About the Coalition

A coalition of industry leaders, committed to providing innovative solutions and thought leadership to grow and support veteran owned businesses in communities throughout the nation.  First Data has committed to providing resources to launch the coalition with the Institute for Veterans and Military Families.

Vision

The Coalition will provide economic opportunity to veterans, their families and the communities in which they live by offering leadership and a national platform to support military spouse and veteran-owned businesses, entrepreneurs, and suppliers

Founding Members

American Express, BP America, Enterprise Holdings, Inc., First Data, FleishmanHillard, IVMF, KKR, Lockheed Martin Corporation, SunTrust Banks, Inc., USAA, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Verizon Communications Inc., Walmart and Sam’s Club, Walt Disney Company

Veteran Business Profile

  • Of the more than 27 million Small Businesses in the U.S., more than 2.5 million (9 percent) are veteran owned (SBA)
  • Veteran owned businesses generate more than $1.2 trillion in sales per year (SBA)
  • Veteran businesses employ more than 5.8 million people in the U.S.(SBA)

Coalition Goals

  • Increase opportunities for veteran and spouse businesses within corporate supply chains
    –  Increase % of spend, % of vendor, and access to opportunities and information
    –  Find gaps in veteran and spouse vendor supply chain
  • Increase opportunities for veteran and spouse businesses in the public marketplace
    –  Drive awareness and commerce
    –  Increase loyalty of customers
  • Increase employment of veterans and spouses
  • Increase awareness of and opportunities for access to capital by veteran and spouse businesses