WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) introduced the Post 9/11 Veteran Business Acceleration Act alongside Representatives Rob Wittman (R-VA) and Young Kim (R-CA). This bill amends the Post 9/11 Educational Assistance Program to establish a joint pilot program between the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Small Business Administration (SBA) to allow eligible individuals to receive financial assistance for business operations instead of educational aid.

"When our brave servicemen and women return to civilian life, we must alleviate the barriers and promote as many avenues as possible for our heroes to succeed at home. In an age when citizens are engaging in new and innovative ways of achieving the American Dream, Congress must recognize that earning a diploma from a higher education facility isn't the only ticket to success in America,” said Rep. Donalds. "My bill 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 every opportunity to excel in the nation they valiantly defended."

“I’m proud to support this bill that will ensure our veterans receive every opportunity to succeed at home. The Post 9/11 Veteran Business Acceleration Act will give veterans the flexibility they deserve to direct their own path toward business ownership or higher education,” said Rep. Wittman. “Veterans demonstrate the dedication, vision, and patriotism that contribute to the best of American innovation and entrepreneurship. They deserve every opportunity to thrive and our nation will be better for it.”

“We need to have the backs of our brave veterans and ensure they have the tools available to achieve their dream,” said Rep. Kim. “I’m proud to join Reps. Donalds and Wittman to introduce the Post 9/11 Veteran Business Acceleration Act to reduce barriers to success for our veterans and allow more veterans to start businesses, create jobs, achieve their dream and support our local communities. As Ranking Member of the Small Business Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Workforce Development Subcommittee, I’m proud to support our small business owners.” 

“This impactful, and forward-thinking, legislation will give these veteran entrepreneurs the vital access to capital which will provide a solid foundation for their business's success. We are grateful for Congressman Donalds' leadership in developing and introducing the Post 9/11 Veterans Business Acceleration Act!” -  Mark Odell, Board of Directors SWFL Veterans Business Council

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