Press Releases

Today, Congressman Ben Cline (R-VA) introduced the Veterans Entrepreneurship Act of 2023. Rep. Cline was joined by Congressmen Byron Donalds (R-FL), Lou Correa (D-CA), and Chris Pappas (D-NH) in introducing this bipartisan legislation.

The Veterans Entrepreneurship Act of 2023 would allow veterans the opportunity to pursue their small business and entrepreneurial aspirations by giving them access to resources through the Small Business Administration and their GI Bill benefit. The key components of the Veterans Entrepreneurship Act are:

• The establishment of a 3-year pilot program overseen by the Administrator of the Small Business Administration that will enable up to 250 GI Bill benefit-eligible veterans to pursue an educational entrepreneurial training program
• The pilot program includes a thorough application process and requires participation in an approved entrepreneurial training program
• Veterans are required to develop a business plan to be approved by their training program advisor and the SBA's Associate Administrator for Veterans Business Development
• The grant available to veterans participating in this pilot program may be equivalent to the GI Bill maximum amount of 36 months of educational assistance at the rate in effect for each veteran through the GI Bill benefit program
• If approved, the grant can be used by a veteran to open their own business or purchase a franchise

Rep. Cline said, “Veterans often struggle when they separate from service and transition into civilian life. Many want to pursue higher education, but some seek a different path. It’s common sense to expand opportunities for Veterans and offer support to pursue the American dream of starting a small business that will create jobs and grow our economy. I thank Congressmen Donalds, Correa, and Pappas for joining me in this bipartisan effort to take care of those who took care of us in service to our great country.”

Rep. Donalds said, “Rather than predetermining our service members’ path forward in civilian life, we should instead free up earned veteran benefits and open as many economic opportunities for our armed forces as possible. That is why I’m proud to join my colleagues in sponsoring the Veterans Entrepreneurship Act which allows veterans to use funds intended solely for education to assist Post 9/11 veterans in establishing, opening, and successfully operating a qualified small business. Our veterans are the greatest among us and deserve the freedom to excel in the nation they valiantly defended.”     

Rep. Correa said, “Our veterans have proven to be courageous and determined throughout their service to our nation—and as they transition to civilian life, it is our duty to give them the support they need to pursue their American dream. By investing in our veterans, we are investing in a brighter future for America. This legislation gives veterans access to resources and training they need to start small businesses that will uplift themselves and their families, and undoubtedly make America stronger.”

Rep. Pappas said, “The opportunity to start a small business should be available to all, especially our veterans. This bipartisan legislation would expand veterans’ access to resources available through the Small Business Administration to enroll in entrepreneurial training programs and gain valuable knowledge about running a business. Veteran-owned small businesses support veterans, their families, and boost our economy, and I will continue to work across the aisle to expand opportunity for the veteran community.”

Read the full text of the bill HERE.

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