Feb. 23, 2018
HARRISBURG – A recent law authored by Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R-Lehigh/Berks) is proving to greatly benefit veteran and reservist business owners. Under the law, known as Startups for Soldiers, it was reported by the Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations earlier today that 1,613 veterans and reservists saved $178,000 in business and professional licensing fee exemptions in 2017.
This program waives state business startup fees for individuals transitioning to the civilian workforce from the United States Armed Forces, including reserve units and the National Guard. It was based on a similar program that’s been successful in Missouri.
“This legislation was a passion project for me because it allowed me to work with our state’s military men and women to give them the support they deserve to become entrepreneurs and to help our state’s economy through fostering more small businesses,” said Mackenzie. “This legislation was a win-win from the beginning, and I am so glad to learn just how many of our veterans have benefited from these changes.”
The new law eliminates the filing fees to register a new business when the registration documents are signed by a veteran or reservist and submitted with proof of the veteran’s or reservist’s status.
In addition, certain license fees are also waived. According to state officials, a total of 121 license applicants had a combined savings of more than $16,000 from the fee exemptions in 2017.
More information on the Startup for Soldiers program can be found on the Department of State website at
dos.pa.gov.
Representative Ryan Mackenzie
134th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Tricia Lehman
717.772.9840
tlehman@pahousegop.com
RepMackenzie.com /
Facebook.com/RepMackenzie