(Washington, DC) - Congressman Baron Hill voted for the Job Creation through Entrepreneurship Act, H.R. 2352, when it was passed by the House in an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote last night. This legislation gives small businesses and entrepreneurs more of the tools and resources they need to succeed and thrive.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy,” Hill said. “And I am deeply committed to supporting the spirit of entrepreneurship that propels our small businesses. The legislation we passed today is crucial to getting us out of this financial downturn.”

The bill marks the first major overhaul of the Small Business Administration’s entrepreneurial development programs in a decade. It expands and improves some of the most successful programs, such as Small Business Development Centers, Women’s Business Centers and the Service Corps of Retired Executives. The bill also creates new online learning programs and establishes grant programs to assist small firms in securing capital and credit.

“These programs are some of the smartest investments we can make in our economy,” Hill said. “For every dollar we spend on a successful entrepreneurship program, we see a $2.87 return to the Treasury. Last year alone, these development programs created 73,000 jobs.”

The legislation also establishes, for the first time, a nationwide network of Veterans Business Centers to provide specialized entrepreneurial training and counseling to our nation’s veterans. 

“I am particularly pleased with the inclusion of the Veterans Business Centers provision,” Hill said.  “We need to always make sure we are supporting our veterans in both combat and when they return home.” 

H.R. 2352 was passed by a vote of 406 to 15.