Skip to main content

Schneider’s Bipartisan ‘Boots to Business’ Passes House, Supporting Veteran Entrepreneurs

November 2, 2021

The Veteran Entrepreneurship Training Act would codify successful Boots to Business program for five-years to help veterans and transitioning servicemembers start and grow their own small businesses

WASHINGTON – Today, during National Veterans Small Business Week, the House overwhelmingly passed in a 418-2 vote the bipartisan Veteran Entrepreneurship Training Act of 2021, introduced by Congressmen Brad Schneider (IL-10) and Roger Williams (TX-25). Video of Congressman Schneider's floor speech on the vote can be found here.

The bipartisan legislation would authorize for five years the successful Boots to Business (B2B) program to help transitioning servicemembers start and grow businesses. Administered through the Office of Veteran Business Development in the Small Business Administration (SBA), the B2B program offers transitioning servicemembers and military spouses a foundational two-day, in-person course for an introduction to business ownership which can be followed by optional online courses on topics including market research, business fundamentals, and revenue readiness.

"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. As we continue to beat back the pandemic, one of the best things we can do to help rebuild our economy is to unleash the ingenuity and entrepreneurship that can power our nation into the post-COVID, twenty-first century global economy. I appreciate the support of Rep. Roger Williams (TX-25) and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure that Boots to Business continues serving our veterans into the future," said Congressman Schneider.

"In light of National Veteran Small Business Week, I am proud to empower our Nation's veterans through increased access to entrepreneurship resources and training" said Congressman Williams. "It is a great privilege to represent servicemembers from Fort Hood and veterans in Texas' 25th district in Congress. While serving in the military, our veterans made great sacrifices to protect and defend this country and it is our responsibility to ensure they are equipped to pursue their business goals once they transition to civilian life. I am confident programs like Boots to Business will better prepare our military servicemembers to be successful business leaders and entrepreneurs."

Since B2B launched in 2013 under the Obama Administration, more than 50,000 service members and spouses have participated in the program, learning skills including strategic planning, marketing, basic accounting, and financing for a new business.

###