The House Committee on Small Business held a hearing in Washington, D.C. to address the challenges and opportunities faced by veteran entrepreneurs. The session, titled “From Service to Startup: Empowering Veteran Entrepreneurs,” was led by Chairman Roger Williams (R-TX). The committee examined how veterans transition from military service to starting their own businesses and discussed ways to improve support for these individuals.
Chairman Williams emphasized the importance of supporting veterans as they move into civilian careers. He stated, “We must honor those who have sacrificed their time, opportunities, and even their lives to protect and serve our nation. As veterans return home, searching for their new mission, they face unique challenges trying to transfer their military skills to the workplace. They are leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs—and, with the right tools, can overcome any obstacle. As a Committee, we are working to identify gaps, remove barriers, and strengthen partnerships with veteran leaders to ensure veteran entrepreneurs have access to the resources they need to succeed.”
During the hearing, Rep. Jack asked Mr. Lefebvre about his experience transitioning from military service to business ownership. Mr. Lefebvre responded that he did not initially consider entrepreneurship as an option when leaving the military: “At the time, nothing. It wasn’t an idea that I had. I, again, did not know it was in the realm of the possible. For me, offering an idea in TAP is a step forward. It is, but it has to start before then—the communication, the narrative. But the reality of taking specialized training, integration among a team, and all of the leadership experience that is built over any service member’s time. It needs to be communicated that it translates to the private sector—it does. This is a viable option, but the communication has to start far before they are about to take their first step out the door.”
Rep. Bresnahan raised questions about what more could be done through Congress and agencies like the Small Business Administration (SBA) for veterans pursuing entrepreneurship: “What are some examples that we can be doing, with the SBA and in Congress, to make sure that those veterans are seen and heard when they are going through the entrepreneurship process... Are there any specific examples that you can point out?” In response Mr. Schmiegel said: “My point was addressing the fact that small business owners ourselves don’t have access to influence the decision-making process—to help service members who are transitioning and even veterans who are in transition... We transform ourselves... If you look at other committees that are part of the House and Senate you don’t see small business owners like us creating a voice and having a seat at the table... Small business owners aren’t at TAP... aren’t generally at hiring fairs... We’re not planting the right seeds because we don’t have access.”
Mr. Alford discussed issues around capital access with Ms. Fox after she noted readiness was a greater barrier than funding: “Yes—thank you for that question—veterans are turned down at a rate about 6 percent higher than their civilian counterparts when it comes to capital.” She continued: “The issue is that veterans will not go back unlike their civilian counterparts... once they are turned down that's it.” When asked why this happens she explained: “So typically it goes back to a high-trust organization meaning once they feel that they are not able to access a resource they don’t feel as comfortable going back whereas a civilian might feel a little more comfortable just trying it again... if you look at limited networks and limited mentoring because of PCSs you look at ...they don’t have as many people ...to lean on ... And that's why we have to create transparency and connectivity so they're trying figure out their business and not system.”
The hearing highlighted ongoing efforts by lawmakers and stakeholders aimed at improving communication about entrepreneurial options for veterans earlier in their transitions from active duty as well as expanding mentoring networks.
