DCUC Calls on Congress to Expand Small Business Capital Access and Support Veteran Entrepreneurs

​The Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC) has sent a letter to the House Committee on Small Business urging lawmakers to modernize outdated lending laws and strengthen Small Business Administration (SBA) programs to better serve Main Street and veteran-owned businesses.

In the letter, DCUC Chief Advocacy Officer Jason Stverak applauded the Committee’s leadership on expanding access to capital. Stverak also highlighted credit unions’ critical role in supporting small businesses, particularly in military and rural communities where big banks often retreat.

DCUC’s letter provided three key recommendations to Congress: 

Pass the Veterans Member Business Loan Act (VMBLA): Bipartisan legislation that would exempt loans to veteran-owned businesses from the federal credit union lending cap, unlocking more capital for veterans at no cost to taxpayers.

Preserve SBA’s public-private lending model: Oppose proposals to expand SBA’s direct lending authority under the 7(a) program, ensuring community lenders remain central to serving entrepreneurs. 

Modernize SBA programs: Streamline application processes and reduce red tape to enable
more credit unions to participate in SBA lending and expand financing to underserved
communities.

DCUC reaffirmed its commitment to working with lawmakers to expand credit access, fuel
entrepreneurship, and honor veterans with real opportunities to succeed in business.