WASHINGTON, D.C. – Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today joined colleagues in bipartisan support of the Job Creation Through Entrepreneurship Act, which reauthorizes the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) entrepreneurial development programs, and creates a new small business assistance program for veterans and Native Americans.

“While Montanans work to make ends meet, any effort to stimulate job growth must take into account that small businesses and entrepreneurs are the engine of job creation, not government,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee.  “This legislation empowers real economic opportunity and permanent growth that will strengthen our economy, create jobs and lay the foundation for the future.”

The legislation includes funding for education centers as well as special programs for Veterans, Women and Native Americans.

Veterans Business Center Program: These centers, funded by federal grants, provide veterans and their surviving spouses with entrepreneurial training and counseling.  Funding is also provided for capital grants, procurement assessment grants, and grants tailored to service-disabled veterans.  The legislation provides $10 million in Fiscal Year 2011 and $12 million in Fiscal Year 2012.

Women’s Business Centers Program: These centers provide women with management and technical assistance, comprehensive training and counseling for entrepreneurial activity.  Efforts are targeted toward women in economically depressed areas around the state and country.  This legislation authorizes $20 million in Fiscal Year 2010 and $22 million in Fiscal Year 2011.

Enhancing Native American Entrepreneurship: These centers assist Native Americans to start and expand small businesses.  The legislation authorizes $7 million in each of Fiscal Years 2009 and 2010 for grants of up to $300,000 for SBDCs in States with populations made up of over 1 percent Indian tribe members.

“We need to get this bill signed into law quickly and efficiently,” said Rehberg.  “I am hopeful the Senate will move fast on it so entrepreneurs in Montana can have access to the assistance they need to help get the engines of economic recovery going.”