterans,” she explained. “That decision defunded veteran small-business programs and left 2,700 certifications sitting idle.”
Now, with staffing and budgets restored, Loeffler said VetCert stayed open even during the shutdown, clearing the backlog and streamlining access for veteran-owned small businesses.
“We’ve re-staffed and added budget,” she said. “It’s been operating throughout the shutdown—that’s how we were able to clear it.”
What Sets Veteran Entrepreneurs Apart
Loeffler has spent much of her tenure meeting veteran business owners across the country—and she’s been consistently impressed by their performance.
“They know how to build teams, do more with less, and operate amid uncertainty,” she said. “Veterans are disciplined, innovative, and outstanding problem solvers.”
According to SBA data, veteran-owned small businesses generate nearly $1 trillion in annual economic growth, employing over 3.5 million Americans. Through SBA programs, veterans receive roughly $28 million in small-business loans each week.
“Even though veterans represent just five to ten percent of our SBA lending, their impact is enormous,” Loeffler said. “They’re creating jobs, expanding operations, and driving economic growth nationwide.”
From 80 Days to 12: A Data-Driven Approach
Loeffler emphasized that the SBA’s overhaul wasn’t just operational—it was strategic.
“We’re going to continue to follow the data,” she said. “We’ve gone from 80 days to 12 for approvals, and we’re tracking outcomes across regional offices to make sure veterans never fall through the cracks again.”
That commitment extends to cross-agency partnerships. Loeffler noted ongoing collaboration with VA Secretary Doug Collins to share data and align small-business and benefits systems for veterans.
“We’re ensuring coordination across the federal government so veterans have a seamless experience, whether it’s business certification or health care,” she said.
How Veterans Can Get Started with VetCert
For veterans thinking about government contracting, Loeffler offered clear advice: start with your local SBA district office.
“The SBA can be your advocate,” she said. “We have 68 field offices across the country that can guide you through every step—from business counseling and lending to certification.”
Programs like Boots to Business and Boots to Business Reboot provide free online or on-base training to help veterans launch or expand their ventures.
“If you’re not ready to reach out, start at SBA.gov,” Loeffler added. “It’s not a marketing site. It’s a fact site. You’ll find calendars, regional contacts, and information on every program.”
A Legacy Rooted in Service
Reflecting on the agency’s history, Loeffler connected today’s mission to the SBA’s founding roots after World War II.
“The SBA was formed 72 years ago as veterans returned from World War II,” she said. “The government recognized their capabilities and built an ecosystem to help them start and grow businesses. We’re restoring that same spirit now.”
Loeffler’s optimism is personal. “I’m the daughter and granddaughter of veterans,” she said. “My father used his military experience to start a trucking company. I’ve seen firsthand what veterans bring to this nation.”
VetCert remains open and accepting new applications, even during the tail end of the shutdown. “Now that the backlog is cleared, we’re encouraging veterans to apply,” she said.
“We’re cutting bureaucracy, restoring focus, and getting back to what the SBA was always meant to do—support the people who have already given so much to this country,” Loeffler concluded.
