05-05-2025
Texas helps veteran-owned businesses, which contribute $1.18 billion to state's economy
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Veteran-owned businesses contribute $1.18 billion to Texas' economy — and Texas, in turn, has programs to support those entrepreneurs, according to the Texas Veterans Commission.
'We're a small team and our job is to assist all veteran entrepreneurs in the State of Texas no matter where they're at in their journey to start, grow or even exit their business,' said Megan Tamez, Texas Veterans Commission Entrepreneur Program director.
KXAN News at Midday had the Army veteran, alongside Air Force veteran and business owner Robert Strong, join for an in-depth Q&A ahead of Small Business week, which runs from May 4 to 10. The week 'acknowledges the critical contributions of America's entrepreneurs and small business owners,' according to the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Austin, recognized as the best city for veterans to live and among the top 10 for starting a business, according to WalletHub, is home to many veteran entrepreneurs. One such business is Strong's Pretty Thai Specialty Sauces & Spices, which launched the same year as The Texas Veterans Commission's Veteran Entrepreneur Program. That program plays a crucial role in assisting veterans like Strong in starting and developing their businesses.
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'I wish I knew about the commission when we started our business,' Strong said, after describing his journey that most recently led to the launch of a line of hot sauces he described as 'a chef-crafted line of specialty sauces that gives your restaurant quality experience in the comfort of your kitchen.'
Strong, who served in the Air Force and was deployed to Fallujah, developed a passion for Thai food during his travels in Thailand. After leaving the military, he attended culinary school and started a food truck in Austin in 2013, which eventually evolved into Pretty Thai Specialty Sauces & Spices. Pretty Thai has products available in over 50 H-E-B locations and plans to launch in Walmart stores across Texas by October, Strong said.
The TVC assists veteran entrepreneurs by providing resources such as business planning, marketing and connecting them with capital. It also offers a veteran verification letter that allows new veteran-owned businesses to waive certain fees and taxes. Veterans can learn more on the TVC website.
All facts from this article were gathered by KXAN journalists. This article was converted into this format with assistance from artificial intelligence. It has been edited and approved by KXAN staff. Read about our approach to using AI 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
