It is my privilege and honor to kick off SBA’s entrepreneur summit for military spouses located outside the continental United States.
Before I begin, I’d like to thank the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes for partnering with the SBA on this important event, and for all the federal agencies, military and veteran service organizations and resource partners that have come together to make this day a success.
And to our honored guests, the partners that stand and serve alongside our men and women uniform, I’d like to recognize your dedication and commitment to our nation’s Armed Forces … the constant sacrifices that come with multiple deployments … the added pressure of saying goodbye to your loved one for extended periods of time … all that you do to raise and support your families while balancing the many demands of military life.
Our nation’s military stands on your shoulders and, for that, we owe you an unending debt of gratitude.
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Today, we’re here to introduce you to the vast array of resources and services available through the Hiring our Heroes and SBA’s extensive resource partner network in the U.S. and overseas … all designed to help you pursue a path to entrepreneurship as you build a better future for your military family.
I understand on a personal level how small businesses change lives. I’ve spent most of my life in the entrepreneurial space. I grew up in a small business family. My father, who founded a chain of veterinary hospitals, received his higher education because of the GI Bill. I received my higher education because of his entrepreneurship. I went on to start, advise, and advocate on behalf of small businesses and startups.
I know the grit, determination and resilience it takes to start, grow and sustain a small business. That’s why it’s my honor to serve as SBA Administrator is to make America’s 30 million small businesses and innovative startups feel like the giants they are in our economy.
Because the truth is small businesses are our economy. They create 2/3 of net new jobs, employ nearly half of the private workforce and produce over 40% of the nation’s GDP. But more than that, small businesses build wealth for families and communities … creating access to the American dream.
The SBA is here to help you achieve your American dream. From the technical assistance provided by the Office of Veterans Business Development and its resource partner network, and the trainings available through the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans’ Families, to the opportunities found through the Boots to Business and Boots to Business Reboot program, we can help you navigate the unique challenges of military life to be successful in every stage of your entrepreneurial journey.
Today, I hope you will engage with our resource partners to learn how they can help you – whether you’re just developing your business model or looking for ways to expand and grow. I hope you will connect with one of our many networking groups to share best practices and workshop new ideas. And I hope you will find tips on plugging into the supply chain, procurement opportunity, or source of capital that is right for you.
Thank you, for being here today, and for all that you do for our nation. The SBA stands with you as you build a better tomorrow for your military family. We’re here to serve you – as you serve our nation.