# Service-Disabled Veteran Opportunities in Small Business Act

This bill is designed to help veterans with service-connected disabilities start and grow their own businesses by giving them special advantages when competing for government contracts. Right now, the federal government spends billions of dollars buying goods and services from private companies. This bill sets aside a portion of those contracts specifically for small businesses owned by service-disabled veterans, meaning these veterans would get priority access to certain government work.

The practical effect is that a veteran who became disabled while serving in the military—whether from a combat injury, illness, or accident—could more easily win federal contracts to supply products or services to government agencies. For example, a veteran with a service-connected disability who starts a construction company or IT consulting firm would have a better chance of landing contracts with the Department of Defense, Veterans Affairs, or other federal agencies. This gives disabled veterans a leg up in the competitive bidding process, similar to how some contracts are already reserved for women-owned or minority-owned businesses.

The bill essentially recognizes that service-disabled veterans face unique challenges in starting businesses after leaving the military, and it uses the government's purchasing power to create economic opportunities for them. By guaranteeing access to a portion of federal contracts, the legislation aims to help these veterans build successful companies, create jobs, and achieve financial independence. This benefits not just the veterans themselves, but also strengthens the economy by supporting small business growth and ensuring that government money supports those who sacrificed for their country.

Service-Disabled Veteran Opportunities in Small Business Act

Ernst, Joni

Service-Disabled Veteran Opportunities in Small Business Act This bill requires the Small Business Administration to provide training to relevant employees at any federal agency that awards in a fiscal year less than 3% of its prime contracts and subcontracts to small businesses owned by service-disabled veterans.