Every year since 1963, the President of the United States has issued a proclamation announcing National Small Business Week, which recognizes the critical contributions of America¹s entrepreneurs and small business owners. More than half of Americans either own or work for a small business, and they create about two out of every three new jobs in the U.S. each year. www.navyfederal.org.

To kick off National Small Business Week, we have a special interview with Jim Salmon, the head of Business Lending at Navy Federal Credit Union.
to discuss what¹s needed to start and grow a business, and he¹ll share information about programs designed to help military veterans run a successful business. A military veteran himself, Salmon will also discuss why it¹s good business to support veteran-owned and operated businesses and how veterans have many of the skills necessary to run a successful business.

We hear a lot about helping our brave veterans, but the sad fact is that despite an improving economy, many have difficulty finding employment after leaving the military. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), young male veterans, ages 18 to 24, who served during the Gulf War II era, including those who have served at any time since September 2001, had an unemployment rate of 21.9% (more than double the national average). That¹s why in celebration of National Small Business Week (May 4-8), the not-for-profit Navy Federal Credit Union is hoping to spread the word that entrepreneurship ¬ if done right ¬ can be a rewarding career for military veterans. Navy Federal¹s membership is open to all armed forces members and their families.

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