Good afternoon.
It is my privilege and honor to be part of the Veterans ETA 2021 conference – Capital Fueling Veteran Entrepreneurship.
Before I begin, I’d like to thank Scott Jensen and Sharon Heaton for inviting me to be here today, I’m really excited to see the collaboration between the National Veteran Small Business Coalition and sbLiftOff, which I know will lead to many incredible opportunities for our nation’s veteran small business owners.
The NVSBC, in particular, has had a longstanding, fruitful relationship with the SBA’s Office of Veterans Business Development under the leadership of Larry Stubblefield, and I look forward to deepening our partnership as we work together to help our veteran-owned small businesses start, sustain and grow.
To Sharon and the team at sbLiftOff, thank you for what you do to lift up America’s entrepreneurs.
I know that many of our Veterans Business Outreach Centers are taking part in this conference today – I’d like to acknowledge them and thank them for their dedication and commitment to our nation’s veteran entrepreneurs.
You all are our boots on the ground, and I know that you work so hard, often going the extra mile, to support our nation’s veteran entrepreneurs. 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 in Southern California, 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’m proud of my grandfather’s legacy – he was a hero who gave his life for his country in WWII and earned a Purple Heart for his service. This Memorial Day, I honor him.
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 to make America’s 30 million small businesses and innovative startups – and especially our veterans who have given so much of themselves to this country - feel like the giants they are in our economy.
Because the truth is small businesses are our economy. And veteran-owned small businesses are a driving force – generating nearly a trillion dollars in annual revenue and creating nearly 4 million jobs.
If there’s one thing I learned my entrepreneurship and from watching my dad work so hard over the years to build his business, it’s that every small business owner needs a team. The SBA is here to be an important part of that team.
Another key ingredient for a successful, sustainable small business is capital. As SBA Administrator, I have made it a top priority to increase access to capital for underserved communities, including veteran-owned small businesses.
You invested in our country. Now, it’s our turn to invest in you.
So, enjoy today’s conference and remember to reach out to your local Veterans Business Outreach Center or VBOC to find out what we can do to help you throughout your entrepreneurial journey.
Go to SBA.gov, to find out about our wide range of resources for veterans and to connect with the local SBA office or resource partner in your area.
Thank you.