Veteran Loan Fund Surpasses $100 Million—A Defining Moment for Veteran Entrepreneurship

Veterans Economic ImpactNational Invest In Veterans Week®Public-Private PartnershipsVeteran-Owned BusinessesEconomic DevelopmentSmall Business LendingMilitary Spouse Businesse
Written By Captain Sherman Williams, U.S. Army/USA, Retired

A major milestone in veteran economic empowerment was reached this fall as the Veteran Loan Fund (VLF) announced it has surpassed $100 million in small business lending nationwide, supporting 1,350 veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs and helping create or retain more than 7,500 jobs since launching in 2021.

The announcement, led by PeopleFund, the managing member of the Veteran Loan Fund, underscores the growing national momentum behind veteran-owned businesses—and the power of coordinated public-private investment in those who served.

“This milestone is not just about capital deployed—it’s about confidence restored and opportunity unlocked,” said Angel Shuford, President of National Invest In Veterans Week®.

“When veterans and military spouses are given equitable access to capital and coaching, they don’t just build businesses—they strengthen local economies. The Veteran Loan Fund’s $100 million benchmark proves that veteran entrepreneurship is not a niche issue; it’s a national economic force.”

From Capital Gaps to National Impact

The Veteran Loan Fund brings together a nationwide network of Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and technical assistance partners to address long-standing barriers veterans face when seeking startup and growth capital. In addition to lending, veterans receive no-cost business coaching and education, regardless of whether a loan is awarded.

One example of the Fund’s impact is Sanford Sourdough Bakery in Round Rock, Texas. After being declined by traditional lenders, founders Meriann and Dave Sanford turned to PeopleFund for financing—first to open their bakery, and later to expand equipment and facilities, fueling growth and local job creation.

In October 2025, PeopleFund—supported by VLF and in partnership with the Veterans Business Outreach Center at UT Arlington and the Veteran Women’s Enterprise Center—graduated the first cohort of its Military-Connected Small Business Accelerator, further strengthening the pipeline from service to sustainable enterprise.

What Comes Next

Building on this momentum, the Veteran Loan Fund has launched its third $15 million round of funding, expected to support an additional 300 veteran-owned businesses in 2026.

As National Invest In Veterans Week® continues to elevate policies, partnerships, and platforms that drive veteran economic participation, milestones like this reinforce a clear truth: investing in veterans is not charity—it is smart economic strategy.

Learn more:

Captain Sherman Williams, U.S. Army/USA, Retired

As a combat veteran and successful entrepreneur, Captain Williams brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his work. With 25 years of distinguished military service and a deep commitment to supporting fellow veterans, Captain Williams is a passionate advocate for service members and their success.

https://www.investinveteransweek.com
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