Did you know, it was just three years ago, when we celebrated the first National Veterans Small Business Week, November 3-7, 2014. On November 7, as part of the first National Veterans Small Business Week, then First Lady Michelle Obama appeared on a special episode of ABC’s Emmy Award-winning “Shark Tank,” featuring veteran entrepreneurs and their business ideas. The Big Idea concepts has continued each year on a smaller scale, but still supporting Veteran entrepreneurship.

This year, we are celebrating National Veterans Small Week, Oct. 30 through Nov. 3, 2017.  The U.S. Small Business Administration's theme "Moments that Matter" has taken form as local, regional and national programs gear-up to honor, support and celebrate Veteran entrepreneurs. Click here to find and Register for a MyVetBiz event near you.

In the post below issed by the SBA, they outline this year's strategy, their commitment to Veteran entrepreneurs and opportunities to connect in your area.  Connecting You Is What We Do: Get Connected! Take advantage of these unique opportunities to recognize and support veteran owned businesses.

SBA Celebrates National Veterans Small Business Week 2017 Oct. 30 through Nov. 3

Release Date: 

Thursday, October 26, 2017

Release Number: 17-66

Contact: Carol Chastang (202) 205-6987

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Small Business Administration will celebrate veteran, service member, National Guard and Reserve members, and military spouse entrepreneurs during National Veterans Small Business Week, Oct. 30-Nov. 3.

“Veteran-owned businesses are a critical pillar of the U.S. economy as they contribute more than $1.14 trillion to the nation’s annual total sales and receipts,” SBA Administrator Linda McMahon said. “Through entrepreneurship and business ownership, these veterans continue their service by not only contributing to the economy, but also by creating economic opportunities for other Americans. The moments that matter for veteran entrepreneurs matter to us as well, and SBA is proud to celebrate, honor, and support them.”

Throughout the week, SBA district offices, resource partners, and local communities across the U.S. will host local and virtual events focused on access to capital, federal and commercial procurement opportunities, and entrepreneurial training. From Boots to Business and Boots to Business Reboot courses to webinars and workshops, there will be various opportunities to participate in NVSBW 2017.

On Nov. 2 at 3 p.m. EDT, SBA will host a Twitter chat, “Business Tips for Veteran Entrepreneurs.” Tune in to the conversation by using the hashtag #MyVetBiz.

“From officially opening a business to making a revenue goal, there are so many moments that matter during a veteran’s entrepreneurship journey,” said Barb Carson, Associate Administrator for SBA’s Office of Veterans Business Development. “This year’s NVSBW is such an exciting opportunity for SBA to celebrate these moments that matter while highlighting the ways SBA is here to support each incredible journey.”

NVSBW 2017 will also feature two events in Houston and Miami, respectively, focused on disaster assistance for local veteran-owned small businesses affected by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. At these events, SBA will connect VOSBs with local resources and share information on SBA’s disaster assistance program to help these companies rebuild, and develop a business continuity plan.

SBA encourages veterans, service members, Reserve and National Guard members, and military spouses to share the moments that matter during their journey in business ownership using #MyVetBiz, joining SBA and local stakeholders in the ongoing online conversation.

For more information about NVSBW, including events and ways to get involved, visit www.sba.gov/myvetbiz. For more information on the resources available for veteran entrepreneurs, visit www.sba.gov/ovbd.