Davids (KS-03), Alford (MO-04) Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Support Veteran Entrepreneurs

Today, Representatives Sharice Davids (D-KS-03) and Mark Alford (R-MO-04) reintroduced the SERV Act, bipartisan legislation to help veteran small business owners and entrepreneurs succeed by studying the barriers faced when starting a business. The bill also commissions a report on the outreach and promotion of existing veteran-focused small business programs to ensure veterans can access all available resources, capital, and credit. Davids, whose mother served in the U.S. Army for 20 years, originally introduced the legislation in 2019, when it passed the House with broad bipartisan support.

“Because of their sense of service and dedication, there are few people better situated to become entrepreneurs than our nation’s veterans, but they face far too many obstacles when starting their business,” said Davids. “We must do a better job setting Kansas City area veterans up for success, and that’s why I’m honored to lead the SERV Act alongside Representative Alford. Our bill is a crucial step in identifying solutions so veterans can thrive, take care of their families, and contribute to our local economy."

“As members of Congress, we have the duty to protect and support our nation’s veterans,” said Representative Mark Alford (MO-04). “Earlier this year, it was my distinct pleasure to have Taylor Burks at the Small Business Committee hearing. We heard from him how the Committee and Small Business Administration can better serve those who served this nation. This bill is our first step in doing that. It is a win for our districts, a win for veterans, and a win for our country. I am proud to co-lead the SERV Act with my colleague Rep. Davids who represents our neighboring district to promote veteran entrepreneurship.”

While military experience provides transferable entrepreneurial training and skills, the number of veterans starting their own business has decreased drastically over the last few decades. Today, only 4.5 percent of the more than 3.6 million veterans who have served since September 11, 2001 have launched a company. In contrast, the number of World War II and Korean War veterans who went on to operate a business was 50 and 40 percent, respectively. Reasons for this decline include challenges accessing credit, transitioning to civilian life, and overcoming stigmas around physical disabilities and post-traumatic stress disorder.

To improve accessibility to resources available for veteran small business owners, the Successful Entrepreneurship for Reservists and Veterans Act, or SERV Act:

• Commissions a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report on the ability of veteran and reservist small business owners to access credit.
  • This includes a new analysis on common sources of credit and how deployment and other military responsibilities affect veterans' and reservists' credit.
• Requires the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Interagency Task Force on Veterans Small Business Development to develop an action plan for outreach and promotion of the many programs available to veterans looking to transition into the business world.
• Requires the task force to report annually to Congress on its appointments and outline its plan for outreach on the many programs available to veterans, service-disabled veterans, reservists, and their spouses.

Davids has worked hard to ensure Kansas veterans are supported after returning home from active duty. Most recently, she helped pass the Honoring our PACT Act, which expands Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) health care eligibility to 3.5 million American veterans exposed to burn pits and toxic airborne hazards while deployed. Davids' office also helps military and veteran constituents with casework and acts as a facilitator between federal, state, and local agencies. For more information on how veterans can receive assistance, constituents are encouraged to visit Davids' website or call her office at (913) 621-0832.