In the U.S., over 13 percent (3.6 million) of all small businesses are owned by veterans. These businesses employ 8.2 million people. In sum, they contribute $1.6 trillion to the economy.
For those readers new to the small business arena, veteran business owners offer a unique blend of value-based management with a high degree of technical skills. These skills are often sought out by the government, especially when it comes to the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Who better to provide services and material for vets than veteran owned businesses?
The President is on board, not only with contracting to veteran owned businesses, but he is also supporting additional focused employment efforts. The President hopes to encourage the private sector to hire or train 100,000 veterans and veteran spouses by the end of 2013. By encouraging entrepreneurship within the veteran community, he hopes to more fully accomplish this goal.
Personally, I am going to the conference to meet with various leaders within the Department of Veterans Affairs to help improve Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment.
Next week, thousands of veterans who own small businesses will be attending the National Veterans Small Business Conference and Expo in New Orleans. Veterans considering entrepreneurship versus a traditional job should consider coming down if they're in the New Orleans area. There will be over 400 booths with information for veteran entrepreneurs looking to team up with various government entities.
In my mind, it’s better for veterans to be involved in this way than not. For more information on the National Veteran Business Conference and what I’m hoping to accomplish with Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment go to my blog, or check with the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Businesses Office of the VA for other specifics.
It’s important for us, as veterans, to use our business sense and dedication to improve this country of ours, from the economy up. I look forward to seeing you there.
