2.5 million veteran-owned small businesses in U.S., employing more than 5 million people

Veteran-owned businesses are 10 percent of all U.S. businesses

Veterans are 45 percent more likely to be self-employed than nonveterans
 

(Washington, DC) – Senators James Risch (R-ID) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship, today announced Senate passage of a bipartisan resolution designating October 30-November 3, 2017 as ‘National Veterans Small Business Week.’ 

The resolution “expresses appreciation for the continued service to the United States by the veterans of the United States through small business ownership and entrepreneurship.”

“Veteran small business owners play a significant role in supporting our local communities,” said Chairman Risch.  “These men and women have served their country at home and abroad, and continue to do so by working to grow our economy as they pursue the American Dream they helped defend.  I am grateful for their commitment to our country, and as Chairman, I will continue helping our veterans succeed as they start and grow their small businesses.”

Senator Shaheen said: “Many of our veterans and their families turn to entrepreneurship after leaving military service.  Veterans are natural leaders with unique skills, and they start businesses that employ millions of Americans and strengthen our economy.  All Americans should be grateful for their selfless service and consider supporting a veteran-owned business in their community – all year long.”

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has a range of training programs and resources for veterans, members of a reserve component, active members of the Armed Forces, transitioning service members, and the spouses, dependents or survivors of veterans.

More information on National Veterans Small Business Week is available HERE.

The full text of the Risch/Shaheen ‘National Veterans Small Business Week’ resolution is available HERE.