U.S. Small Business Administration ‘actively working’ to create veterans resource center in Idaho

June 20, 2026 - 09:05

BOISE -- The U.S. Small Business Administration is exploring the creation of a dedicated resource center in Idaho for veterans, active-duty military members, and their spouses. This effort comes at the request of U.S. Senator Jim Risch, who sent a letter to SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler on June 9 asking for the new office.

Risch, an Idaho Republican, has pushed for a local hub that would offer tailored support for those who have served in the military. The proposed center would focus on helping veterans and military families start and grow small businesses, access capital, and navigate federal contracting opportunities.

An SBA spokesperson confirmed the agency is "actively working" on the plan, though no timeline or specific location has been announced. The office would likely be based in the Treasure Valley, given its central location and population density.

Idaho has a strong veteran population, with many former service members choosing to settle in the state after their military careers. Supporters of the center argue that a dedicated office would cut through red tape and provide hands-on assistance that national hotlines or online portals often fail to deliver.

The move aligns with broader federal efforts to boost veteran entrepreneurship. According to the SBA, veterans own about one in ten small businesses nationwide, but often face unique hurdles when seeking loans or government contracts. A local office could help bridge that gap for Idaho's veteran community, offering workshops, one-on-one counseling, and direct connections to SBA programs.