As we approach Veterans Day, it is important to remember veterans and their families continue to serve our nation by employing more than 5 million workers to generate $1.3 trillion in total sales through veteran-owned small businesses.

No matter what era they served, members of the broader uniformed services community have one thing in common: They are uniquely qualified for entrepreneurial success. Veterans, currently serving members (including those in the National Guard and Reserve), and their spouses are hardworking, resourceful, and dedicated team players, and they are no strangers to rolling up their sleeves to accomplish the mission. 

[RELATED: MOAA's Transition and Career Center]

To celebrate and encourage military and veteran business owners, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has designated Nov. 11-15 as National Veterans Small Business Week (NVSBW). The goal of the annual campaign, established in 2013, is to raise awareness of the contributions veterans and their families provide to the local economy, encourage communities to support veteran- and military-owned businesses, and offer resources for veteran and military spouse owners to expand and grow their business ventures.

You can find more on NVSBW events, programs, and activities – to include resource fairs, loan program information sessions, and much more – at sba.gov/NVSBW.

How MOAA Can Help

Like the SBA, MOAA is dedicated to empowering transitioning servicemembers past and present, their spouses, and their family members through every stage of their career, life, and entrepreneurship journey.

To that end, MOAA will host hosting a special Nov. 12 webinar event to educate and empower you to pursue your entrepreneurial dreams.

Have you ever: 

• Dreamed of owning your business?
• Wondered whether you have what it takes to start a business?
• Wanted to turn your hobby into your "jobby"?
• Thought you wouldn’t (or feel you don't) fit into corporate life, and want a new professional path?
• Daydreamed about going out on your own, but don’t know how (or are afraid to)?

If you answered "yes" to any of the above, then join Capt. Laura Hatcher, USN (Ret), as she shares her transition journey to becoming a successful small business owner.  There are nearly 2 million veteran-owned businesses in the U.S., according to the most recent census data – let MOAA help you turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality!