Dear Colleague:

Veterans who go into their own business are a double asset to America. They contribute their service-honed skills to the development of our economy, and they are a key link in the expansion of employment opportunities for others. It is just plain good sense to give them meaningful support in today’s global economy. That’s why I have signed on as an original co-sponsor of the Veterans Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development Act of 1999, H.R. 1568.

Small businesses are the engines which drive job creation in America. Most net job growth in the last 10-15 years in the United States has resulted from small businesses. Not only does America need small business, it needs the networking skills, the inventiveness, the can-do attitude of veterans that have been gained during their military service. Our country has an investment in the success of veterans’ entrepreneurs – including many disabled veterans – and this legislation will help protect our investment.

Hard-working veteran business owners have strongly encouraged creation of a National Veterans Business Development Corporation and a clear congressional mandate for the Small Business Administration (SBA) to champion their efforts to gain access to business opportunities. The National Veterans Business Development Corporation created by the bill would establish a nationwide network of small business assistance for veterans, using public and private sector initiatives and partnerships. Existing SBA micro-loan and Delta Loans would be made available to veterans, and an SBA Office of Veterans Business Development would oversee and support these efforts.

After serving this nation in uniform, our "Private Ryans" have come home to contribute to America’s economic development -- not only after World War II, but after every subsequent conflict. Using skills gained during their military service, veterans have become successful entrepreneurs continuing to contribute to our Nation. As we recognize the enormous investment in training we have made in these men and women during their military service, we must also recognize that providing support for their efforts to become successful entrepreneurs is a good investment for America. We can never repay veterans for their sacrifices, but we can certainly support their efforts to become successful entrepreneurs – success which will benefit all Americans.

I encourage you to become a co-sponsor of this important legislation. To cosponsor the Veterans Entrepreneurship Act, please contact Charles Rowe of the Small Business Committee staff at 5-5821.  

Sincerely,

LANE EVANS
Ranking Democratic Member