Victor Ponce, A Leader on and off the Battlefield: The Office of Advocacy’s Role in Supporting Small Businesses

by Region 7 Advocate, Darcella Craven

Victor Ponce joined the U.S. Army in El Paso, Texas, in 1990. He worked as a Patriot Missile Operator/Maintainer and retired as a First Sergeant after 25 years of service. Ponce’s military career was marked by leadership roles within the United States Army Recruiting Command, where he mentored countless soldiers. He was recognized with numerous awards, including Meritorious Service medals.

After leaving the military, Ponce settled into the St. Louis metropolitan area and went into real estate. He started Ponce Realty Group and earned the 2019 Rising Star Award from Five Star Professionals and the RE/MAX 100% club award for five consecutive years (2019-2023).

Ponce recently met with the Office of Advocacy’s (Advocacy) Region 7 Advocate Darcella Craven to discuss regulations that currently impact small businesses, specifically the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Heat Illness and Related Injury rule. Craven and Ponce also discussed the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network’s Beneficial Ownership Information form which requires many small businesses to report information to FinCEN about the individuals who ultimately own or control them.

FinCEN began accepting reports on January 1, 2024, as a comprehensive research and data tool for recording small businesses’ contributions and challenges.  Ultimately, the reports should help equip policymakers with the information they need to create supportive environments for small businesses. Ponce was interested in learning that not only does Advocacy work to minimize unnecessary regulatory burdens but encourages small businesses to participate in the rule-making process, ensuring their voices are heard and considered when new regulations are proposed.

“Your office ensures that small businesses like mine, and other veteran-owned enterprises, have a seat at the table when important decisions are made,” Ponce remarked. “That is important to know and understand and I appreciate it.”

For small business owners like Victor Ponce, Advocacy’s efforts are vital in navigating the complexities of federal regulations. By reducing red tape and advocating for favorable policies, the office helps entrepreneurs focus on what they do best: innovating, growing their businesses, and contributing to their communities.

Advocacy plays a pivotal role in supporting small businesses like Ponce Realty Group. It serves as an independent voice for small businesses within the federal government, ensuring that the unique concerns of small businesses are heard and addressed in regulatory processes.

First Sergeant Victor Ponce’s journey is a shining example of how military values can be translated into successful civilian careers. His story, aided by the Office of Advocacy, underscores the importance of small businesses working with federal agencies like Advocacy to help small business owners thrive.

Darcella Craven is an Army veteran and serves as the Regional Advocate for Region 7 – Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, and Kansas. Please feel free to reach Craven at darcella.craven@sba.gov and our other regional advocates to share your small business’s regulatory burdens or concerns.

For more information on veteran small business ownership, view our recently published Veteran Ownership Statistics infographic series.