Amy K. Bassett
Acting Regional Administrator
New England Regional Office
U.S. Small Business Administration
November 1-5, 2021, is National Veterans Small Business Week (NVSBW). During NVSBW, SBA and its extensive partner network will celebrate the strength and resiliency of the veteran business community by hosting events across the country and sharing information
about the resources available to veteran entrepreneurs.
Here are a couple of interesting facts:
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There are over 1.76 million veteran-owned businesses in the United States. Of this total, more than 337,934 were employers, and 1.42 million were non-employers.
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These businesses employ nearly four million people.
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Veteran-owned businesses generate approximately $1 trillion dollars in sales/receipts annually.
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Across New England there are 81,293 veteran-owned businesses,20,693 were employers, and 60,600 were non-employers.
It’s not that surprising that there are so many veteran-owned businesses across New England and the country. Service members, veterans, and military spouses make great entrepreneurs. The resilience, determination, and fortitude they have acquired through their
service in the military has prepared them for life as successful small business owners.
Our veterans don’t have to enter their mission of entrepreneurship alone. The SBA is here to help. Through the SBA, the military community has a partner to support them at all stages of small business ownership. No matter where they are in their entrepreneurial
journey, transition assistance, entrepreneurial training, disaster assistance, access to capital, and government contracting opportunities right in their local neighborhood.
This year, given the COVID-19 pandemic, the SBA is focused on supporting the strength and resiliency of the veteran small-business community through resources and guidance to help these businesses meet new demands and adapt to this unfamiliar environment. Now
more than ever, it’s vital for military and veteran entrepreneurs to be aware of the local resources that are available to assist them during this difficult time. It’s critical for small businesses to make strong local connections to stay afloat and continue
to thrive.
The good news is SBA and its’ resource partner network extends across the country. Veteran entrepreneurs can receive business training, counseling and mentoring at our Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOC), where they can also find out about financing options
and receive procurement guidance to help them better compete for government contracts.
The VBOC of New England serves the veteran community in all six New England states. The center is operated by the Center for Women & Enterprise and offers classes, programs, and services to those who want to start, grow or expand their businesses. You can
find out more about the New England VBOC at: https://www.cweonline.org/About-CWE/Veterans-Business-Outreach-Center.
All of SBA’s resource partners are available to help veteran owned businesses at any stage. You can find out more about SCORE, the Women’s Business Centers and the Small Business Development Centers here: Resource
Partners (sba.gov)
NVSBW is the perfect opportunity to reinforce the critical role that SBA and its stakeholders play in this mission to celebrate, strengthen, and empower our nation’s military and veteran entrepreneurs. Across New England, SBA and our resource partners will
host a variety of events during NVSBW. You can see the calendar below to find out more.
To our nation’s veterans and military community, thank you for your hard work, dedication, and the sacrifices you make. Thank you for your service.
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