A program that helps transitioning servicemembers start their own businesses is getting support from federal lawmakers.

The Boots to Business program, which provides transitioning servicemembers and their spouses with seminars on entrepreneurship, is among the amendments approved by the House of Representatives in the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act. The bipartisan amendment would help ensure the program's continuance.

Since it began in 2012, Boots to Business has not been codified into law, therefore, it could be ended by the current or future administration unilaterally.

“Our veterans served our country with honor, and they deserve our support as they transition from military to civilian life,” said Rep. Brad Schneider, D-Ill., one of the amendment's sponsors. “Many of the leadership, problem-solving, and communications skills learned in the armed forces translate well to entrepreneurial and business success. The Boots to Business program does crucial work helping veterans start and grow businesses.”

The Boots to Business program has trained more than 50,000 people to develop their own business plans. It began as a joint initiative between the Department of Defense and the federal Small Business Association. In 2014, it expanded worldwide through a contract with the Institute for Veterans and Military Families Program at Syracuse University, which had been offering its own version of an entrepreneurship program since 2007.

Last week, representatives from Syracuse University led a Boots to Business class with soldiers stationed in Baumholder and Kaiserslautern, Germany.

Amanda Dolasinski is MOAA's staff writer. She can be reached at amandad@moaa.org. Follow her on Twitter @AmandaMOAA.