In a heartfelt Op-Ed featured in Stars and Stripes, Congressman Roger Williams (R-TX) and Congressman Jake Ellzey (R-TX) emphasize the critical role that veteran-owned small businesses play in the American economy. As Veterans Day approaches, their message underscores how these entrepreneurs transition from military service to fostering economic growth on Main Street.
Veteran-owned businesses represent a formidable segment of the small business landscape—over 1.6 million strong, employing more than three million Americans and generating nearly $1 trillion in economic activity. These figures reflect not just economic success but a continuation of service, illustrating how the skills and values honed in military life translate into business acumen.
“America’s veterans don’t stop serving when they come home; they find a new mission. For many, that mission is on Main Street,” Williams stated. This narrative showcases a community of disciplined, precise, and purpose-driven entrepreneurs. They unlock their doors early and are often the last to leave, motivated not only by profit but also by a commitment to enhance their communities.
Real-world examples abound. A veteran who learned logistics in combat now runs a successful trucking business, while a former Marine leads a team of electricians, and an Air Force mechanic operates a local repair shop. Such businesses do more than provide jobs; they anchor communities, instill confidence in local economies, and create pathways for fellow veterans and community members to thrive.
The lawmakers cautioned, however, that recent political standoffs, such as the Democrat Shutdown, have hindered the progress of veteran entrepreneurs. They noted that these stalemates led to frozen U.S. Small Business Administration programs, thus stalling loan guarantees and cutting off vital contracting pathways. Veteran-owned businesses lost access to capital, further complicating their growth and sustainability.
“Veterans shouldn’t have to watch their own government stand in the way of their success,” Congressman Ellzey remarked, highlighting the urgency for policymakers to support these entrepreneurs. When critical business resources are delayed, it is not just bureaucrats who are affected; it is the small business owners waiting for loans, the contractors ready to hire, and the veterans counting on opportunities that evaporate.
The congressmen stressed the intrinsic link between economic strength and national security. In today’s competitive landscape, reliance on foreign markets is risky. Veterans are particularly well-suited to navigate these challenges, armed with adaptive problem-solving skills and resilience developed during their military service.
To foster this entrepreneurial spirit, Williams and Ellzey advocate for reducing bureaucratic hurdles, expanding access to capital, and protecting vital programs like Boots to Business, which equips veterans with the tools needed to transform their experiences into business successes.
The call to action is clear: “If we want America to stay strong, we must keep Main Street strong,” said Williams. Supporting veterans in their business endeavors is not just a moral imperative; it’s a strategic necessity for the nation’s economic health.
This Veterans Day serves as an important reminder. Gratitude must extend beyond words; it must manifest in tangible support for our veterans—removing barriers to opportunity that align with their ambitions.
Veterans leading the charge on Main Street represent a potent front of American resilience. Their contributions underscore the idea that when veterans succeed, the entire nation stands to benefit. For small business owners and policymakers alike, this is not just an inspiring narrative; it is a call to action to invest in the future by supporting those who have already given so much.
For more details, visit the original op-ed here.
Image Via BizSugar
