Connecticut is the proud home of thousands of veterans, service members, and military families. They are our neighbors and friends – and, in many cases, the owners and employees of local businesses we love and support. Our nation’s heroes and their families make for some of the best entrepreneurs, with an innate sense of grit and determination that set them apart. Supporting these individuals has been an essential component of SBA’s mission, because we know that America cannot succeed if our veterans don’t.
Each year during National Veterans Small Business Week (NVSBW), the Small Business Administration highlights the unique entrepreneurial spirit of veterans, service members, National Guard members, Reservists and military spouses. This year’s theme, “Strengthening #VetBiz Communities,” highlights the vital role veteran-owned businesses play in boosting regional economies and serving local communities.
Here in Connecticut the SBA is proud to take part in this annual celebration with two events: Veteran’s Small Business Resource Fair, Wednesday, November 6th, 9am-12:30pm, at Goodwin University, East Hartford and a hybrid Military Spouse Pathways to Business Program, Wednesday, November 13th, 8am-4:30pm at the Regional Innovation Center, New London or on ZOOM. These events showcase our Agency’s unwavering support for military small business owners. Our goal, as always, is to show our appreciation and raise awareness of the resources available to every veteran looking to start their next mission as an entrepreneur.
The road to business ownership can be challenging, especially for veterans who often lack the resources and institutional knowledge necessary to start, run, and scale a thriving business. At SBA, we’re working to help ease that burden so that military entrepreneurs can thrive without facing inordinate barriers to success.
We want every aspiring or established business owner to know: You do not need to go it alone. The SBA is ready, willing, and able to be part of your team. During NVSBW especially, we encourage entrepreneurs to explore what local assistance may be available. We have a New England Veterans Business Outreach Center that provides services tailored to military entrepreneurs and their families. We also offer several programs to help veterans secure capital, such as SBA Lender Match, 7(a) reduced fees, and the Military Reservist Economic Injury Disaster Loan (MREIDL).
In addition, your local SBA office may be able to help you pursue federal contracting, which presents a significant opportunity for veteran-owned businesses to compete for and win contracts. During NVSBW, veterans should also look into our Veteran Small Business Certification (VetCert) and SDVOSB certifications, which are vital for securing those federal contracts and the many benefits that come with them. Under this Administration, the establishment of the VetCert Program has been extremely beneficial to tens of thousands of veterans across the U.S. who have received their certifications with a significantly reduced processing time.
As we celebrate NVSBW 2024, it’s essential to recognize the invaluable contributions of veteran-owned businesses. Veterans and their families play a crucial role in building strong communities, and it’s important to recognize that no one achieves business ownership alone. Through valuable connections, support networks, and resources, veterans are empowered to succeed. The SBA is going further than ever by enhancing support for veterans, particularly in rural and underserved areas – and it is a profound honor to serve those who have served our country, this week and every week.
To learn more about the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Veterans Business Development (OVBD) and its offerings, visit sba.gov/ovbd.
