WASHINGTON ─ Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced that it will celebrate the 13th year of National Veterans Small Business Week (NVSBW) from Nov. 9–13, 2026. The week honors America’s 1.6 million veteran-owned small businesses and the commitment to excellence, quality, and strength that defines veteran entrepreneurship. The theme of this year’s NVSBW is “Honoring Veteran-Owned, American Made.”
“As the daughter of a veteran small business owner, I know firsthand that veterans are some of the most capable entrepreneurs and job creators in America,” said Administrator Kelly Loeffler. “Veteran entrepreneurs are problem solvers and team builders who drive innovation. They lead our nation’s critical industries, especially those that keep our defense, logistics and manufacturing infrastructure strong. Now more than ever, America needs the leadership, discipline, technical expertise, and mission focus of our veteran entrepreneurs to help build the defense industrial base and strengthen the Arsenal of Freedom. During National Veterans Small Business Week, the Trump Administration and the SBA will honor their service, recognize their successes, and strengthen the networks that offer tools for veterans, service members, and military spouses.”
Veteran-owned small businesses are vital engines of the U.S. economy, generating $1 trillion in annual sales and $179 billion in payroll, and employing approximately three million workers. These entrepreneurs, along with service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and military spouses, bring unmatched discipline, resourcefulness, and dedication to the marketplace. As President Trump and Department of War Secretary Hegseth work to restore American industrial strength and rebuild the Arsenal of Freedom, those same qualities make veteran entrepreneurs especially well positioned to help expand domestic production, reinforce critical supply chains, and support the businesses that keep America secure.
In August, the SBA and Department of War established the Smaller War Plants Commission to strengthen the defense industrial base by coordinating federal resources for small-business suppliers. Veteran-owned manufacturers, suppliers, innovators, and contractors can help expand domestic production capacity, reinforce supply chains, and develop the critical capabilities America’s warfighters need.
Throughout the week, the SBA, its resource partners, and local stakeholders will host in-person and virtual events on key topics including manufacturing, capital access, government contracting, and business development. The week will also promote targeted resources and training opportunities to support long-term success. Events are being added daily to sba.gov/nvsbw.
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About the Office of Veterans Business Development
The SBA Office of Veterans Business Development (OVBD) works through SBA’s extensive resource partner network, including 51 Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) locations throughout the nation. VBOCs are the leading partners in delivering the “Boots to Business (B2B),” “Boots to Business Reboot,” and “Military Spouse Pathway to Business” programs—entrepreneurship courses offered on military installations and in local communities. Since B2B’s inception in 2013, these programs have collectively trained and graduated nearly 260,000 service members, veterans, National Guard and Reserve members, and military spouses. OVBD’s broader resource partner network also includes Small Business Development Centers, the SCORE mentoring program, and Women’s Business Centers. For more information on the resources available for veteran entrepreneurs, visit sba.gov/veterans.
About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of entrepreneurship. As the leading voice for small businesses within the federal government, the SBA empowers job creators with the resources and support they need to start, grow, and expand their businesses or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.