Small Business Administration (SBA) and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) officials said the agencies have partnered to enhance veteran entrepreneurial pursuits.
Officials said a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) had been established as a means of scaling a pilot program offering intensive management and leadership training for Veteran entrepreneurs.
“Veteran businesses owners are critically important to our nation’s economy,” SBA Administrator Linda McMahon said. “In fact, one in 10 business owners is a Veteran, collectively employing nearly five million American workers. The VA and the SBA are proud to join forces to shape and scale this new management and executive leadership program designed explicitly for Veteran small business owners.
McMahon said the collaboration is essential to ensure the program is tailored to leverage the skill sets of veterans and provide them with the resources they need to take their companies to the next level.
“By signing this MOU between the VA and the SBA, we are committing two federal agencies to advance, improve, and expand opportunities for transitioning Service members and Veterans to own their own businesses,” Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie said.
National Veterans Small Business Week, which is designated Nov. 5-9, highlights specific aspects of the veteran business community, ranging from aspiring to current Veteran and military business owners, including organizations that provide entrepreneurial training.