Ernst Celebrates America’s Veteran Small Business Owners

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Chair of the Senate Small Business Committee, is leading a bipartisan resolution with 38 of her colleagues, alongside Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Illinois), recognizing the week of Nov. 9-13, 2026 as National Veterans Small Business Week.

This week honors the service of our veterans and their entrepreneurial dedication to their communities. As a veteran herself, Senator Ernst recognizes the important role veteran small business owners play in their communities and the opportunities they create for their fellow Americans. Owning a small business is just one of the many ways veterans continue to give back.

"Beyond serving our nation on the battlefield, veterans have established millions of small businesses that create jobs and make a meaningful impact on our economy. I am proud to celebrate their accomplishments this week," said Chair Ernst.

"Veteran small business owners are among the most hardworking, resilient individuals our great nation has to offer," said Sen. Duckworth. "Our heroes deserve our full support when they transition back into civilian life, including if they decide to become entrepreneurs. My Veterans Small Business Enhancement Act has helped thousands of Veteran entrepreneurs start and grow their small businesses, and Congress must keep working to honor and support the Veteran small business community."

Read the resolution here.

Background:

In 2023, Ernst's Stop Stolen Valor for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Contractors Act, which reduces fraud and stolen valor in federal contracting, was signed into law.

Earlier this year, Senator Ernst hosted her annual Entrepreneur Expo in Ames to help veteran entrepreneurs learn about federal, state, and local government contracting opportunities and federal innovation programs.

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