Barbara Carson

Ms. Barbara Carson joined the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) in Washington, D.C. in June 2013. She serves as the Associate Administrator for the Office of Veterans Business Development (OVBD), where she aims to empower Veteran entrepreneurship. In this role, Ms. Carson oversees the OVBD team in formulating, implementing, administering and promoting policies and programs that equip Veteran, Service Member (active duty, National Guard, Reserve), and Military spouse owned small businesses with counseling and education, access to capital, and contracting opportunities. Carson is currently a Colonel in the U.S. Air Force Reserve (USAFR) assigned to the Secretary of the Air Force Office of Public Affairs. Ms. Carson has served over 20 years as an active duty and reserve officer. While stationed in Okinawa, Japan, she founded a small business with a fellow Veteran and continues to be passionate about entrepreneurship opportunities for Military Service Members, Veterans and their spouses.