The Trump administration is turning to San Antonio to increase the number of veteran-owned businesses, particularly in the wake of ending race- and gender-conscious contracting preferences. Top officials from the Small Business Administration (SBA) are working to fill the gaps in veteran-owned businesses that can complete federal contracts.

New Veterans Business Outreach Center

A new Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) has been established at St. Philip’s College in San Antonio, which will provide mentorship and support to veterans starting and growing their businesses. The center is part of the SBA’s efforts to increase the number of veteran-owned businesses that can compete for federal contracts.

The SBA plans to spend $1 million to open three satellite locations in Texas, including San Antonio, Houston, and El Paso, with more locations planned for Florida, California, and Louisiana. The goal is to support veterans in starting and growing their businesses, particularly in states with large veteran populations.

Supporting Veteran Entrepreneurs

The new VBOC in San Antonio will provide wraparound services to veterans, including business mentorship, training, and access to capital. The center will work with the Texas Veterans Commission to provide support to veterans who are transitioning to civilian careers and starting their own businesses.

Experts say that policymakers are right to worry about filling the new quotas for veteran-owned businesses, as the pool of certified veteran-owned firms is shallow. However, the launch of the new VBOC in San Antonio is seen as a smart move, given the city’s large veteran population and existing support for small businesses.

Original reporting: San Antonio Report — read the source article.