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
