Joel Libava
As National Veterans Small Business Week (NVSBW) approaches, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), led by Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman, is gearing up for a series of events from November 11-15, 2024.
This annual celebration highlights the entrepreneurial spirit of our military veterans, service members, and military families who significantly contribute to the small business landscape across the nation.
Empowering Veteran Entrepreneurs: National Veterans Small Business Week
Under the leadership of Administrator Guzman, the SBA is committed to supporting veteran-owned businesses, especially in rural and underserved areas. This dedication aligns with the broader goals of the Biden-Harris Administration to expand resources and opportunities for veterans. Press Release
Guzman emphasizes the importance of this week in recognizing the invaluable contributions of military veterans who have transitioned from military to civilian life, often becoming the backbone of local economies.
Events and Opportunities, November 11-15
Throughout National Veterans Small Business Week 2024, a variety of virtual and in-person events will take place nationwide, focusing on essential topics such as military-to-civilian transition assistance, entrepreneurial training, and access to capital. These events provide veterans with the tools and knowledge necessary to thrive in the business world.
Among the highlights are two national webinars.
The first, “Are You Lender Ready? For the Military Community,” scheduled for November 13 at 1 p.m. ET, is a two-hour session designed to assist veteran entrepreneurs in crafting strong business loan applications.
Next, the second webinar, “Certification Advantage for the Military Community,” on November 14 at 1 p.m. ET, will explore how federal contracting certifications can drive business growth and enhance competitiveness in securing government contracts.
Recognizing Excellence in Entrepreneurship Education
A significant part of this year’s National Veterans Small Business Week is acknowledging the exceptional contributions of five instructors in the Boots to Business program. These instructors have shown outstanding dedication to teaching entrepreneurship at military installations and local communities:
- Todd Bennett: 2024 Institute for Veterans and Military Families Boots to Business Instructor of the Year, based in South Korea.
- Manzel McGhee: 2024 SBDC Boots to Business Instructor of the Year, Abilene, Texas.
- Mitchell Fitzpatrick: 2024 VBOC Boots to Business Instructor of the Year, St. Louis VetBiz Veterans Business Outreach Center.
- David Terrell: 2024 SCORE Boots to Business Instructor of the Year, Southern Arizona SCORE.
- Eric Phillips: 2024 SBA Boots to Business Instructor of the Year, SBA Colorado District Office.
These honorees will be celebrated in a virtual ceremony on November 21 at 1 p.m. ET, recognizing their pivotal role in fostering the next generation of veteran entrepreneurs.
With those things in mind, I encourage you to join the SBA in celebrating and supporting our military veterans during National Veterans Small Business Week as they continue to strengthen America’s economy. For more details, visit the SBA’s website to access the full calendar of events and registration links.
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