Section 1 Short title
This Act may be cited as the “Veterans Entrepreneurial Transition Act of 2015” or the “VET Act of 2015”.
Veterans Entrepreneurial Transition Act of 2015
A BILL
To require the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to carry out a pilot program on issuing grants to eligible veterans to start or acquire qualifying businesses, and for other purposes.
Sec. 2 Veterans small business entrepreneurship pilot program
Pilot program required—
In general— Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in consultation with the Advisory Committee, shall begin carrying out a pilot program to assess the feasibility and advisability of making grants to eligible veterans to start or acquire a qualifying business enterprise.
Promotion of efficiency— In carrying out the pilot program, the Administrator shall ensure, to the maximum extent practicable, that the pilot program promotes efficiency, accountability, and competition.
List of categories of business enterprises— The Administrator, in consultation with the Advisory Committee, shall by rule establish a list of categories of business enterprises that the Administrator determines to be qualifying business enterprises for purposes of the pilot program, which shall include—
a small business concern (as the term is defined in section 3(a) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632(a)));
a franchise business enterprise; and
any other category of business enterprise that the Administrator, in consultation with the Advisory Committee, determines is appropriate and in accordance with the purposes of the pilot program.
Number of grants— Under the pilot program, the Administrator may make grants in accordance with subsection (d) to not more than 250 eligible veterans to start or acquire a qualifying business enterprise.
Geographic diversity— In making grants under the pilot program, the Administrator shall ensure geographic diversity among the veterans who receive the grants.
Duration— The Administrator shall carry out the pilot program during the 3-year period beginning on the date on which the Administrator begins carrying out the pilot program.
Application—
In general— An eligible veteran desiring a grant under the pilot program shall submit an application—
to the Administrator in the form and containing the information as the Administrator may require, including the information described in paragraph (2); and
not later than 1 year before the date on which the pilot program terminates under subsection (a)(6).
Documentation requirements— The Administrator, in considering an application from an eligible veteran for a grant under the pilot program, may not approve the application unless the application includes the following:
A description of the use of the grant amount, including an identification and description of the qualifying business enterprise.
A description of the expected return on investment resulting from the grant amounts.
A certification that the eligible veteran applying for the grant—
shall complete the education and training relevant to the ownership and operation of the qualifying business enterprise described in subsections (c)(1) and (c)(2); and
understands that the eligible veteran may not receive amounts under a grant under the pilot program until after the eligible veteran has completed the required education and training relevant to the ownership and operation of the qualifying business enterprise described in subsections (c)(1) and (c)(2).
Such certifications as the Administrator, in consultation with the Advisory Committee, shall by rule require, including—
for a business enterprise in operation on the date of the application, evidence that the Administrator, in consultation with the Advisory Committee, determines appropriate of—
good standing;
profitable operation; and
guarantees relating to the purchase of the enterprise;
for a franchise business enterprise, evidence that the Administrator, in consultation with the Advisory Committee, determines appropriate of—
compliance with applicable State and Federal laws on franchises; and
training in conformation with the industry standard; and
for a startup, or an enterprise that is otherwise not in operation at the time of the application, a proposal for the operation of that enterprise that leads to profitable operation within a reasonable timeframe.
A certification that the eligible veteran applying for the grant understands that the eligible veteran may not receive amounts under the grant until after the business plan of the eligible veteran has been approved under the procedures described in subsection (c)(3)(B).
A certification that the eligible veteran—
has been truthful about the employment status of the eligible veteran; and
understands that the eligible veteran will be prohibited from participating in the pilot program if the certification described in clause (i) is determined to be untrue.
Group applications— The Administrator may authorize a group of eligible veterans to apply as a group under the pilot program. The group shall be treated as a single eligible veteran under the pilot program, except that the maximum amount of the grant shall be calculated by multiplying the maximum amount under subsection (d)(1) by the number of members of the group.
Entrepreneurship training—
In general— Each eligible veteran receiving a grant under the pilot program shall complete an entrepreneurship readiness program approved by the Administrator that is designed to prepare the eligible veteran for, and lead to the immediate subsequent ownership and management by the eligible veteran of, a qualifying business enterprise.
Approved programs— An approved program described in paragraph (1) may include a program—
available through a small business development center, as described in section 21 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 648);
approved by the Administrator for entrepreneurship training;
approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for entrepreneurship training;
available through the Transition Assistance Program of the Department of Defense;
available through a women’s business center, as described in section 29 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 656);
available through a Veterans Business Outreach Center, as described in section 32 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 657b);
available through the SCORE program authorized by section 8(b)(1) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 637(b)(1)); or
approved by the Administrator, in consultation with the Advisory Committee, as appropriate because of the expertise the program offers relating to a certain type of business enterprise.
Business plan—
Contents— An eligible veteran receiving a grant under the pilot program shall prepare a business plan, which shall include—
a description of how the qualifying business enterprise will achieve profitable operation within a reasonable timeframe;
an assessment of relevant—
economic indicators;
consumer data;
production and sales data; and
market or industry analysis; and
other information that the Administrator, in consultation with the Advisory Committee, determines is appropriate.
Approval procedure—
Approval by advisor— If an advisor approves the business plan prepared by the eligible veteran, the Associate Administrator for Veterans Business Development of the Small Business Administration—
shall review the business plan; and
may reverse the approval of the business plan and require that the eligible veteran continue to consult with the advisor to develop and resubmit the business plan.
Disapproval by advisor— If an advisor does not approve the business plan prepared by an eligible veteran, the Associate Administrator for Veterans Business Development of the Small Business Administration, upon appeal by the eligible veteran, may reverse the decision of the advisor and approve the business plan.
Grant terms and conditions—
Maximum grant amount and additional assistance—
In general— Subject to subsection (b)(3), the maximum amount that an eligible veteran may receive under the pilot program shall not exceed an amount equal to the sum of—
the maximum grant amount specified in subparagraph (B);
the amount equal to the product obtained by multiplying—
the amount of additional assistance to which the eligible veteran is entitled under subparagraph (C)(ii); by
the number of months that the eligible veteran participates in the pilot program; and
the amount of training assistance received by the eligible veteran in subparagraph (D).
Maximum grant amount— The maximum grant amount specified in this subparagraph is the following:
In the case of an eligible veteran entitled to educational assistance under chapter 33 of title 38, United States Code, the amount equal to the product obtained by multiplying—
the number of months of educational assistance to which the eligible veteran is entitled on the date that the eligible veteran submits an application; by
the pro rata monthly rate of the amount that the eligible veteran is entitled to under paragraph (1)(A)(ii)(II) of section 3313(c) of that title, subject to paragraphs (2) through (7) of that section.
In the case of an eligible veteran entitled to educational assistance under chapter 30 of title 38, United States Code, the amount equal to the product obtained by multiplying—
the number of months of educational assistance to which the eligible veteran is entitled on the date that the eligible veteran submits an application; by
the rate in effect under section 3015(a)(1) of that title.
Additional assistance—
Period of eligibility— An eligible veteran shall receive the amount described in clause (ii) for each month that the eligible veteran participates in the pilot program.
Amount— The amount of the additional assistance specified in this clause is an amount, paid to the eligible veteran on a monthly basis, equal to the product obtained by multiplying—
the monthly amount of the basic allowance for housing payable under section 403 of title 37, United States Code, for a member with dependents in pay grade E–5 residing in the military housing area that encompasses all or the majority portion of the ZIP code area in which is located the residence of the eligible veteran (similar to the calculation made under section 3313(c)(1)(B)(i)(I) of title 38, United States Code); by—
in the case of an eligible veteran who, as of the date on which the eligible veteran applies for a grant under this section, has no employment other than the qualifying business enterprise for which the eligible veteran seeks a grant under this section, 1; or
in the case of an eligible veteran who is not described in item (aa), 0.5.
Training assistance— Upon application by an eligible veteran receiving a grant under the pilot program, the Administrator may pay for the cost, if applicable, of an approved program described in subsection (c)(2)(H).
Disbursement— The amount of a grant made under the pilot program shall be disbursed to an eligible veteran—
in installments, in accordance with the procedures described in paragraph (3);
only after the eligible veteran presents documentation proving that the eligible veteran has completed the required entrepreneurship training described in subsections (c)(1) and (c)(2); and
only after the business plan of the eligible veteran has been approved under the procedures described in subsection (c)(3)(B).
Installment payments— The amount described in paragraph (1)(B) shall be paid to the eligible veteran in installments on a pro rata basis with each installment being paid to the eligible veteran—
not earlier than 3 months after the date of the payment of the most recent installment to the eligible veteran;
not later than 12 months after the date of the payment of the most recent installment to the eligible veteran; and
only after the eligible veteran has met milestones established in the business plan of the eligible veteran.
Impact on entitlement to educational assistance— An eligible veteran who receives a grant under the pilot program shall be deemed to have received an amount of educational assistance under chapter 30 or 33, of title 38, United States Code, as the case may be, that is equal to the amount of the grant.
Use of grant amounts— An eligible veteran who receives a grant under the pilot program may use the amount of the grant—
in accordance with the limitations that the Administrator, in consultation with the Advisory Committee, may by rule establish; and
for purposes related to starting or acquiring a qualifying business enterprise that the Administrator, in consultation with the Advisory Committee, determines are appropriate, including—
purchasing goods or services necessary for the creation or operation of a qualifying business enterprise;
funding a project that is directed toward any economic development objective described under section 501(d) of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 (15 U.S.C. 695(d)); and
acquiring a qualifying business enterprise.
Report—
In general— Not later than 2 years after the date on which the pilot program is commenced, the Administrator shall submit to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Small Business and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives a report analyzing the feasibility and effectiveness of the pilot program.
Contents— The report submitted under paragraph (1) shall include—
an assessment of the pilot program;
a survey containing—
the number of grantees under the pilot program; and
the number of the grantees under the pilot program that participated in each of the training programs described in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (c);
recommendations regarding whether any aspect of the pilot program should be made a permanent authority, and, if so, the means to ensure—
geographic and demographic diversity among the eligible veterans who receive the grants under the permanent authority; and
diversity in the types of qualifying business enterprises for which eligible veterans may receive grants under the pilot program;
an assessment regarding whether the grants distributed under the pilot program should continue to be made in installments or with a one-time, lump sum payment;
an assessment of the additional assistance made available under the pilot program, including the accountability surrounding the availability of additional assistance;
an analysis of the procedures for approving a business plan and a recommendation regarding ways, if necessary, to improve the procedures; and
a recommendation regarding ways, if necessary, to improve the accountability of advisors.
No effect on time limitation for use of entitlement to educational assistance— Nothing in this section shall be construed to modify any time limitation or period during which an individual is entitled to educational assistance under chapter 30 or 33 of title 38, United States Code.
Funding—
In general— The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall transfer to the Administrator from funds appropriated to the Secretary to carry out chapters 30 and 33 of title 38, United States Code, an amount equal to the amount necessary for the Administrator to carry out the pilot program.
Availability— Amounts transferred to the Administrator under paragraph (1) shall remain available until the date on which the pilot program terminates under subsection (a)(5).
Definitions— In this section:
Administrator— The term Administrator means the Administrator of the Small Business Administration.
Advisor— The term advisor means a person—
affiliated with an entrepreneurship or training and curricula program described in subsections (c)(1) and (c)(2);
who may assist an eligible veteran with the preparation and approval of a business plan; and
who is approved to serve as an advisor by the Administrator, in consultation with the Advisory Committee.
Advisory committee— The term Advisory Committee means the Advisory Committee on Veterans Business Affairs established under section 203 of the Veterans Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development Act of 1999 (15 U.S.C. 657b note).
Business plan— The term business plan means a plan prepared by an eligible veteran for the operation of a qualifying business enterprise that shall be—
prepared—
while the eligible veteran participates in an approved training program described in subsections (c)(1) and (c)(2); and
with the assistance of an advisor; and
consistent with the guidelines and recommendations provided by the Business Plan Tool of the Small Business Administration.
Eligible veteran— The term eligible veteran means an individual who—
is—
a veteran; or
a member of the Armed Forces who—
is currently retiring or separating from the Armed Forces and has a service approved retirement or separation packet; or
has last been honorably discharged from active duty service in the Armed Forces;
has completed not less than—
36 months of active duty service in the Armed Forces (other than active duty service for training); or
24 months of active duty service in the Armed Forces (other than active duty service for training) before being discharged or separated for a service-connected disability, as that term is defined in section 101 of title 38, United States Code; and
is entitled to educational assistance under chapter 30 or 33 of title 38, United States Code.
Franchise business enterprise— The term franchise business enterprise means any continuing commercial relationship or arrangement, regardless of the title given the relationship or arrangement, under which the terms of the offer or contract specify, or the franchise seller promises or represents, orally or in writing, that—
the franchisee will obtain the right to—
operate a business that is identified or associated with the trademark of the franchisor; or
offer, sell, or distribute goods, services, or commodities that are identified or associated with the trademark of the franchisor;
the franchisor may—
exert, or has authority to exert, a significant degree of control over the method of operation of the franchisee; or
provide significant assistance in the method of operation of the franchisee; and
as a condition of obtaining or commencing operation of the franchise business enterprise, the franchisee makes a required payment or commits to make a required payment to the franchisor or the affiliate of the franchisor.
Franchisee— The term franchisee means any person who is granted a franchise business enterprise.
Franchisor— The term franchisor—
means any person who grants a franchise business enterprise and participates in the franchise relationship; and
includes subfranchisors.
Pilot program— The term pilot program means the pilot program established under subsection (a)(1).
Qualifying business enterprise— The term qualifying business enterprise means a business included in the list of categories of business enterprises established under subsection (a)(3).
Startup— The term startup means a business enterprise that—
is not yet in existence; or
has been in existence for not more than 5 years.
Subfranchisor— The term subfranchisor means a person who functions as a franchisor by engaging in both pre-sale activities and post-sale performance.
Veteran— The term veteran has the meaning given the term in section 101 of title 38, United States Code.