SBA Sets National Veterans Small Business Week for Nov. 9-13, Spotlighting Veteran-Owned, American-Made Businesses
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will celebrate the 13th annual National Veterans Small Business Week (NVSBW) from November 9 to 13, under the theme “Honoring Veteran-Owned, American Made.” In an official blog post on October 23, the SBA said the week will recognize veteran entrepreneurs across industries, especially manufacturing, technology and the supply chains that keep America strong. The week is led by the agency's Office of Veterans Business Development (OVBD).
According to the SBA, America's more than 1.8 million veteran-owned small businesses generate $1.3 trillion in annual sales, contribute $258 billion in payroll and employ approximately four million workers. “Veteran entrepreneurs are problem solvers and team builders who drive innovation,” SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler said in announcing the week, adding that veteran business owners play a leading role in critical industries including defense, logistics and manufacturing.
This year's theme centers on manufacturing. The SBA noted that small manufacturers account for 98 percent of all manufacturing firms in the United States and play a central role in producing the goods, technologies and components that strengthen domestic supply chains. Veteran entrepreneurs, the agency said, are at the forefront of that shift, applying skills mastered in uniform — operating complex equipment, navigating supply chains and leading teams — to commercial production, engineering, logistics and technology. Veteran-owned manufacturers, suppliers, technology firms and contractors can also help expand the defense industrial base.
On support programs, the SBA and the Department of War established the Smaller War Plants Commission in August to coordinate federal resources for small-business suppliers; small businesses comprise more than 70 percent of the defense industrial base. The commission prioritizes defense-critical areas including munitions and components, drones and one-way attack systems, microelectronics, strategic and critical minerals, shipbuilding and repair components, sensors, batteries, castings and forgings, and textiles. For capital, eligible firms can use the Made in America Loan Guarantee, which provides a 90 percent federal guarantee through the International Trade Loan Program to support reshoring, equipment modernization, inventory, acquisitions and domestic capacity expansion. The SBA has also launched Manufacturers' Access to Revolving Credit (MARC), its first loan program dedicated to expanding working-capital access for small manufacturers.
During the week, the SBA and its partner network will host events, workshops and networking opportunities nationwide for veterans, service members, National Guard and Reserve members and military spouses, covering transition assistance, business planning and government contracting resources, under the hashtag #NVSBW26. Kevin Barber, the OVBD's Assistant Administrator, is responsible for advancing the SBA's work for veteran-owned businesses.
Source: GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：美国小企业局（SBA）退伍军人企业发展办公室助理局长 Kevin Barber 官方肖像（该办公室牵头全国退伍军人小企业周）。照片：美国小企业局，公共领域。 / Photo: Kevin Barber, Assistant Administrator of the SBA Office of Veterans Business Development, which leads National Veterans Small Business Week. Photo: U.S. Small Business Administration, public domain.
