Each year during National Veterans Small Business Week (NVSBW), the Small Business Administration highlights the unique entrepreneurial spirit of veterans, service members, National Guard members, Reservists and military spouses.

Here in Anchorage, Alaska the SBA is proud to take part in this annual celebration with a series of in-person and virtual events hosted by our SBA Resource Partner – Veteran Business Outreach Center.  This year Operation Entrepreneur will offer free daily webcasts with presentations from leading experts in military-connected small businesses, opportunities for in-person training, networking, and resource sharing.  Event details.

Based on information from the United States Census Bureau, Alaska is the proud home of over 60,000 veterans and their families. Our nation’s heroes and their families make for some of the best entrepreneurs, with an innate sense of grit and determination that set them apart.

The road to business ownership can be challenging.  At SBA, we’re working to help with the challenge, so that military entrepreneurs can thrive without facing inordinate barriers to success.  During NVSBW especially, we encourage entrepreneurs to explore what local assistance may be available. We have Veterans Business Outreach Center located in that provide services tailored to military entrepreneurs and their families. We also offer several programs to help veterans secure capital, such as SBA Lender Match, 7(a) reduced fees, and the Military Reservist Economic Injury Disaster Loan (MREIDL).

In addition, your local SBA office may be able to help you pursue federal contracting, which presents a significant opportunity for veteran-owned businesses to compete for and win contracts.  Veterans should also look into our Veteran Small Business Certification (VetCert) and SDVOSB certifications, which are vital for securing those federal contracts and the many benefits that come with them.

As we celebrate NVSBW 2024, it's essential to recognize the invaluable contributions of veteran-owned businesses. Veterans and their families play a crucial role in building strong communities, and it's important to recognize that no one achieves business ownership alone. Through valuable connections, support networks, and resources, veterans are empowered to succeed. The SBA is going further than ever by enhancing support for veterans, particularly in rural and underserved areas – and it is a profound honor to serve those who have served our country, this week and every week.

To learn more about the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Veterans Business Development (OVBD) and its offerings, visit sba.gov/ovbd.