Veterans Entrepreneurship Act of 2026

Key Points

• The bill creates a three-year test program to help up to 250 veterans start their own companies or buy existing ones. Instead of traditional loans, eligible veterans would receive grants based on the value of their unused GI Bill education benefits.
• Participants would receive a monthly housing stipend while they get their business off the ground. Veterans who are working solely on their new business would get the full housing allowance, while those with other jobs would receive half.
• To get the money, veterans must complete business training through programs like the Small Business Administration or the Department of Veterans Affairs. They also have to write a detailed business plan that gets approved by a professional advisor.
• The grant money is paid out in stages rather than all at once. Veterans must reach specific goals or milestones in their business plan to keep receiving the scheduled payments.
• The program is open to veterans who served at least three years of active duty or two years if they were discharged for a disability. It covers various types of businesses, including new startups and franchises.

Impact Analysis

Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.