What This Means for You
- Recognition: The SBA named eight educators and professionals as 2025 Boots to Business Instructors of the Year for supporting veterans and military families pursuing business ownership.
- Program Enforcement: The agency began termination proceedings against 154 Washington, D.C.-based firms in the 8(a) Business Development Program for exceeding financial eligibility limits.
- Next Steps: The firms will be suspended for at least 30 days pending final termination decisions; the instructor awards ceremony will be held virtually February 19.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Veterans pursuing small business ownership will see continued federal support through entrepreneurship training, while dozens of firms face possible removal from a key federal contracting program following an eligibility review by the U.S. Small Business Administration.
The SBA announced February 10 the winners of its 2025 Boots to Business Instructor of the Year awards, recognizing educators and professionals who provide entrepreneurship training to service members, veterans, and military spouses.
The Boots to Business program, part of the Department of War’s Transition Assistance Program, offers introductory business education courses to members of the military community as they transition to civilian life. The courses are designed to help participants evaluate business ownership and build foundational small business skills…