Helping disabled vets get back in business

State Senator Marty Golden and Assemblymember Nicole Malliotakis are advocating legislation that would give disabled veterans who want to open a small business the same benefits that business owners who are women and/or part of a minority group receive.

The legislation, known as the “Veteran Owned Business Enterprise Act” was introduced in the State Senate on March 26, because, as Golden explained, many disabled vets returning from war dream of starting up their own business but face difficult hurdles.

“They want to be the soldier-turned-entrepreneur but there are many challenges to advance that goal,” he stated.

If the bill is passed, veterans who qualify will receive help with getting their business certified and with state contract applications. They will also receive guidance on how to promote and grow their new business.

“I agree 100 percent,” said Ridgeite Howard Dunn, who is a veteran. “Men and women returning from service should be able to anything possible. They should be able to open their own business [even if] it be an apple cart like they did years ago, where they can make a living.”

Malliotakis added that the bill would help strengthen the state’s economy. “This legislation will link disabled servicemen and women to all of the financial and operational resources available to benefit their ventures in business and improve the state’s economy while honoring our obligation to veterans,” she said.

Congressmember Bob Turner sent a letter to Senator John Defrancisco, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, and State Senate Finance Committee ranking member, Liz Krueger, urging them to pass the bill.

“These bills are exactly the types of legislation our veterans deserve from us. As a member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, a veteran, and a former business owner myself, I can tell you just how important it can be to have guidance and training, as well as access to contracts and capital,” Turner said.

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