Ernst, a veteran, hailed the contributions of veterans through small businesses in Iowa and throughout the United States in a statement to the Washington Examiner.

“Veterans represent our nation’s best, and they should have access to every opportunity to pursue the American Dream of starting a business,” Ernst, the top Republican on the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, said. “As servicemembers transition to civilian life, they bring with them a wealth of knowledge and skillsets, and I’m working to ensure the resources needed to succeed in the business world are available to them.”

“During their service, they embodied the American spirit by protecting our freedoms, and now as small business owners, they shape the culture of our towns and communities,” she added. “Join me in honoring these fantastic men and women during National Veterans Small Business Week!”

A recent report from the committee found that veterans operate 1,955,191 small businesses in the U.S.

In February 2022, Ernst and Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), another Senate veteran, spearheaded the VET Act, which helped veterans transition from the military into small business and entrepreneurial roles. Earlier this year, she and Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) called for a comprehensive review of the lending process for veterans and their spouses through the SBA.

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“As a small veteran owned business in Iowa with a mission of supporting those who serve, we appreciate the support from those who are in a position to support the small businesses. As the ranking member of the Senate Small Business Committee, Senator Ernst has earned our respect for her work to assist the small businesses across Iowa and our great nation,” Ron Slagle, co-founder of Honor And Respect LLC, said.

National Veterans Small Business Week is celebrated from Nov. 11-15. The SBA commemorates the week with a series of events aimed at highlighting veteran contributions to small businesses and entrepreneurship.