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House Small Business Committee hears calls to fix TAP, expand capital access for veteran entrepreneurs
Summary
Witnesses and lawmakers at a House Small Business Committee hearing urged better navigation of Transition Assistance Program resources, expanded capital readiness and procurement practices to help the roughly 1.6 million veteran‑owned small businesses grow and compete.
WASHINGTON — Lawmakers and veteran business leaders urged Congress on Tuesday to shore up the network of programs that helps service members become entrepreneurs, saying current systems often leave veterans without clear pathways to capital, contracts and mentoring.
Chairman Williams opened the House Small Business Committee hearing on “service to startup, empowering veteran entrepreneurs,” saying about 1,600,000 veteran‑owned small businesses represent roughly 5.3% of U.S. firms and generate nearly $1 trillion in annual receipts. He and members pressed witnesses on where federal programs fall short and what practical fixes might help veterans translate military skills into sustainable businesses.
The hearing featured four witnesses who are veterans or lead veteran‑serving organizations. Kevin Schmeagle, co‑founder and chief executive officer of 0 Mills, said veteran entrepreneurship has declined in recent decades and pointed to limited access to capital and a fragmented support ecosystem. “Our mission at 0 Mills…
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