Lake County Gazette

WASHINGTON- Last night, the House passed bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Representatives Brad Schneider (IL-10), Roger Williams (TX-25), Morgan McGarvey (KY-03), and Jake Ellzey (TX-06) to support veteran entrepreneurship through the Boots to Business program. The bill received unanimous bipartisan support, passing the House in a 407-0 vote. Video of Congressman Schneider's floor speech on the Veteran Entrepreneurship Training Act of 2023 is available here.

The Veteran Entrepreneurship Training Act codifies into law the successful Boots to Business program, a training course administered by the Small Business Administration, which teaches veterans and their families the fundamentals of business management, including market research, organizational design, and financial planning. The Veteran Entrepreneurship Training Act of 2023 authorizes this program for five years.

“We know that many veterans have the skills necessary to become successful entrepreneurs and small business owners. Just as our nation's security rests on the shoulders of those in our armed services, our nation's economic growth relies on small business and American entrepreneurship. I appreciate the support of Chairman Williams and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure that Boots to Business continues serving our veterans into the future,” said Congressman Brad Schneider,

“After dedicating their lives to protect the freedom of all Americans, our veterans deserve access to the tools and resources to be successful when transitioning to civilian life,” said Chairman Williams. “On June 21 passage of H.R. 1606, the Veteran Entrepreneurship Training Act of 2023, provides a path to help veterans begin their journey in starting a small business through the Boots to Business program. This will help veterans transfer the skills they gained from their military service to the private sector in helping them start their careers as entrepreneurs. I am proud to see this legislation pass the House and urge its swift passage in the Senate.”

“As a member of both the House Small Business and Veterans Affairs committees, I’m proud to support this bipartisan effort to authorize the Small Business Administration’s successful Boots to Business Program,” said Rep. McGarvey. “Members of the military and their spouses have the entrepreneurial spirit and skills necessary to become successful business owners, and this program provides critical help in unlocking their potential. Boots to Business plays a crucial role in the warm handoff from military to civilian life, and I look forward to its continued success for years to come. I’m committed to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to expand economic opportunities for our veterans and their families.”

“The military does great at training our service members to do their jobs.” said Congressman Jake Ellzey, “They train them to be the most lethal force on the planet. To defend and protect the people of the United States. What they do not do, is effectively train them to be civilians. The Boots to Business program will help to fill that gap. This program will help our veterans translate the skills they acquired during their years of service to be tools needed to be successful in civilian life.”

Original source can be found here.