Donalds Introduces Bill Expanding Veteran's Assistance Beyond Education, Into Private Sector

While many consider education to be priceless, some have already acquired the education they want or need in order to make a living and enjoy their life as an American. Rather than constrict the commonly known G.I. bill to just education, Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) has taken a step to account for servicemen and servicewomen in more ways than just one. With that being said, Donalds recently introduced the post 9/11 Veteran Business Acceleration Act, which allows veterans to receive funding for business operations and entrepreneurship opportunities rather than money for a degree.

"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."

While more and more products and business headquarters have been outsourced offshore, many Americans have been motivated to purchase products and enlist services that not only are American made and American owned, but also located right in their backyard.

That’s why the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Small Business Associated have created this joint program in order to reward these hometown heroes.

Because of this notion, Mark Odell from the Board of Directors for the SWFL Veterans Business Council raved about the announcement.

“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!”

Reps. Rob Wittman (R-VA) and Young Kim (R-CA) were part of the introduction of the bill as well.