Proposal Would Allow GI Bill Funds to Go to Business Startup Costs

July 23, 2021

A bipartisan group of lawmakers is trying again to pass legislation allowing GI Bill benefits to be applied to business startup costs instead of schooling.

“Higher education is essential for many [veterans], but some have a different calling,” one of the sponsors, Rep. Ben Cline (R-Va.), said, according to Military Times. “It’s common sense to offer veterans a choice in accessing resources, training, and support to pursue the American dream to start a small business, create jobs and generate growth in our economy.”

The Veterans Entrepreneurship Act would launch a three-year pilot project.

“When our service members transition into civilian life, they bring considerable skills and experiences with them,” co-sponsor Rep. Lou Correa (D-Calif.) said. “Veterans know how to manage risk on the battlefield. And that’s what a successful entrepreneur does — manage risk.”

There has been resistance to such efforts in the past, with some saying it overlaps with existing programs to help veterans start their own businesses.

Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alyssa M. Akers

July 23, 2021

Recent News

Snap of the Week

Snap of the Week

Naval Academy plebes climb the Herndon Monument, a tradition symbolizing the successful completion of the midshipmen’s freshman year. The class of 2027 completed the climb in 2 hours, 19 minutes and 11 seconds. Navy photo by Stacy Godfrey

In Our Communities

In Our Communities

More than 74,000 residents of Whidbey Island, Washington could suffer long-term health impacts from the noise of jets stationed at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, according to a University of Washington study, The Seattle Times reported. Researchers said the impact...

$2 Billion Aid Package Will Help Ukraine Build Its Own Weapons

$2 Billion Aid Package Will Help Ukraine Build Its Own Weapons

A new $2 billion aid package the State Department announced Thursday will help build a Ukraine Defense Enterprise Program, according to Defense News. The fund will help Ukraine buy weapons from other countries while “investing in Ukraine’s defense industrial base,...

NDAA Draft Asks for DOD Study on Privatizing Barracks

NDAA Draft Asks for DOD Study on Privatizing Barracks

The House Armed Services Committee’s draft National Defense Authorization Act indicates lawmakers may not be ready to privatize more barracks, as Military.com reported. “Members aren’t completely bought into privatizing all housing,” a senior Republican committee aide...

PAST STORIES