Rep. Allen introduces bill to boost American entrepreneurship

Washington – Today, Congressman Rick W. Allen (GA-12) introduced the Startup Act, legislation aimed at supporting entrepreneurship by expanding access to programs that provide training and resources to individuals seeking to create a business. Specifically, the Startup Act amends the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 by including language that incorporates entrepreneurial skills development training into the current federal system. The Startup Act also authorizes the Department of Labor (DOL) to conduct a threeyear, multi-state study to review the outcomes of these programs and report its findings to Congress.

Upon introduction, Congressman Rick W. Allen made the following statement: “Long before I was a Congressman, I was an entrepreneur. I spent almost four decades building and operating a small business, and I know how federal policies impact entrepreneurs and job creators. I am proud to lead this effort to help current and future entrepreneurs access the resources they need to create jobs, grow our economy, and realize the American Dream.”

Eric R. Parker, AIA, President & Co-Founder of Make Startups: “In our work at Make Startups, we have found that tremendous numbers of entrepreneurs in our communities, both urban and rural, are facing poverty while trying to start their business. The Startup Act will remove barriers and help provide them with equitable access to training and support from our workforce system.”

The Startup Act has been endorsed by leading industry groups, including: • Make Startups • WorkSource East Central Georgia • Center for American Entrepreneurship • Angel Capital As –

sociation • Startup Champions Network • Right to Start • Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council • Energize Colorado • Rocky Mountain Microfinance • Economic Innova –

tion Group