provide small business and entrepreneurial-focused services to
veterans, reservists and the dependents of veterans and
reservists for purposes of assisting the individuals in
obtaining the skills necessary to create, manage and operate a
small business.
ยง 9703. Program components and Department of Community and
Economic Development duties.
(a) Establishment.--In developing the program, the
Department of Community and Economic Development shall establish
the following program components:
(1) A network of veterans and reservists business
centers throughout this Commonwealth. Business centers shall
be colocated at State System of Higher Education universities
or community colleges to maximize innovative potential and
minimize program costs. The secretary shall ensure the
utilization and coordination of available resources,
including, but not limited to, PA CareerLink centers, Small
Business Development Centers and the Ben Franklin Technology
Partners. The number and location of the veterans and
reservists business centers shall be at the discretion of the
secretary, except that veterans, reservists and dependents of
veterans and reservists from all areas of this Commonwealth
must have reasonable access to all services under this
chapter by June 30, 2024.
(2) A strong academic foundation to support ongoing
training and research capabilities.
(3) A sustainable business model to ensure the program
continues beyond its initial start-up period.
(4) Open innovation practices, through ongoing doctoral-
level research, job training and program evaluation, that
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