SBA Marks 13th Veterans Small Business Week

The federal week celebrates veteran-owned businesses, with local Charleston shops highlighted as examples of the trend.

Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Military Jobs

Photograph of a quiet row of historic brick storefronts beneath a live oak canopy in a coastal Southern downtown, recognizing veteran-owned small businesses. — The U.S. Small Business Administration marks its 13th annual National Veterans Small Business Week, Nov. 9-13, recognizing roughly 1.6 million veteran-owned firms. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you intentionally buy from veteran-owned small businesses in your area?

The U.S. Small Business Administration launches its 13th annual National Veterans Small Business Week, held Nov. 9 to Nov. 13, 2026, in celebration of Veterans Day. The 2026 theme is "Honoring Veteran-Owned, American Made," recognizing roughly 1.6 million veteran-owned small businesses.

Why it matters

The observance spotlights a large segment of the small business economy and the resources available to veterans seeking to start or grow companies. It also links national recognition to local efforts in communities across the country.

The SBA is honoring roughly 1.6 million veteran-owned small businesses during its 13th annual observance. The source does not detail how this count is calculated or how it has changed over time.

The players

U.S. Small Business Administration

The federal agency that supports small businesses and runs the annual National Veterans Small Business Week.

Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce

A regional business advocacy organization that partners with The Citadel to support veteran entrepreneurs in the Charleston area.

The details

Several storefronts in downtown Charleston, S.C., are owned by veterans, and the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce partners with The Citadel's veteran business opportunity center to help veterans find startup resources. A directory of veteran-owned businesses across the Lowcountry is also available.

Nov. 9, 2026: National Veterans Small Business Week begins.
Nov. 11, 2026: Veterans Day, which the week is held in celebration of.
Nov. 13, 2026: National Veterans Small Business Week ends.
January 2027: The Kauffman fast track program begins.

Market Landscape

The 13th annual National Veterans Small Business Week, run by the U.S. Small Business Administration, extends a yearly federal effort to recognize veteran-owned enterprises. Veteran-owned businesses are positioned as a distinct segment within the broader small business economy.

Veterans considering starting a business can access a free 10-week Kauffman fast track program beginning in January 2027. A directory of veteran-owned businesses across the Lowcountry is available for residents who want to shop or connect with local veteran entrepreneurs.

The takeaway

Veterans and supporters can use the week to locate veteran-owned businesses and explore startup resources offered through local partners. Supporting these companies directly strengthens the small business community that veterans help build.