Sioux City Times

U.S. Senator Joni Ernst, who chairs the Senate Committee on Small Businesses and Entrepreneurship, is leading a bipartisan effort with 62 other senators to designate November 3-7, 2025, as National Veterans Small Business Week.

Senator Ernst has a background as a combat veteran and has been active in advocating for veterans’ access to business resources following their military service.

“Ensuring veterans have every opportunity to pursue the American Dream is personal to me. They fiercely protected our freedoms during their service and, now as civilians, exemplify the American entrepreneurial spirit. During National Veterans Small Business Week, join me in celebrating these men and women who have served their country and now their communities,” said Chair Ernst.

Ranking Member Ed Markey of Massachusetts highlighted the contribution of over 24,000 veteran-owned small businesses in his state. He stated: “In Massachusetts, over 24,000 veteran-owned small businesses make our Main Streets thrive. Through their tenacity, their discipline, and the leadership skills they learned through military service, veterans are uniquely capable of entrepreneurial and small business success. As Ranking Member of the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, I will continue to work with my colleagues to support veteran small business owners and ensure our veterans have every tool and resource they need to grow their businesses, create jobs, and enrich our communities.”

Senator Ernst has previously worked to improve programs within the Small Business Administration aimed at supporting veteran entrepreneurs. She has called for expanded financial literacy education for veterans, reservists, and spouses as well as greater access to capital.

Legislation sponsored by Senator Ernst—known as the Stop Stolen Valor for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Contractors Act—has become law. This measure addresses fraud in federal contracting related to claims of service-disabled veteran status.

Earlier this year in Ames, Iowa, Senator Ernst organized an Entrepreneur Expo intended to connect veteran entrepreneurs with information about government contracting opportunities at various levels as well as federal innovation programs.