Van Hollen, Alsobrooks Highlight $2 Million in Federal Funding to Support Veteran-Owned Small Businesses

U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (both D-Md.) joined the Veteran Institute for Procurement (VIP) at their annual INTERNATIONAL training program to present the organization and leaders from the Montgomery County Chamber Community Foundation (MCCCF) with a $2,000,000 federal investment to expand VIP and provide more resources to veteran-owned small businesses in Maryland and across the country. The Senators fought to secure this investment in Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations.

"We can never fully repay our veterans for their sacrifice in serving our country. But we have a duty to support them when they return home - and that includes ensuring they have every opportunity to succeed. That's why we fought to secure this $2 million in federal funds to build on our investments over the years and continue expanding the Veteran Institute for Procurement's small-business and workforce training programs. I've been proud to partner with VIP to support their critical work over the years, and with these funds, the Montgomery County Chamber Community Foundation and VIP will continue to support veteran entrepreneurs and help veteran-owned small businesses continue to grow," said U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

"We have an obligation to do more than say thank you to those who served our country. We must ensure veterans have the health care they need, housing that is affordable and safe, and opportunities to generate wealth and truly thrive. I am proud to have partnered with Senator Van Hollen to secure $2 million to support veteran-owned businesses and veteran entrepreneurs. Small businesses are the backbone of Maryland and our nation. Veteran-owned small businesses help fuel our economy while supporting those who served," said Senator Angela Alsobrooks.

VIP delivers training programs that support small businesses owned by veterans - including those with service-connected disabilities - and help them secure federal small business contracts, pursue entrepreneurship, and invest in their workforces. It has served more than 3,600 veteran-owned businesses across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and American Samoa. VIP graduates have secured over $50 billion in prime federal contracts and $15 billion in subcontract awards to date.

"Veteran-owned small businesses in Maryland play a vital role in creating jobs and strengthening communities, while also contributing to the national economy," said Barbara Ashe, National Director of the Veteran Institute for Procurement and President of the Montgomery County Chamber Community Foundation. "With the support of Senators Van Hollen and Alsobrooks, this funding enables us to help more Veteran entrepreneurs build sustainable companies that fuel economic growth locally and well beyond our state."

Senator Van Hollen has a long history of supporting VIP, including supporting the organization's national expansion in 2011, securing $2 million in Congressionally Directed Spending in FY 2023, and supporting investments from the Small Business Administration to VIP.