Published: November 3, 2021
Honor National Veterans Small Business Week with Blue Star Families
Written By: JPMorgan Chase & Co. DEPLOY Fellow Brittney Aladetohun
According to the 2020 Annual Business Survey, nearly 6% of U.S businesses are Veteran-owned, and the majority are small businesses. While this makes up a notable share of the economy, Veterans still face challenges when it comes to starting new businesses — challenges like lacking a localized network of supporters due to frequent relocations and, according to Inc., low-interest loans no longer being part of the GI Bill.
In honor of National Veterans Small Business Week, which takes place annually from November 1st – 5th, we encourage you to join us in supporting Veteran-owned small businesses and raising awareness of resources available to Veteran entrepreneurs.
HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT VETERAN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESSES
Here are just a few of many ideas to inspire you to support Veterans who’ve made the bold leap to entrepreneurship, often employing fellow Veterans along the way.
- With the holidays rapidly approaching, why not cross off some gifts from your gift-giving list by shopping at Veteran-owned small businesses during National Veterans Small Business Week? You’ll avoid the rush and have one less thing to worry about when the busy-ness of the season sneaks up on you!
- Share your favorite Veteran-owned small business(es) with your circles on social media, and use the hashtag #VetBiz to bring awareness to this week of honor.
RESOURCES FOR VETERAN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS AND ASPIRING ENTREPRENEURS
Are you busy running your own business or looking to learn the fundamentals of business ownership? We’ve curated a list of resources and events tailored to you and happening throughout the U.S.:
U.S. Small Business Association (SBA) – Hosting virtual webinars now through November 5th.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Webinar: Doing Business with the VA – Learn about the resources the Small Business Liaison provides (and more) on Thursday, November 4th, at 1 PM ET.
The Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) Entrepreneurship ARSENAL – Explore an array of programs to help you along your entrepreneurship journey.
Veterans Business Center Outreach Program – Browse resources exclusively for Veterans who are interested in starting or growing a small business.
In addition to these events, chambers of commerce across the country are honoring and educating the Veteran community about topics specific to small business ownership. Be sure to check in with your local community!
Military training often gives individuals the determination, risk tolerance, and resilience they need to be successful business owners. Let’s make a special effort this week to support our Veterans!
For more information on National Veterans Small Business Week, click here.
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