The U.S. Small Business Administration
Since 1953, the U.S. Small Business Administration has helped Veterans start, manage and grow
small businesses. Today, we provide specific programs for Veterans, Service-Disabled Veterans, and
Reserve and National Guard Members, and we offer a full range of entrepreneurial support programs
to every American, including Veterans. Our job is to help you successfully transition from
world’s finest warrior to world’s finest small business owner.
On August 17, 1999, Congress passed
Public Law 106-50, The Veterans Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development Act of
1999. PL 106-50 isthe most important entrepreneurial legislation for Veterans since the
original 1944 G.I. Bill. This law established the SBA Office of Veterans Business Development,
under the guidance and direction of the
Associate Administrator for Veterans Business Development, to conduct outreach, be the
source of policy and program development for the government, and to act as an Ombudsman for
veterans within the Administration.
In addition, this law created the National Veterans Business Development Corporation, set
goals for federal procurement for Service-Disabled Veterans and Veterans, established the Military
Reservists Economic Injury Disaster Loan, initiated new research into the success of Veterans in
Small Business, and brought focus to Veterans in the full range of SBA Capital, Entrepreneurial,
and Government Contracting programs.
SBA has established Veterans Business Outreach Centers,
special loans and Surety Bonding programs for Veterans and Reservists, government procurement
programs for Veterans, Veterans Business Development Officers in every District Office, and special
outreach, counseling and training at more than 1,500 Business Development Centers.
