ST. LOUIS — If you know a veteran who owns their own small business or happen to be one yourself, you're going to love this news.
A new law lets small business owners who are veterans get equipment to help run their company for free from the federal government.
Illinois Senators Tammy Duckworth and Dick Durbin sponsored the bill that went into effect on Jan. 1, but the problem is not many veterans know about the program yet.
Another problem, fewer veterans are starting their own businesses after getting out of the military.
"I served from 2000 to 2012 and most of my time was spent in the middle east," said Shannon Thompson, a veteran and business-owner.
"Just the idea of stepping out there and not being successful is definitely a thing because you just don't know if your idea is going to work, but I think money is one of the main things that stop veterans from pursuing their dreams outside of the military," added Thompson.
The program gives away unused government equipment to business owners who've served.
To learn more about the new law click here.
To claim your free equipment for your small business click here.