Vet entrepreneurs focus of New York forum

Officials from The American Legion’s Economic Division will sit as panelists on a small business forum in New York City, Dec. 10, to advise legislators on drafting policies and laws that will cater to the needs of veteran business owners and entrepreneurs. The Legion will join representatives from VA, the federal Small Business Administration, the Departments of Homeland Security and Treasury, and officials from the private sector to provide input on how state legislators can improve the economic outlook for veteran entrepreneurs.

The event, which was coordinated by Rep. Yvette Clarke (D-N.Y.), will be attended by Reps. Nydia Velázquez (D-N.Y.) Michael Grimm (R-N.Y.), Peter King (R-N.Y.), Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.), Joseph Crowley (D-N.Y.), Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.) and Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.). Specifically, the group of legislators will hear presentations on improving access to federal funding opportunities, technical assistance programs available to veteran business owners, and improving veteran access to capital during tough economic times.

The event will be organized into panels, including one on advisement for drafting legislation to assist veterans in starting and expanding businesses. The American Legion has been tasked with leading the discussion at this panel. Legion officials will also be on hand for a question-and-answer forum with the legislators.
The event takes place in Brooklyn Borough Hall from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.