,,ii #aaeth ,,congress #ast ,session ,s4 #aba ,,in ,,the ,,senate ,,of ,,the ,,united ,,states ,january #ab1 #bjag,mr4 ,heller introduced the following bill2 which was read twice and referred to the ,committee on ,small ,business and ,entrepreneurship ,a ,,bill ,to establish the veterans' business outreach center program1 to improve the programs for veterans of the ,small ,business ,administration1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,veterans ,small ,business ,ownership ,improvements ,act4 #b4 ,veterans' business outreach center program2 ,office of ,veterans ,business ,development 7a7 ,in general ,section #cb of the ,small ,business ,act 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #feg;b7 is amended by striking subsections 7d71 7e71 and 7f7 and inserting the following3 7d7 ,boots to ,business ,program 7#a7 ,definitions ,in this subsection-- 7,a7 the term covered individual means-- 7i7 a member of the ,armed ,forces1 without regard to whether the member is participating in the ,transition ,assistance ,program of the ,department of ,defense2 7ii7 an individual who is participating in the ,transition ,assistance ,program of the ,department of ,defense2 7iii7 an individual who-- 7,i7 served on active duty in any branch of the ,armed ,forces1 including the ,national ,guard and ,reserves2 and 7,,ii7 was discharged or released from such service under conditions other than dishonorable2 and 7iv7 a spouse or dependent of an individual described in clause 7i71 7ii71 or 7iii72 and 7,b7 the term ,vet ,center means a center for readjustment counseling and related mental health services for veterans under section #agab;,a of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code4 7#b7 ,establishment ,there is established a program to be known as the ,boots to ,business ,program to provide entrepreneurship training to covered individuals1 which shall be carried out by the ,administrator4 7#c7 ,goals ,the goals of the ,boots to ,business ,program are to-- 7,a7 provide exposure1 introduction1 and in-depth training for covered individuals interested in business ownership2 and 7,b7 provide covered individuals with the tools and knowledge necessary to identify a business opportunity1 draft a business plan1 identify sources of capital1 connect with local small business resources1 and launch a small business concern4 7#d7 ,program components 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,boots to ,business ,program may include-- 7i7 a brief presentation providing exposure to the considerations involved in self-employment and small business ownership2 7ii7 an online1 self-study course focused on the basic skills of entrepreneurship1 the language of business1 and the considerations involved in self-employment and small business ownership2 7iii7 an in-person classroom instruction component providing an introduction to the foundations of self employment and small business ownership2 and 7iv7 in-depth training delivered through online instruction1 including an online course that leads to the creation of a business plan4 7,b7 ,collaboration ,the ,administrator may-- 7i7 collaborate with public and private entities to develop a course curriculum for the ,boots to ,business ,program2 and 7ii7 modify program components in coordination with entities participating in the ,warriors in ,transition programs1 as defined in section #gch7;f7 of the ,national ,defense ,authorization ,act for ,fiscal ,year #bjac 7#aj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajga note74 7,c7 ,utilization of resource partners 7i7 ,in general ,the ,associate ,administrator shall-- 7,i7 ensure that veterans' business outreach centers regularly participate1 on a nationwide basis1 in the ,boots to ,business ,program2 and 7,,ii7 to the maximum extent practicable1 use a variety of other resource partners and entities in administering the ,boots to ,business ,program4 7ii7 ,grant authority ,in carrying out clause 7i71 the ,associate ,administrator may make grants to veterans' business outreach centers1 other resource partners1 and other entities to carry out components of the ,boots to ,business ,program4 7,d7 ,availability to ,,dod ,the ,administrator shall-- 7i7 make available electronically information regarding the ,boots to ,business ,program and all course materials created for the ,boots to ,business ,program to the ,secretary of ,defense for inclusion on the website of the ,department of ,defense relating to the ,transition ,assistance ,program and in the ,transition ,assistance ,program manual and other publications and materials available for distribution from the ,secretary of ,defense2 and 7ii7 fully participate in the interagency governance of the ,transition ,assistance ,program4 7,e7 ,availability to ,veterans ,affairs ,in consultation with the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs1 the ,associate ,administrator shall make available outreach materials regarding the ,boots to ,business ,program for distribution and display at local facilities of the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs 7including medical centers1 community-based outpatient clinics1 ,vet ,centers1 and other facilities determined appropriate by the ,associate ,administrator and the ,secretary71 which shall1 at a minimum-- 7i7 describe the ,boots to ,business ,program1 including a description of services provided2 and 7ii7 include eligibility requirements for participating in the ,boots to ,business ,program4 7#e7 ,review ,the ,inspector ,general of the ,administration shall submit to the ,committee on ,small ,business and ,entrepreneurship of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,small ,business of the ,house of ,representatives an annual report regarding the awarding of grants under the ,boots to ,business ,program4 7e7 ,women ,veterans ,business ,training ,program 7#a7 ,definition ,in this subsection1 the term covered individual means an individual who-- 7,a7 is female2 and 7,b7 is-- 7i7 a member of the ,armed ,forces2 7ii7 a veteran2 or 7iii7 the spouse or dependent of a member of the ,armed ,forces or a veteran4 7#b7 ,establishment ,the ,administrator shall establish a program1 to be known as the ,women ,veterans ,business ,training ,program1 to provide specific training for covered individuals interested in exploring careers as owners of small business concerns4 7#c7 ,goals ,the goals of the ,women ,veterans ,business ,training ,program are to-- 7,a7 help covered individuals by providing the tools to become successful entrepreneurs2 and 7,b7 integrate the leadership1 integrity1 focus1 and drive of covered individuals into a premier education training program taught by accomplished entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship educators from across the ,united ,states4 7#d7 ,program components 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,women ,veterans ,business ,training ,program may include-- 7i7 an online1 self-study course focused on the basic skills of entrepreneurship and the language of business2 7ii7 a conference where participants are exposed to accomplished entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship educators from across the ,united ,states2 and 7iii7 a plan to provide ongoing support and mentorship4 7,b7 ,collaboration ,the ,administrator may collaborate with public and private entities to develop a course curriculum for the ,women ,veterans ,business ,training ,program4 7#e7 ,women veterans business training ,the ,associate ,administrator shall-- 7,a7 compile information on resources available to women veterans for business training1 including resources for-- 7i7 vocational and technical education2 7ii7 general business skills1 such as marketing and accounting2 and 7iii7 business assistance programs targeted to women veterans2 7,b7 disseminate the information compiled under subparagraph 7,a7 through veterans' business outreach centers and women's business centers2 and 7,c7 in consultation with the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs1 make available outreach materials regarding the ,women ,veterans ,business ,training ,program for distribution and display at local facilities of the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs 7including medical centers1 community-based outpatient clinics1 ,vet ,centers 7as defined in subsection 7d77#a771 and other facilities determined appropriate by the ,associate ,administrator and the ,secretary71 which shall1 at a minimum-- 7i7 describe the ,women ,veterans ,business ,training ,program1 including a description of services provided2 and 7ii7 include eligibility requirements for participating in the ,women ,veterans ,business ,training ,program4 7#f7 ,grant authority ,the ,associate ,administrator may make grants to veterans' business outreach centers1 women's business centers1 and other entities1 including other resource partners1 to carry out components of the ,women ,veterans ,business ,training ,program4 7f7 ,business ,training ,program for ,service ,disabled ,veterans 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall establish a ,business ,training ,program for ,service ,disabled ,veterans to provide specific training for service-disabled veterans interested in exploring careers as owners of small business concerns4 7#b7 ,goals ,the goals of the ,business ,training ,program for ,service ,disabled ,veterans are to-- 7,a7 help service-disabled veterans by providing the tools to become successful entrepreneurs2 and 7,b7 integrate the leadership1 integrity1 focus1 and drive of service-disabled veterans into a premier education training program taught by accomplished entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship educators from across the ,united ,states4 7#c7 ,program components 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,business ,training ,program for ,service ,disabled ,veterans may include-- 7i7 an online1 self-study course focused on the basic skills of entrepreneurship and the language of business2 7ii7 a conference where participants are exposed to accomplished entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship educators from across the ,united ,states2 and 7iii7 a plan to provide ongoing support and mentorship4 7,b7 ,collaboration ,the ,administrator may collaborate with public and private entities to develop a course curriculum for the ,business ,training ,program for ,service ,disabled ,veterans4 7#d7 ,availability to ,veterans ,affairs ,in consultation with the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs1 the ,associate ,administrator shall make available outreach materials regarding the ,business ,training ,program for ,service ,disabled ,veterans for distribution and display at local facilities of the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs 7including medical centers1 community-based outpatient clinics1 ,vet ,centers 7as defined in subsection 7d77#a771 and other facilities determined appropriate by the ,associate ,administrator and the ,secretary71 which shall1 at a minimum-- 7,a7 describe the ,business ,training ,program for ,service ,disabled ,veterans1 including a description of services provided2 and 7,b7 include eligibility requirements for participating in the ,business ,training ,program for ,service ,disabled ,veterans4 7#e7 ,grant authority ,the ,associate ,administrator may make grants to veterans' business outreach centers and other entities1 including other resource partners1 to carry out components of the ,business ,training ,program for ,service ,disabled ,veterans4 7g7 ,veterans' ,business ,outreach ,center ,program 7#a7 ,definitions ,in this subsection-- 7,a7 the term active duty has the meaning given that term in section #aja of title #aj1 ,united ,states ,code2 7,b7 the term ,reservist means a member of a reserve component of the ,armed ,forces1 as described in section #ajaja of title #aj1 ,united ,states ,code2 7,c7 the term small business concern owned and controlled by veterans-- 7i7 has the meaning given that term in section #c7q72 and 7ii7 includes a small business concern-- 7,i7 not less than #ea percent of which is owned by #a or more spouses of veterans or1 in the case of any publicly owned business1 not less than #ea percent of the stock of which is owned by #a or more spouses of veterans2 and 7,,ii7 the management and daily business operations of which are controlled by #a or more spouses of veterans2 7,d7 the term spouse1 relating to a member of the ,armed ,forces on active duty1 veteran1 service-disabled veteran1 or ,reservist1 includes an individual who1 on the date on which the member of the ,armed ,forces on active duty1 veteran1 service-disabled veteran1 or ,reservist died1 is the spouse of the member of the ,armed ,forces on active duty1 veteran1 service-disabled veteran1 or ,reservist2 and 7,e7 the term veterans' business outreach center program means the program established under paragraph 7#b77;,a74 7#b7 ,program ,established 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator1 acting through the ,associate ,administrator1 shall establish a veterans' business outreach center program1 under which the ,associate ,administrator may provide financial assistance to educational institutions1 veterans' nonprofit community-based organizations1 and ,federal1 ,state1 and local departments and agencies to conduct a #e-year project for the benefit of small business concerns owned and controlled by veterans1 which1 upon application by the entity receiving financial assistance1 may be renewed for #a or more additional #e-year periods4 7,b7 ,form of ,financial ,assistance ,financial assistance under this subsection may be in the form of a grant1 a contract1 or a cooperative agreement4 7#c7 ,veterans' business outreach centers ,each entity that receives financial assistance under this subsection shall establish or operate a veterans' business outreach center 7which may include establishing or operating satellite offices in the region described in paragraph 7#e7 served by that entity7 that provides to veterans 7including service-disabled veterans71 ,reservists1 and the spouses of members of the ,armed ,forces on active duty1 veterans 7including service-disabled veterans71 and ,reservists-- 7,a7 financial advice1 including training and counseling on applying for and securing business credit and investment capital1 preparing and presenting financial statements1 and managing cash flow and other financial operations of a small business concern2 7,b7 management advice1 including training and counseling on the planning1 organization1 staffing1 direction1 and control of each major activity and function of a small business concern2 7,c7 technical assistance1 training1 and counseling to assist in identifying and obtaining ,federal procurement opportunities2 7,d7 marketing advice1 including training and counseling on identifying and segmenting domestic and international market opportunities1 preparing and executing marketing plans1 developing pricing strategies1 locating contract opportunities1 negotiating contracts1 and using public relations and advertising techniques2 and 7,e7 other advice1 including training and counseling4 7#d7 ,application 7,a7 ,in general ,an entity desiring to receive financial assistance under this subsection shall submit an application to the ,associate ,administrator at such time and in such manner as the ,associate ,administrator may require4 7,b7 #e-year plan ,each application described in subparagraph 7,a7 shall include a #e-year plan on proposed fundraising and training activities relating to the veterans' business outreach center4 7,c7 ,determination and ,notification ,not later than #ij days after the date on which applications for a fiscal year are required to be submitted under subparagraph 7,a71 the ,associate ,administrator shall approve or deny any application submitted and notify the applicant of the determination4 7,d7 ,availability of application ,the ,associate ,administrator shall make every effort to make the application under subparagraph 7,a7 available online4 7#e7 ,eligibility ,the ,associate ,administrator may select to receive financial assistance under this subsection-- 7,a7 a ,veterans' ,business ,outreach ,center established by the ,administrator under section #h7;b77#ag7 on or before the day before the date of enactment of this subsection2 or 7,b7 educational institutions1 veterans' nonprofit community-based organizations1 and ,federal1 ,state1 and local departments and agencies located in various regions of the ,united ,states1 as the ,associate ,administrator determines is appropriate4 7#f7 ,selection criteria 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,associate ,administrator shall establish selection criteria1 stated in terms of relative importance1 to evaluate and rank applicants under paragraph 7#e77;,b7 for financial assistance under this subsection4 7,b7 ,criteria ,the selection criteria established under this paragraph shall include-- 7i7 the experience of the applicant in conducting programs or ongoing efforts designed to impart or upgrade the business skills of veterans 7including service-disabled veterans71 ,reservists1 and the spouses of members of the ,armed ,forces on active duty1 veterans 7including service-disabled veterans71 and ,reservists who own or may own small business concerns2 7ii7 for an applicant for initial financial assistance under this subsection-- 7,i7 the ability of the applicant to begin operating a veterans' business outreach center within a minimum amount of time2 and 7,,ii7 the geographic region to be served by the veterans' business outreach center2 7iii7 the demonstrated ability of the applicant to-- 7,i7 provide managerial counseling and technical assistance to entrepreneurs2 and 7,,ii7 coordinate services provided by veterans service organizations and other public or private entities2 7iv7 the demonstrated ability to leverage and coordinate with existing resources and infrastructure of the ,administration2 and 7v7 for any applicant for a renewal of financial assistance under this subsection1 the results of the most recent examination under paragraph 7#aa7 of the veterans' business outreach center operated by the applicant4 7,c7 ,criteria publicly available ,the ,associate ,administrator shall-- 7i7 make publicly available the selection criteria established under this paragraph2 7ii7 include the criteria in each solicitation for applications for financial assistance under this subsection2 7iii7 make every effort to ensure regional accessibility and geographic representation in awarding financial assistance under this subsection2 and 7iv7 to the extent practicable1 make publicly available the approximate anticipated date for the determination of award recipients by the ,administration and the anticipated timing of disbursement4 7#g7 ,amount of assistance ,the amount of financial assistance provided under this subsection to an entity for each fiscal year shall be not less than #ajj1jjj4 7#h7 ,federal share 7,a7 ,in general 7i7 ,initial financial assistance ,except as provided in clause 7ii7 and subparagraph 7,e71 an entity that receives financial assistance under this subsection shall provide non-,federal contributions for the operation of the veterans' business outreach center established by the entity in an amount equal to-- 7,i7 in each of the first and second years of the project1 not less than #cc percent of the amount of the financial assistance received under this subsection2 and 7,,ii7 in each of the third through fifth years of the project1 not less than #ej percent of the amount of the financial assistance received under this subsection4 7ii7 ,renewals ,an entity that receives a renewal of financial assistance under this subsection shall provide non-,federal contributions for the operation of the veterans' business outreach center established by the entity in an amount equal to not less than #ej percent of the amount of the financial assistance received under this subsection4 7,b7 ,form of non-federal share ,not more than #ej percent of the non-,federal share for a project carried out using financial assistance under this subsection may be in the form of in-kind contributions4 7,c7 ,timing of disbursement ,the ,associate ,administrator may disburse not more than #be percent of the financial assistance awarded to an entity before the entity obtains the non-,federal share required under this paragraph with respect to that award4 7,d7 ,failure to obtain non-federal funding 7i7 ,in general ,if an entity that receives financial assistance under this subsection fails to obtain the non-,federal share required under this paragraph during #b consecutive fiscal years1 the entity may not receive a disbursement under this subsection in a subsequent fiscal year or a disbursement for any other project funded by the ,administration1 unless the ,administrator makes a written determination that the entity will be able to obtain a non-,federal contribution4 7ii7 ,restoration ,an entity prohibited from receiving a disbursement under clause 7i7 in a fiscal year may receive financial assistance in a subsequent fiscal year if the entity obtains the non-,federal share required under this paragraph for the subsequent fiscal year4 7,e7 ,waiver of non-,federal share for initial recipients 7i7 ,in general ,upon request by an entity1 and in accordance with this subparagraph1 the ,administrator may waive1 in whole or in part1 the requirement to obtain non-,federal funds under subparagraph 7,a77i7 for a fiscal year4 ,the ,administrator may not waive the requirement for an entity to obtain non-,federal funds under this subparagraph for more than a total of #b fiscal years4 7ii7 ,considerations ,in determining whether to waive the requirement to obtain non-,federal funds under this subparagraph1 the ,administrator shall consider-- 7,i7 the economic conditions affecting the entity2 7,,ii7 the impact a waiver under this subparagraph would have on the credibility of the veterans' business outreach center program2 7,,iii7 the demonstrated ability of the entity to raise non-,federal funds2 and 7,,iv7 the performance of the entity4 7iii7 ,limitation ,the ,administrator may not waive the requirement to obtain non-,federal funds under this subparagraph if granting the waiver would undermine the credibility of the veterans' business outreach center program4 7#i7 ,affiliation with small business development centers 7,a7 ,in general ,an entity receiving financial assistance under this subsection shall enter into an agreement to affiliate with a small business development center for purposes of carrying out the activities of the entity using the financial assistance4 7,b7 ,consistency with agreement ,the terms of an agreement to affiliate under subparagraph 7,a7 shall be in accordance with the terms of any agreement between the applicable small business development center and the ,administration4 7#aj7 ,contract authority ,a veterans' business outreach center may enter into a contract with a ,federal department or agency to provide specific assistance to veterans1 service-disabled veterans1 ,reservists1 or the spouses of members of the ,armed ,forces on active duty1 veterans1 service-disabled veterans1 or ,reservists with prior written approval of the ,associate ,administrator4 ,performance of such contract shall not hinder the veterans' business outreach center in carrying out the terms of the grant received by the veterans' business outreach center from the ,administrator4 7#aa7 ,examination and determination of performance 7,a7 ,examination 7i7 ,in general ,not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this subsection and every year thereafter1 the ,associate ,administrator shall conduct an annual examination of the programs and finances of each veterans' business outreach center established or operated using financial assistance under this subsection4 7ii7 ,factors ,in conducting the examination under clause 7i71 the ,associate ,administrator shall consider whether the veterans' business outreach center has failed-- 7,i7 to provide the information required to be provided under subparagraph 7,b71 or the information provided by the center is inadequate2 7,,ii7 to comply with a requirement for participation in the veterans' business outreach center program1 as determined by the ,associate ,administrator1 including-- 7aa7 failure to acquire or properly document a non-,federal share2 7bb7 failure to establish an appropriate partnership or program for marketing and outreach to small business concerns2 7cc7 failure to achieve results described in a financial assistance agreement2 and 7dd7 failure to provide to the ,administrator a description of the amount and sources of any non-,federal funding received by the center2 7,,iii7 to carry out the #e-year plan described in paragraph 7#d77;,b72 7,,iv7 to meet the eligibility requirements under paragraph 7#e72 or 7,v7 to serve small business concerns in the geographic region served by the veterans' business outreach center4 7,b7 ,information provided ,in the course of an examination under subparagraph 7,a71 the veterans' business outreach center shall provide to the ,associate ,administrator-- 7i7 an itemized cost breakdown of actual expenditures for costs incurred during the most recent full fiscal year1 including the amount spent on administrative expenses2 7ii7 documentation of the amount of non-,federal contributions obtained and expended by the veterans' business outreach center during the most recent full fiscal year2 7iii7 with respect to any in-kind contribution under paragraph 7#h77;,b71 verification of the existence and valuation of such contribution2 and 7iv7 any additional information the ,associate ,administrator determines necessary4 7,c7 ,determination of performance 7i7 ,in general ,the ,associate ,administrator shall analyze the results of each examination under subparagraph 7,a7 and1 based on that analysis1 make a determination regarding the performance of the programs and finances of each veterans' business outreach center4 7ii7 ,nondelegation of determination ,the duty under clause 7i7 to make a determination regarding the performance of the programs and finances of a veterans' business outreach center may not be delegated4 7,d7 ,discontinuation of funding 7i7 ,in general ,the ,associate ,administrator may discontinue an award of financial assistance to an entity at any time for poor performance as determined under subparagraph 7,c74 7ii7 ,restoration ,the ,associate ,administrator may continue to provide financial assistance to an entity in a subsequent fiscal year if the ,associate ,administrator determines under subparagraph 7,c7 that the veterans' business outreach center has taken appropriate measures to improve its performance and it is viable4 7#ab7 ,coordination of efforts and consultation 7,a7 ,coordination and consultation ,to the extent practicable1 the ,associate ,administrator and each entity that receives financial assistance under this subsection shall-- 7i7 coordinate outreach and other activities with other programs of the ,administration and the programs of other ,federal agencies1 including programs at local facilities of the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs2 7ii7 consult with technical representatives of the district offices of the ,administration in carrying out activities using financial assistance under this subsection2 and 7iii7 provide information to the veterans business development officers designated under subparagraph 7,b7 and coordinate with the veterans business development officers to increase the ability of the veterans business development officers to provide services throughout the area served by the veterans business development officers4 7,b7 ,veterans business development officers 7i7 ,designation ,the ,administrator shall designate not fewer than #a individual in each district office of the ,administration as a veterans business development officer1 who shall communicate and coordinate activities of the district office with entities that receive financial assistance under this subsection4 7ii7 ,initial designation ,the first individual in each district office of the ,administration designated by the ,administrator as a veterans business development officer under clause 7i7 shall be an individual that is employed by the ,administration on the date of enactment of this subsection4 7#ac7 ,existing contracts ,an award of financial assistance under this subsection shall not void any contract or cooperative agreement between any entity and the ,administration or grant to any entity from the ,administration that is in effect on the date of such award4 7h7 ,veterans business owners initiative pilot program 7#a7 ,definitions ,in this subsection-- 7,a7 the term covered individual means-- 7i7 a member of the ,armed ,forces on active duty1 as defined in section #aja7;d77#a7 of title #aj1 ,united ,states ,code2 7ii7 a member of the ,armed ,forces who is participating in the ,transition ,assistance ,program of the ,department of ,defense2 7iii7 a member of a reserve component of the ,armed ,forces named in section #ajaja of title #aj1 ,united ,states ,code2 7iv7 a veteran2 and 7v7 a spouse or dependent of an individual described in clause 7i71 7ii71 7iii71 or 7iv72 7,b7 the term institution of higher education has the meaning given the term in section #ajb of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajjb72 and 7,c7 the term pilot program means the ,veterans ,business ,owners ,initiative ,pilot ,program established under paragraph 7#b74 7#b7 ,establishment ,not later than #ij days after the date of enactment of this subsection1 the ,administrator shall establish a pilot program1 to be known as the ,veterans ,business ,owners ,initiative ,pilot ,program1 to provide grants to nonprofit entities to carry out peer support groups that provide training to covered individuals interested in exploring careers as owners of small business concerns4 7#c7 ,goals ,the goals of the pilot program are-- 7,a7 to facilitate training for covered individuals1 staff1 and mentors to develop the assistance to be provided through peer support groups under the pilot program1 including education1 coaching1 peer support1 business mentoring1 and benefits counseling2 and 7,b7 to arrange for external assistance1 including micro-financing1 for covered individuals4 7#d7 ,application ,a nonprofit entity that desires a grant under the pilot program shall submit to the ,administrator an application at such time1 in such manner1 and containing such information as the ,administrator may require4 7#e7 ,pilot program components ,activities carried out through a peer support group under the pilot program may include-- 7,a7 providing assistance to covered individuals to identify their passions and skill sets with respect to business1 including coaching and mentorship for covered individuals who suffer from the consequences of being at war2 7,b7 providing exposure to covered individuals to the considerations involved in self-employment and small business ownership2 7,c7 an instruction component that provides an introduction to the foundations of self-employment and small business ownership2 and 7,d7 in-depth training that leads to the creation of a business plan4 7#f7 ,collaboration ,the ,administrator may-- 7,a7 collaborate with public and private entities to develop a course initiative for peer support groups carried out under the pilot program2 and 7,b7 design the course curriculum to allow covered individuals to receive college credit or a certificate through an institution of higher education upon completion of all components of the curriculum4 7i7 ,online ,coordination 7#a7 ,definition ,in this subsection1 the term veterans' assistance provider means-- 7,a7 a veterans' business outreach center established under subsection 7g72 7,b7 an employee of the ,administration assigned to the ,office of ,veterans ,business ,development2 or 7,c7 a veterans business development officer designated under subsection 7g77#ab77;,b74 7#b7 ,establishment ,the ,associate ,administrator shall establish an online mechanism to-- 7,a7 provide information that assists veterans' assistance providers in carrying out the activities of the veterans' assistance providers2 and 7,b7 coordinate and leverage the work of the veterans' assistance providers1 including by allowing a veterans' assistance provider to-- 7i7 distribute best practices and other materials2 7ii7 communicate with other veterans' assistance providers regarding the activities of the veterans' assistance provider on behalf of veterans2 and 7iii7 pose questions to and request input from other veterans' assistance providers4 7j7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there is authorized to be appropriated for each of fiscal years #bjag through #bjba-- 7#a7 #b1ejj1jjj to carry out subsection 7g72 7#b7 #h1jjj1jjj to carry out subsections 7d71 7e71 and 7f72 and 7#c7 such sums as may be necessary to carry out subsection 7h74 7k7 ,limitations on use for overseas travel 7#a7 ,in general ,financial assistance made available under this section may not be used for travel outside of the ,united ,states 7as defined in section #bjb7;a77#g7 of the ,state ,department ,basic ,authorities ,act of #aief 7#bb ,u4,s4,c4 #dcjb7;a77#g777 until after the date on which the ,administrator submits to the ,committee on ,small ,business and ,entrepreneurship of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,small ,business of the ,house of ,representatives a plan describing how services will provided by recipients1 and how the ,administrator will oversee the provision of services1 outside of the ,united ,states4 7#b7 ,maximum amount ,after the date described in paragraph 7#a71 a recipient of financial assistance made available under this section may use not more than #e percent of the amount of the financial assistance for travel outside of the ,united ,states4 7l7 ,reports ,not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this subsection and every year thereafter1 the ,associate ,administrator shall submit to the ,committee on ,small ,business and ,entrepreneurship of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,small ,business of the ,house of ,representatives a report on the performance and effectiveness for the programs authorized under this section1 which may be included as part of another report submitted to the ,committee on ,small ,business and ,entrepreneurship of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,small ,business of the ,house of ,representatives by the ,associate ,administrator1 and which shall include the following3 7#a7 ,boots to business ,for the ,boots to ,business ,program under subsection 7d7-- 7,a7 the number of program participants using each component of the ,boots to ,business ,program2 7,b7 the completion rates for each component of the ,boots to ,business ,program2 7,c7 to the extent possible-- 7i7 the demographics of program participants1 to include gender1 age1 race1 relationship to military1 ,military ,occupational ,code1 and years of service of program participants2 7ii7 the number of small business concerns formed or expanded with assistance under the ,boots to ,business ,program2 7iii7 the gross receipts of small business concerns receiving assistance under the ,boots to ,business ,program2 7iv7 the number of jobs created with assistance under the ,boots to ,business ,program2 7v7 the number of referrals to other resources and programs of the ,administration2 7vi7 the number of program participants receiving financial assistance under loan programs of the ,administration2 7vii7 the type and dollar amount of financial assistance received by program participants under loan programs of the ,administration2 and 7viii7 results of participant satisfaction surveys1 including a summary of any comments received from program participants2 7,d7 an evaluation of the effectiveness of the ,boots to ,business ,program in each region of the ,administration during the most recent fiscal year2 7,e7 an assessment of additional performance outcome measures for the ,boots to ,business ,program1 as identified by the ,associate ,administrator2 7,f7 any recommendations of the ,administrator for improvement of the ,boots to ,business ,program1 which may include expansion of the types of individuals who are covered individuals2 7,g7 an explanation of how the ,boots to ,business ,program has been integrated with other transition programs and related resources of the ,administration and other ,federal agencies2 and 7,h7 any additional information the ,administrator determines necessary4 7#b7 ,women ,veterans ,business ,training ,program ,for the ,women ,veterans ,business ,training ,program under subsection 7e7-- 7,a7 the number of program participants using each component of the ,women ,veterans ,business ,training ,program2 7,b7 the completion rates for each component of the ,women ,veterans ,business ,training ,program2 7,c7 to the extent possible-- 7i7 the demographics of program participants1 to include gender1 age1 race1 relationship to military1 and years of service2 7ii7 the number of small business concerns formed or expanded with assistance under the ,women ,veterans ,business ,training ,program2 7iii7 the gross receipts of small business concerns receiving assistance under the ,women ,veterans ,business ,training ,program2 7iv7 the number of jobs created with assistance under the ,women ,veterans ,business ,training ,program2 7v7 the number of referrals to other resources and programs of the ,administration2 7vi7 the number of referrals from other resources and programs of the ,administration and other ,federal agencies2 7vii7 the number of program participants receiving financial assistance under loan programs of the ,administration2 7viii7 the type and dollar amount of financial assistance received by program participants under loan programs of the ,administration2 and 7ix7 the results of participant satisfaction surveys1 including a summary of any comments received from program participants2 7,d7 an assessment of additional performance outcome measures for the ,women ,veterans ,business ,training ,program1 as identified by the ,associate ,administrator2 7,e7 any recommendations of the ,administrator for improvement of the ,women ,veterans ,business ,training ,program2 7,f7 an explanation of how the ,women ,veterans ,business ,training ,program has been integrated with other transition programs and related resources of the ,administration and other ,federal agencies2 and 7,g7 any additional information the ,administrator determines necessary4 7#c7 ,business ,training ,program for ,service ,disabled ,veterans ,for the ,business ,training ,program for ,service ,disabled ,veterans under subsection 7f7-- 7,a7 the number of program participants using each component of the ,business ,training ,program for ,service ,disabled ,veterans2 7,b7 the completion rates for each component of the ,business ,training ,program for ,service ,disabled ,veterans2 7,c7 to the extent possible-- 7i7 the demographics of program participants1 to include gender1 age1 race1 relationship to military1 and years of service2 7ii7 the number of small business concerns formed or expanded with assistance under the ,business ,training ,program for ,service ,disabled ,veterans2 7iii7 the gross receipts of small business concerns receiving assistance under the ,business ,training ,program for ,service ,disabled ,veterans2 7iv7 the number of jobs created with assistance under the ,business ,training ,program for ,service ,disabled ,veterans2 7v7 the number of referrals to other resources and programs of the ,administration2 7vi7 the number of referrals from other resources and programs of the ,administration and other ,federal agencies2 7vii7 the number of program participants receiving financial assistance under loan programs of the ,administration2 7viii7 the type and dollar amount of financial assistance received by program participants under loan programs of the ,administration2 and 7ix7 the results of participant satisfaction surveys1 including a summary of any comments received from program participants2 7,d7 an assessment of additional performance outcome measures for the ,business ,training ,program for ,service ,disabled ,veterans1 as identified by the ,associate ,administrator2 7,e7 any recommendations of the ,administrator for improvement of the ,business ,training ,program for ,service ,disabled ,veterans2 7,f7 an explanation of how the ,business ,training ,program for ,service ,disabled ,veterans has been integrated with other transition programs and related resources of the ,administration and other ,federal agencies2 and 7,g7 any additional information the ,administrator determines necessary4 7#d7 ,veteran's business outreach center program ,for the veterans' business outreach center program under subsection 7g7-- 7,a7 an evaluation of the effectiveness of the veterans' business outreach center program in each region of the ,administration during the most recent full fiscal year2 7,b7 for each veterans' business outreach center established or operated using financial assistance provided under subsection 7g7-- 7i7 the number of individuals receiving assistance from the veterans' business outreach center1 including the number of such individuals who are-- 7,i7 veterans or spouses of veterans2 7,,ii7 service-disabled veterans or spouses of service-disabled veterans2 7,,iii7 ,reservists 7as defined in subsection 7g77 or spouses of ,reservists2 or 7,,iv7 spouses of members of the ,armed ,forces on active duty2 7ii7 the average distance traveled by veterans to access services at the veterans' business outreach center2 7iii7 the number of small business concerns formed by individuals receiving assistance from the veterans' business outreach center1 including-- 7,i7 veterans or spouses of veterans2 7,,ii7 service-disabled veterans or spouses of service-disabled veterans2 7,,iii7 ,reservists or spouses of ,reservists2 or 7,,iv7 spouses of members of the ,armed ,forces on active duty2 and 7iv7 to the extent possible-- 7,i7 the gross receipts of small business concerns receiving assistance from the veterans' business outreach center2 7,,ii7 the employment increases or decreases of small business concerns receiving assistance from the veterans' business outreach center2 7,,iii7 the increases or decreases in profits of small business concerns receiving assistance from the veterans' business outreach center2 7,,iv7 the number of referrals by the veterans' business outreach center to other resources and programs of the ,administration2 7,v7 the results of satisfaction surveys1 including a summary of any comments received from small business concerns receiving assistance from the veterans' business outreach center2 7,,vi7 the number of small business concerns receiving assistance from the veterans' business outreach center that received financial assistance under loan programs of the ,administration2 7,,vii7 the type and dollar amount of financial assistance received under loan programs of the ,administration by small business concerns receiving assistance from the veterans' business outreach center2 7,,viii7 the number of small business concerns receiving assistance from the veterans' business outreach center that obtained a ,federal contract through a small business contracting program2 7,,ix7 the type and dollar amount of the ,federal contracts awarded to small business concerns receiving assistance from the veterans' business outreach center2 7,x7 an assessment of additional performance outcome measures for the veterans' business outreach center1 as identified by the ,associate ,administrator2 and 7,,xi7 the results of the examination of the veterans' business outreach center under subsection 7g77#aj72 7,c7 any recommendations of the ,administrator for improvement of the veterans' business outreach center program2 7,d7 an explanation of how the veterans' business outreach center program has been integrated with other transition programs and related resources of the ,administration and other ,federal agencies2 and 7,e7 any additional information the ,administrator determines necessary4 7#e7 ,other activities and programs administered by the office of veterans business development ,an evaluation of the effectiveness of any other activities and programs administered by the ,office of ,veterans ,business ,development1 including using the metrics identified in paragraphs 7#a7 through 7#d74 7#f7 ,veterans business owners initiative pilot program ,for the ,veterans ,business ,owners ,initiative ,pilot ,program under subsection 7h7-- 7,a7 the number of program participants using each component of the ,veterans ,business ,owners ,initiative ,pilot ,program2 7,b7 the completion rates for each component of the ,veterans ,business ,owners ,initiative ,pilot ,program2 7,c7 to the extent possible-- 7i7 the demographics of program participants1 including gender1 age1 race1 relationship to military1 and years of service2 7ii7 the number of small business concerns formed or expanded with assistance under the ,veterans ,business ,owners ,initiative ,pilot ,program2 7iii7 the gross receipts of small business concerns receiving assistance under the ,veterans ,business ,owners ,initiative ,pilot ,program2 7iv7 the number of jobs created with assistance under the ,veterans ,business ,owners ,initiative ,pilot ,program2 7v7 the number of referrals to other resources and programs of the ,administration2 7vi7 the number of referrals from other resources and programs of the ,administration and other ,federal agencies2 7vii7 the number of program participants receiving financial assistance under loan programs of the ,administration2 7viii7 the type and dollar amount of financial assistance received by program participants under loan programs of the ,administration2 and 7ix7 the results of participant satisfaction surveys1 including a summary of any comments received from program participants2 7,d7 an assessment of additional performance outcome measures for the ,veterans ,business ,owners ,initiative ,pilot ,program1 as identified by the ,associate ,administrator2 7,e7 any recommendations of the ,administrator for improvement of the ,veterans ,business ,owners ,initiative ,pilot ,program2 7,f7 an explanation of how the ,veterans ,business ,owners ,initiative ,pilot ,program has been integrated with other transition programs and related resources of the ,administration and other ,federal agencies2 and 7,g7 any additional information the ,administrator determines necessary4 4 7b7 ,federal share for existing program 7#a7 ,definition ,in this subsection1 the term existing award means an award made under the ,veterans' ,business ,outreach ,center ,program of the ,small ,business ,administration before the date of enactment of this ,act that is in effect on the date of enactment of this ,act4 7#b7 ,exception from provision on failure to obtain non-,federal funding ,during the #b-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this ,act1 subsection 7g77#h77;,d7 of section #cb of the ,small ,business ,act 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #feg;b71 as added by subsection 7a71 shall not apply to an existing award4 7c7 ,,gao ,reports 7#a7 ,definitions ,in this subsection-- 7,a7 the term covered individual means-- 7i7 a veteran2 7ii7 a service-disabled veteran2 7iii7 a ,reservist2 7iv7 the spouse of an individual described in clause 7i71 7ii71 or 7iii72 or 7v7 the spouse of a member of the ,armed ,forces2 7,b7 the terms ,reservist1 small business concern owned and controlled by veterans1 and veterans' business outreach center program have the meanings given those terms in section #cb7;g7 of the ,small ,business ,act1 as added by subsection 7a72 and 7,c7 the terms service-disabled veteran1 small business concern1 and veteran have the meanings given those terms under section #c of the ,small ,business ,act 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #fcb74 7#b7 ,report on access to credit 7,a7 ,in general ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall submit a report regarding the ability of small business concerns owned and controlled by covered individuals to access credit to-- 7i7 the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs and the ,committee on ,small ,business and ,entrepreneurship of the ,senate2 and 7ii7 the ,committee on ,veterans' ,affairs and the ,committee on ,small ,business of the ,house of ,representatives4 7,b7 ,contents ,the report submitted under subparagraph 7,a7 shall include an analysis of-- 7i7 the sources of credit used by small business concerns owned and controlled by covered individuals and the percentage of the credit obtained by small business concerns owned and controlled by covered individuals that is obtained from each source2 7ii7 the default rate for small business concerns owned and controlled by covered individuals separately for each source of credit described in clause 7i71 as compared to the default rate for the source of credit for small business concerns generally2 7iii7 the ,federal lending programs available to provide credit to small business concerns owned and controlled by covered individuals2 7iv7 gaps1 if any1 in the availability of credit for small business concerns owned and controlled by covered individuals that are not being filled by the ,federal ,government or private sources2 7v7 obstacles faced by covered individuals in trying to access credit2 7vi7 the extent to which deployment and other military responsibilities affect the credit history of veterans and ,reservists2 and 7vii7 the extent to which covered individuals are aware of ,federal programs targeted towards helping covered individuals access credit4 7#c7 ,report on veterans' business outreach center program 7,a7 ,in general ,not later than #fj days after the end of the second fiscal year beginning after the date on which the veterans' business outreach center program is established1 the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall evaluate the effectiveness of the veterans' business outreach center program1 and submit to ,congress a report on the results of that evaluation4 7,b7 ,contents ,the report submitted under subparagraph 7,a7 shall include-- 7i7 an assessment of-- 7,i7 the use of amounts made available to carry out the veterans' business outreach center program2 7,,ii7 the effectiveness of the services provided by each entity receiving financial assistance under the veterans' business outreach center program2 7,,iii7 whether the services described in subclause 7,,ii7 are duplicative of services provided by other veterans service organizations1 programs of the ,small ,business ,administration1 or programs of another ,federal department or agency and1 if so1 recommendations regarding how to alleviate the duplication of the services2 7,,iv7 whether there are areas of the ,united ,states in which there are not adequate entrepreneurial services for small business concerns owned and controlled by veterans and1 if so1 whether there is a veterans' business outreach center established under the veterans' business outreach center program providing services to that area2 and 7,v7 whether there is a correlation between the proximity of a veterans' business outreach center to small business concerns owned and controlled by veterans and the rate of the use of the services of the veterans' business outreach center2 and 7ii7 recommendations1 if any1 for improving the veterans' business outreach center program4 #c4 ,improvements to business development and entrepreneurial programs 7a7 ,definitions ,in this section-- 7#a7 the terms ,administration and ,administrator mean the ,small ,business ,administration and the ,administrator thereof1 respectively2 7#b7 the term individual eligible for a veteran entrepreneurial development program means-- 7,a7 a covered individual1 as defined in section #cb7;d77#a7 of the ,small ,business ,act1 as amended by section #b2 7,b7 a covered individual1 as defined in section #cb7;e77#a7 of the ,small ,business ,act1 as amended by section #b2 7,c7 a service-disabled veteran1 as defined in section #c7q77#a7 of the ,small ,business ,act 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #fcb7q77#a772 and 7,d7 an individual who qualifies to be the owner of a small business concern owned and controlled by veterans1 as defined in section #cb7;g77#a77;,c7 of the ,small ,business ,act1 as amended by section #b2 7#c7 the term one-stop resource means the one-stop online resource established under subsection 7c77#a72 and 7#d7 the term small business concern has the meaning given that term under section #c of the ,small ,business ,act 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #fcb74 7b7 ,veteran peer-to-,peer networks ,not later than #ij days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall establish guidelines to improve the network of peer-to-peer counseling and mentoring for individuals eligible for a veteran entrepreneurial development program relating to the business development and entrepreneurial programs of the ,administration4 7c7 ,one-,stop online resource 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall establish an online mechanism that serves as a one-stop online resource for veterans regarding all of the entrepreneurial development programs of the ,administration4 7#b7 ,contents ,the one-stop resource shall include descriptions of each entrepreneurial program of the ,administration 7which shall include the programs described in paragraph 7#c771 including-- 7,a7 target client descriptions for each program2 7,b7 contact information for information on or assistance regarding each program from locally1 statewide1 and nationally available sources2 7,c7 a detailed description of the services available under each program2 7,d7 a description of any costs associated with the services under each program2 7,e7 an outline of program curriculums if training seminars or courses are offered2 and 7,f7 other resource information that the ,administrator determines appropriate and necessary for veteran entrepreneurs and veterans who own small business concerns1 in order to ensure the one-stop online resource provides information and resources necessary for a veteran beginning to develop a small business concern4 7#c7 ,programs ,the programs identified and described under the one-stop resource shall include-- 7,a7 the small business development center program under section #ba of the ,small ,business ,act 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #fdh72 7,b7 the women's business center program under section #bi of the ,small ,business ,act 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #fef72 7,c7 the programs of the ,office of ,entrepreneurship ,education of the ,administration2 7,d7 the ,boots to ,business ,program under section #cb7;d7 of the ,small ,business ,act1 as amended by section #b7;a7 of this ,act2 7,e7 the ,women ,veterans ,business ,training ,program under section #cb7;e7 of the ,small ,business ,act1 as amended by section #b7;a7 of this ,act2 7,f7 the ,business ,training ,program for ,service ,disabled ,veterans under section #cb7;f7 of the ,small ,business ,act1 as amended by section #b7;a7 of this ,act2 7,g7 the veterans' business outreach center program under section #cb7;g7 of the ,small ,business ,act1 as amended by section #b7;a7 of this ,act2 7,h7 the ,service ,corps of ,retired ,executives program authorized by section #h7;b77#a7 of the ,small ,business ,act 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #fcg7;b77#a772 and 7,i7 any other program of the ,administration determined appropriate by the ,administrator4 #d4 ,reporting requirement for interagency task force ,section #cb7;c7 of the ,small ,business ,act 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #feg;b7c77 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7#d7 ,report ,not less frequently than once each year1 the ,administrator shall submit to ,congress a report-- 7,a7 discussing the appointments made to and activities of the task force2 and 7,b7 identifying and outlining a plan for outreach and promotion of all the programs authorized under the ,veterans ,small ,business ,ownership ,improvements ,act1 or an amendment made by that ,act4 4 #e4 ,educational training ,section #h7;b7 of the ,small ,business ,act 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #fcg7;b77 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#af71 by striking and at the end2 7#b7 in paragraph 7#ag71 by striking the period at the end and inserting 2 and2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following3 7#ah7 to make a grant to1 or enter into a cooperative agreement with1 a nonprofit entity to operate an educational training program to provide assistance to small business concerns owned and controlled by veterans regarding how to increase the likelihood of being awarded contracts with the ,federal ,government-- 7,a7 which shall be made to or entered into with a nonprofit entity that has a track record of successfully providing educational and job training services to targeted veterans populations in diverse locations2 7,b7 under which the nonprofit entity shall be required to match any ,federal funds received for the program with ,state1 local1 or private sector funds2 and 7,c7 under which the nonprofit entity shall use a diverse group of professional service experts1 such as ,federal1 ,state1 and local contracting experts and private sector industry experts with first-hand experience in ,federal ,government contracting1 to provide instruction to small business concerns owned and controlled by veterans4 4