Research demonstrates that Veterans are at least 45 percent more likely than those with no active-duty military experience to be self-employed and are twice as likely to succeed. As Entrepreneurs and small businesses are a big driver of our national economy, Veterans offer our country skill sets that make them uniquely well suited for success as entrepreneurs.
According to the most recent U.S. census data, nearly one in 10 small businesses are veteran-owned. These businesses generate over $1.2 trillion in receipts annually and employ nearly 5.8 million Americans. It is in the best interest of our country to tap into this incredible resource of Veterans to identify ways to help them succeed as entrepreneurs who fuel job growth and expand opportunity for all Americans.
In an effort to encourage the entrepreneurial spirit in our servicemembers, the President launched Boots to Business – an intensive entrepreneurship education program for transitioning service members to learn how to start a small business. Boots to Business is delivered by the Small Business Administration and to date has trained more than 6,000 transitioning servicemembers on how to start a business. The training also includes information regarding the network of available resources, such as access to capital.
Please help identify and honor Veteran entrepreneurs and Veteran spouses who are entrepreneurs or organizations that support Veteran entrepreneurs by nominating a Champion of Change for Veteran Entrepreneurship by midnight on June 24th. Nominees may include:
- Veterans who have started a for-profit or non-profit business.
- Veteran spouses who have started their own business.
- Organizations that support veteran entrepreneurs by providing them with skills, capital, or other necessary resources.
Click on the link below to submit your nomination (be sure to choose Veteran Entrepreneurship in the “Theme of Service” field of the nomination form).
