Whereas the Armed Forces of the United States train individuals with the skills, discipline, and leadership necessary to establish and operate a successful business; Whereas there are over 1,700,000 veteran-owned small businesses in the United States, employing over 2,900,000 individuals; Whereas veteran-owned small businesses make up nearly 5 percent of all businesses in the United States; Whereas veteran-owned small businesses account for more than $800,000,000,000 in total receipts every year; Whereas there are over 160,000 women veteran-owned small businesses in the United States, employing over 119,000 individuals; Whereas the Small Business Administration hosts events honoring National Veterans Small Business Week from October 30 through November 4, 2023; Whereas the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship of the Senate celebrates National Veterans Small Business Week during the week of October 30 through November 4, 2023; and Whereas the week of October 30 through November 4, 2023, would be an appropriate time to celebrate National Veterans Small Business Week: Now, therefore, be it

That the Senate— (1) recognizes the week of October 30 through November 4, 2023, as National Veterans Small Business Week ; (2) supports the goals and ideals of National Veterans Small Business Week; (3) recognizes the importance of creating policies that promote a business-friendly environment for small business owners that is free of unnecessary and burdensome regulations and red tape; and (4) expresses appreciation for the continued service to the United States by the veterans of the United States through small business ownership and entrepreneurship.