The Shadow
WASHINGTON, D.C. (VR) – Congressman Ben Cline (R-VA) reintroduced the Veterans Entrepreneurship Act of 2026, which would allow veterans the opportunity to pursue their small business and entrepreneurial aspirations by giving them access to resources through their federal government benefits. Congressman Cline issued the following statement.
“Veterans often face significant challenges as they transition from military service back to civilian life,” said Rep. Cline. “Throughout my time in public service, it has been a top priority to serve those who served and sacrificed for our Nation. My legislation will empower them to achieve the American Dream while creating jobs and strengthening our economy. Expanding pathways for veterans and providing the support they need to start small businesses is just one of the ways we can give back to the brave men and women who defended our freedoms.”
The key components of the Veterans Entrepreneurship Act are:
- The establishment of a 3-year pilot program overseen by the Administrator of the Small Business Administration that will enable up to 250 GI Bill benefit-eligible veterans to pursue an educational entrepreneurial training program;
- The pilot program includes a thorough application process and requires participation in an approved entrepreneurial training program;
- Veterans are required to develop a business plan to be approved by their training program advisor and the SBA’s Associate Administrator for Veterans Business Development;
- The grant available to veterans participating in this pilot program may be equivalent to the GI Bill maximum amount of 36 months of educational assistance at the rate in effect for each veteran through the GI Bill benefit program; and
- If approved, the grant can be used by a veteran to open their own business or purchase a franchise.
Read the full text of the bill HERE.
Congressman Ben Cline represents the Sixth Congressional District of Virginia. He previously was an attorney in private practice and served both as an assistant prosecutor and a Member of the Virginia House of Delegates. Cline and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Botetourt County with their two children.
