Chairman Williams: “From Service to Startup: Empowering Veteran Entrepreneurs”

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the House Committee on Small Business is holding a hearing titled "From Service to Startup: Empowering Veteran Entrepreneurs."

Chairman Roger Williams' opening statement as prepared for delivery:

Welcome to today's hearing, "From Service to Startup: Empowering Veteran Entrepreneurs."

I want to thank our witnesses for joining us today. And to our veteran witnesses and Committee Members, thank you for your service.

In the United States, we believe in taking care of our veterans and their families with real opportunities that honor their service.

Today, there are about 1.6 million veteran-owned small businesses across the nation, which represent 5.3 percent of all U.S. businesses. They generate more than $900 billion in revenue and employ over 3.2 million Americans.

Our service members have been willing to sacrifice their time, opportunities, and even their very lives for our nation. Yet when they return to civilian life, many feel they are playing catch-up.

While veterans were serving their country, their peers were going to school, gaining skills in apprenticeships, and expanding their professional experience.

When returning from their life of service, veterans must navigate transferring their military skills to the workplace. Unlike their civilian peers, veterans often lack the credit history to access the capital they need to start a small business. And when they leave the military, they lose the built-in support network and mission that shaped their daily lives-forcing them to rebuild community and connections from the ground up.

Simply put, when returning to civilian life, veterans are searching for their new mission. Veterans and their families are some of the most capable, resilient, and driven people in this country.

They are innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders. With the right tools and opportunities, they can overcome any obstacle or setback.

Over the years, a variety of programs have been established to support our veterans. The Department of Defense's Transition Assistance Program, or tap, and the SBA's Boots to Business program play an essential role in that mission.

Boots to Business helps returning service members find their next mission as entrepreneurs by teaching them how to start and grow a business. I am proud that this Committee led the way in the FY25 NDAA to make Boots to Business a permanent resource for our veterans.

Like you'll hear from our witnesses today, veteran leaders in the private sector continue to step up in ways government simply cannot-offering peer mentorship, business guidance, and connections that make all the difference. Their contributions demonstrate that veteran entrepreneurs thrive when they have access to structured training, strong peer networks, and pathways to capital.

As a Committee, we have an important role in identifying gaps, demanding accountability, and ensuring federal programs deliver results for veteran entrepreneurs.

By reinforcing the partnership between the federal government, the veteran community, and the private sector, we can continue removing barriers and opening doors for every veteran entrepreneur seeking their next mission.

Thank you all again for joining us today. I look forward to the conversation ahead.

I now recognize the distinguished Ranking Member for her opening remarks.

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