IRMO, S.C. — The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering up to $300,000 in funding for businesses helping women veterans gain or refine the tools they need to become entrepreneurs.
According to the SBA, non-profits and businesses are eligible for the money if they already deliver entrepreneurship training and support to women veterans. The goal of the training is to enhance training initiatives for six recipients.
Clarissa Munford, who operates Clarrisa's Kitchen, said she intends to apply for this program.
"I hope that I'm one of the selectees so that I can do the things that I'm somewhat already doing, just not quite on that scale, and I think with this program, it'll help us do what we need to do, resource-wise, etc.," Munford said. "So, that we can offer the things that these women need, that support, that mentorship."
Munford said programs like this help veteran communities.
"I think it's an amazing program," Munford said. "I think it's awesome as a woman veteran myself who felt those challenges trying to start up this business and grow this business and scale this business."
"It is needed; it is needed," she added. "They have served our country. One of our mottos is, 'We served our country, and now we're serving our community.' And they will come out and do the same. Women veterans, they are disciplined, they are smart."
She said this program is timely and it's going to be extremely helpful to many women who don’t have another way to start. Munford said all that's needed is for these women to put in the work.
“For any woman veteran out there that … is considering entrepreneurship, do it, don’t be scared," Munford said. "Just step out on faith. Take a leap of faith. If you’re not a believer, just believe anyway. You can do it. Believe in yourself. You served your country. We got through that; you can get through anything. So just keep that in mind and just know that there are so many resources out there."
The SBA's Office of Veterans Business Development is hosting a conference call on Feb. 27 at 2 p.m. to answer any questions. Visit the administration's website for more information.
