There are more than 2.2 million female veterans living in America, according to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Those with entrepreneurial aspirations might now have an easier time getting their ideas off the ground thanks to a $3 million grant from the Small Business Association.
The money will be given to the Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University, where it will be used to develop educational training programs for military veterans hoping to start their own businesses.
“Veterans are a cornerstone of small business ownership,” SBA Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet said in a press release. “We owe them a debt of gratitude for their service. Veterans have the skills to adapt to many challenges and the leadership and discipline required to own and operate a small business.”
She added: “The SBA is committed to supporting our veterans as they transition back to civilian life and pursue the American Dream by starting businesses when they come home.”
It is estimated that over 250,000 women and men serve in the military each year. Those who have since gone on to become entrepreneurs have successfully founded 2.45 million businesses, or nine percent of all small businesses in the country. And in all, they employ more than five million people.
In addition to the support offered to veterans of both genders by the SBA through ITS local district offices, Veteran Business Outreach Centers and partnerships with other organizations, the agency also specifically focus on female veteran entrepreneurs through Veteran Women Igniting The Spirit of Entrepreneurship, or V-WISE.
We wish these brave women and men the best with their entrepreneurial goals.
At The Story Exchange, we have featured several women business owners who previously served in the military. If you are a veteran who now runs her own business, please tell us about your work for our 1,000 Stories initiative!
Related: Dawn Halfaker: Halfaker and Associates– Overcoming a Combat Injury & Helping Veterans with their Transition from Service
Related: Charlotte Carroll: Charlotte’s Angels – Disabled Veteran Helps the Disadvantaged