The U.S. Small Business Administration's 13th annual National Veterans Small Business Week began Monday, Nov. 9 and runs through Nov. 13 under the theme "Honoring Veteran-Owned, American Made," recognizing roughly 1.6 million veteran-owned small businesses. Live 5 News reported from downtown Charleston, where Oliver Pluff & Company Tea Shop is owned by Darren Hartford, a 28-year veteran and former Air Force pilot.
Why this matters here
Charleston's military roots mean a large share of local storefronts are run by veterans, and this is the one week a year that gets national attention. It is a free hook for a promotion, a window sign or a social post, and the Charleston Metro Chamber is pointing veterans toward The Citadel's veteran business opportunity center and a free 10-week Kauffman fast track program starting in January.
First reported by live5news.com.
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