U.S. Veterans have long demonstrated the leadership, discipline and resilience it takes to build successful businesses, including farms. But today, the number of Veterans leading their own companies is plummeting compared to generations past. Too many servicemembers return home to Illinois ready to take a chance on themselves yet struggle to get their businesses off the ground. That’s a trend we can’t afford to ignore.

At the same time, scattered in warehouses throughout the country are federal resources that could help those same entrepreneurs thrive. These include farm tools and construction equipment, laptops and office furniture. They’ve gathered dust, unused and unseen, year after year.

“For years, the General Services Administration has overseen the distribution of federal surplus personal property through partnerships with the Small Business Administration and state agencies for surplus property.”

It simply makes no sense for these two problems to coexist.

EXPANDING ACCESS TO CRITICAL RESOURCES

That’s why I introduced the Veterans Small Business Enhancement Act in 2018. As a Veteran, I was proud to see it signed into law in 2019. This legislation helps Veteran small business owners, including farmers, access the resources they need to succeed.

Now as much as ever, we need to provide our Veterans with resources that could help change their future and bolster our nation’s economic success. Veterans are twice as likely to start or lead their own companies as civilians, and we should be doing everything we can to support that entrepreneurial spirit, not let it fade.

HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS

For years, the General Services Administration has overseen the distribution of federal surplus personal property through partnerships with the Small Business Administration and state agencies for surplus property. Public agencies and nonprofit organizations have long benefited from this program. I’ve even used it to help furnish some of my offices in Illinois.

My goal was simple: expand this existing program to include Veteran-owned small businesses.

Today, eligible businesses, including Veteran-owned farms, can access a wide range of surplus equipment through their state agencies. Although inventory is constantly changing, past items have included trucks, trailers, mowers, tractors, skid steers and backhoe loaders. It’s the kind of equipment that can make a real difference for ag operations.

Because the federal government doesn’t need these things anymore, Veteran-owned businesses can purchase them at a steep discount. And taxpayers benefit because the government no longer has to store and maintain them.

HOW THE SURPLUS PROGRAM STRENGTHENS ILLINOIS AG

Illinois is an international hub for agriculture, and our farmers play a critical role in feeding and fueling the world. When we strengthen our ag economy, we’re also strengthening job growth, supporting our energy future and reinforcing our leadership on the global stage.

Programs such as this one help lower the barrier to entry for Veterans starting or growing a farm business in a highly competitive industry. Access to affordable equipment can be the difference between getting started and staying on the sidelines.

I continue to work in Congress to ensure that programs supporting Veterans and American farmers are strengthened, not cut.

Our Veterans have already demonstrated their commitment to this country. When they return home, we should honor that service by making it easier for them to succeed, whether that means helping them go back to school, find a good-paying job or start a small business of their own.

We can’t let them down.

How Veteran Farmers Can Access Surplus Equipment

Step 1: Register your business Create a unique entity at SAM.gov.

Step 2: Get certified. Apply for Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) certification through the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Step 3: Contact the Illinois Department of Central Management Services by calling 217-785-6903 or emailing cms.gsa@illinois. gov.

Step 4: Apply for the Federal Surplus Program. Once approved, you can view and purchase available inventory online at cms.illinois.gov/business/surplus/fedsurp.html. You can then pick it up or pay to have it shipped, depending on the item.

Step 5: Browse and request equipment. Inventory changes regularly, so check back often for new items.