<p>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 10, 2003</p><p>VA Assists Veteran-Owned Small Businesses WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today announced a program for veterans who own small businesses to discuss business opportunities with General Dynamics Corporation. On April 23, General Dynamics locations throughout the nation will hold a Veterans Appreciation Day, making its buyers and program managers available to meet with veterans interested in doing business with the company. “We are proud of the help VA provides to service-disabled and other veterans who own small businesses,” said Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. Leo S. Mackay, Jr. “Helping connect veterans with potential business partners makes good sense.” VA’s Center for Veterans Enterprise (CVE) was established by the Veterans Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development Act of 1999 to promote business ownership and expansion opportunities for veterans. The center provides training and </p><p> educational programs, market research and assistance to veterans seeking access to prospective business partners. Veterans interested in participating in Veterans Appreciation Day must register in advance by visiting the CVE Web page at http://www.vetbiz.gov/.</p><p># # # People wishing to receive e-mail from VA with the latest news releases and updated fact sheets can subscribe at the following Internet address: http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/opalist_listserv.cfm</p>