I received a veteran grant for $10,000 which helped me to accomplish a lot in my business. First, it allowed me to purchase inventory and supplies that I needed to get started. Second, it helped me to cover the costs of rent and utilities for my business location. Third, it helped me to hire employees and to train them in the skills that they need to be successful. Finally, it helped me to market my business and to get it off the ground.
I served in the Cyprus army for three years and I was honorably discharged in 2014. I then used my veteran grant to start my own business. The grant I received was for $10,000 and it helped me to get my e-commerce business off the ground. I used the money to buy equipment and supplies, and to marketing my business. This side business has grown enough to support myself and my family, and I am doing something that I love. I am very grateful for the opportunity that the veteran grant gave me.
My first grant was from the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Disaster Assistance Grant. I was awarded $20,000 to help rebuild my business after it was destroyed by Hurricane Maria in September 2017. The money was a big help, but it was the guidance and support from SBA staff that was most beneficial. The SBA disaster advisor assigned to my case was a wealth of information, and she was a constant source of advice and support. I was also connected with a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) advisor who helped me understand the process of applying for a low-interest disaster loan, which I applied and was approved for.