SBA and VA Join Forces to Advance Entrepreneurship Opportunities for Veterans; Launch Upcoming National Veterans Small Business Week

WASHINGTON, Nov. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- SBA Administrator Linda McMahon and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie today announced a new partnership dedicated to supporting Veteran small businesses.

Administrator McMahon and Secretary Wilkie signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the two agencies to collaborate and scale a new pilot program that will offer intensive management and leadership training for Veteran entrepreneurs.  President Donald J. Trump recently showed his continued commitment to our nation's small businesses and to Veterans by donating his second-quarter salary to the SBA. These donated funds will help the SBA with develop and launch the pilot program.

"Veteran businesses owners are critically important to our nation's economy. In fact, one in 10 business owners is a Veteran, collectively employing nearly five million America workers," SBA Administrator McMahon said. "The VA and the SBA are proud to join forces to shape and scale this new management and executive leadership program specifically designed for Veteran small business owners. Our agencies' collaboration is so important as we work to ensure this pilot program is tailored to leverage the skillsets of our 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," said Secretary Wilkie.

Additionally, the two leaders used the occasion to launch the upcoming National Veterans Small Business Week, Nov. 5-9.  This year's theme is "Our Veteran Business Community," highlighting specific aspects of the Veteran business community, ranging from aspiring to current Veteran and military business owners, including organizations that provide entrepreneurial training.

"We dedicate this week in honor of the many accomplishments of Veteran, service member and military spouse small business owners nationwide.  Across the country, SBA district offices and resource partners, as well as local organizations, will be hosting numerous events to spotlight the success of our nation's 2.5 million Veteran-owned businesses. Entrepreneurship is not a solo mission. I'm proud to be a part of a network that serves the needs of our Veteran and military business owners," Administrator McMahon concluded.

For more information about National Veterans Small Business Week, including events and ways to get involved, visit www.sba.gov/vetbiz. For more information on the resources available for veteran entrepreneurs, visit www.sba.gov/veterans.

About the U.S. Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration makes the American dream of business ownership a reality. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

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Release Number: 18-66

SOURCE U.S. Small Business Administration

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