WASHINGTON – Last week, Representatives Steve Stivers (R-OH) and Brad Schneider (D-IL) introduced a resolution to honor veteran and military entrepreneurs, by designating an annual “Veteran-Owned Small Business Week.”  This legislation is also sponsored by Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Jason Crow (D-CO).

Specifically, this resolution celebrates veteran small business owners for their entrepreneurial spirit and hard work.  Businesses owned by veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces have made, and will continue to make, a profound impact nationwide.  Further, this legislation would recognize and honor all veterans for their service to the United States.

“Through my military service, I’ve heard stories from many veterans who applied the skills they developed during serving our country to create jobs and to strengthen their local economies.  Their efforts should not go unnoticed, especially not during this uniquely challenging time for small businesses,” said Rep. Stivers. “This resolution is an important way to show support for those veterans who not only served our nation, but took it one step further, and chose to serve their local communities through entrepreneurship.  Through their bold leadership skills, adaptability, and tenacity, I am confident that these men and women will continue to better our communities.”

“On Veterans Day and every day, it is important to remember our commitment to the men and women who have served our nation in uniform,” said Rep. Schneider. “In Congress, I’ve focused on promoting opportunity for veterans when they return to civilian life through expansion of the GI Bill and support of the Boots to Business Initiative. Many of the leadership and other skills learned in the military translate well to entrepreneurship and the small business sector, and veterans are self-employed at a higher rate than civilians. I invite all Americans to join me this Veterans Day in recognizing the many veteran-owned businesses creating jobs and improving communities across the country.”

Veterans apply the diverse skill set they learned through service to launch their own business and add tremendous value to America’s economy and workforce.  Their initiatives help all Americans by providing job opportunities and by bringing in vital revenue to their local communities.  Veteran-owned businesses employ over five million individuals, generate about $195 billion annually, and generate over $1.14 trillion annually in sales.  

Stivers also spearheaded the passage of the HIRE at Home Act, which streamlines the state certification process making it easier for service members to utilize skills they have acquired in the military to find jobs in their communities. For example, someone who is trained by the military as truck driver or nursing assistant would not have to waste time and money on redundant trainings to do the same job at home. By allowing military training in a comparable field to count toward certification in the private sector, it will help veterans get back to work more quickly, making the transition to civilian life that much easier.

To read the full resolution, click here.

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