{"id":57363,"date":"2021-07-16T14:48:37","date_gmt":"2021-07-16T14:48:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/airforcetimes\/uncategorized\/2021\/07\/16\/use-your-gi-bill-benefits-to-start-a-business-lawmakers-push-pilot-program\/"},"modified":"2026-08-08T10:43:08","modified_gmt":"2026-08-08T10:43:08","slug":"use-your-gi-bill-benefits-to-start-a-business-lawmakers-push-pilot-program","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/airforcetimes\/education-transition\/2021\/07\/16\/use-your-gi-bill-benefits-to-start-a-business-lawmakers-push-pilot-program\/","title":{"rendered":"Use your GI Bill benefits to start a business? Lawmakers push pilot program"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A bipartisan group of House lawmakers are again pushing to allow some recently separated service members to use their GI Bill benefits <\/a>to start a new business instead of attending college classes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The proposal, which has failed to gain legislative traction in recent years, would establish a three-year pilot program<\/a> for up to 250 veterans to pursue \u201ceducational entrepreneurial training\u201d and receive their education payouts in the form of start-up capital<\/a> instead of the traditional tuition payments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHigher education is essential for many [veterans], but some have a different calling,\u201d said Rep Ben Cline, R-Va. and a sponsor of the measure. \u201cVeterans are seeking more options and want the choice to use their GI Bill benefit to start their own business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s common sense to offer veterans a choice in accessing resources, training, and support to pursue the American dream to start a small business, create jobs, and generate growth in our economy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\t