National Association Awards $28K in Growth Grants Supporting America’s Record-Setting Growth in the Small Business Community
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 18, 2024
CONTACT: Kristofer Eisenla, LUNA+EISENLA
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National Association for the Self-Employed, in Collaboration with AARP and DELL Small Business, Provides Financial Grants to Support Small Businesses in Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Nevada, Iowa, Louisiana, and Texas
DALLAS, TX – As our nation’s small business community continues its record-breaking surge with over 19 million new business applications for a third-consecutive year, the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) , the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community, announced today $28,000 in Growth Grants to seven local small businesses for the second quarter of 2024. Today’s announcement also includes three Growth Grant awards sponsored by AARP and one by DELL Small Business .
“Our nation’s small business community, including self-employed and micro-businesses, are the essential fuel for America’s economic engine. Over the course of the last few years, the American small business community has experienced a surge of new small businesses opening and expanding. These new entrepreneurs represent the true spirit of America’s resilience and determination. We are proud to do our part in supporting our community’s expansion and growth,” said John Hearrell, NASE Vice President of Membership and Affiliate Programs. “From each side of Main Street to every corner of America, small businesses are delivering unique goods and services to their customers. Since 1989, our mission is built on the cornerstone of supporting these businesses to grow and succeed. With support from AARP and DELL Small Business, it’s an honor to make an investment of $4,000 in each of these Growth Grant recipients, bringing our total grant awards to over $1 million since the program’s inception.”
In 2023 with the support of AARP, DELL Small Business and Payanywhere, NASE awarded $112,000 in total grants to 28 small businesses to support their efforts to improve, grow and expand business operations. This year, NASE will continue to award grants throughout the year hoping to increase them even more.
The recipients of the second quarter 2024 NASE Growth Grants are:
On-Farm Marketing , located in Davenport, IA, owned by NASE member Tabbatha Cornelius, was awarded a NASE Growth Grant in the second quarter of 2024. On-Farm Marketing specializes in written marketing plans for grain and livestock coupled with hedge strategies for overall risk management. Tabbatha plans to use the funds to equip the On-Farm Marketing LLC office with the basic technology needed to better serve area clients and establish business growth for future area employees.Exactly Turner Services , located in Humble, TX, owned by NASE member Darnesheia Coleman, was awarded a NASE Growth Grant in the second quarter of 2024. Exactly Turner Services is a Tax and Small Business Accounting Firm that serves a variety of individual clients and small business owners nationwide and internationally. Darnesheia plans to use the funds to boost the company’s business growth and operational efficiency by investing in marketing and advertising, inventory expansion, website enhancement, and operational efficiency. Mystic River Chocolate , located in Mystic, CT, owned by NASE member William Gash, was awarded a NASE Growth Grant in the second quarter of 2024. Mystic River Chocolate creates fresh and high quality chocolate and beer products. William plans to use the funds to increase production capacity and meet the growing demand for handcrafted organic chocolates, specifically for the purchase of a 50lb table-top chocolate melter and conditioner with a depositing pump.The following Growth Grants are sponsored by AARP.
American Resurfacing , located in Carson City, NV, owned by NASE member Richard Parr, was awarded a NASE Growth Grant in the second quarter of 2024. American Resurfacing specializes in bathtub refinishing, countertop resurfacing and cabinet painting. Richard plans to use the funds to support the growth and expansion of his business by investing in crucial areas that will enhance the quality and efficiency of my services. All The Way Clean Car Wash , located in Bossier City, LA, owned by NASE member Denasso Allen, was awarded a NASE Growth Grant in the second quarter of 2024. All The Way Clean Car Wash provides top-quality washing and detail services for vehicle owners in Shreveport and the surrounding area. Denasso plans to use the funds to enhance and expand its mobile detailing services, including upgrading its equipment and implement new technologies operations more efficient and environmentally friendly.Aladdin’s Hut , located in Tampa, FL, owned by NASE member, Shahzaman Khan, was awarded a NASE Growth Grant in the second quarter of 2024. Aladdin’s Hut serves Halal and Mediterranean style food where the menu is a treasure trove full of flavors. Shahzaman plans to use the funds to address critical operational needs that directly impact its ability to grow and serve customers effectively, including upgrading its kitchen equipment and infrastructure in order to streamline operations, enhance food quality, and ensure compliance with safety standards, while improving productivity and elevating the overall experience for customers.The following Growth Grant is sponsored by DELL Small Business.
Marvelous Moosey , located in Lilburn, GA, owned by NASE member Steve Woodburn, was awarded a NASE Growth Grant in the second quarter of 2024. The passion of Marvelous Moosey is to develop a character and brand that brings joy to children and to those who remain young at heart. And to remind the world that being Unique is Marvelous. Steve plans to use the funds to illustrate and publish its next children’s book. For the last 40 years, NASE’s focus has been on finding the most effective way to bolster success for small business and self-employed members in communities across the country. NASE’s Growth Grant Program is intended for businesses planning to take the next step in their venture. It provides available capital for small businesses and sole proprietors to be able to hire and train additional employees, market their business in new and existing ways or invest in new equipment or software.
Applications are considered on a rolling basis throughout the year and winning small businesses will be awarded $4,000 grants each quarter throughout 2024. Visit the Growth Grant page
NASE members also enjoy a comprehensive list of benefits designed to help small business owners and sole proprietors start and grow their business. A complete listing of benefits available to NASE members is available, here . NASE members are offered a host of resources designed to help support entrepreneurs and small employers including access to professional “Ask the Experts” services in tax, health care and marketing, a navigational assistant health care portal , scholarships and grants, discounts on shipping rates and office supplies, and affordable email marketing systems and webhosting services. NASE’s newest member benefits continue the tradition of providing real-world, bottom-line assistance to small business owners. To become a member of NASE, apply online here.
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The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) is the nation's leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, offering a broad range of benefits to help entrepreneurs succeed and to drive the continued growth of this vital segment of the American economy.
The NASE NextBizThing helps identify and connect our nation’s smallest businesses. Need small business help? Check out NASE’s Ask the Experts for advice or the NASE Minute for small business support.
The NASE is a 501(c) (6) nonprofit organization and provides big-business advantages to hundreds of thousands of micro-businesses across the United States. For more information, visit the association's website at NASE.org