NASE in the News

Local Entrepreneur Receives Grant To Grow Their Small Business

Local Entrepreneur Receives Grant To Grow Their Small Business

Tiffany Washington of Waldorf Will Use Grant For New Software and Equipment

Washington, D.C., November 17, 2008 – The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) is proud to announce that Tiffany Washington of Waldorf, Maryland, has been awarded a $3,000 grant through the NASE’s Business Development Grant Program. Washington, owner of Washington Accounting Services, a full-service financial services firm, will use the grant for new software and office equipment to prepare for the upcoming tax season.

Founded in 2007, Washington Accounting Services aims to provide proficient and reliable accounting, tax preparation, payroll services, new business entity set-up, and notary services for businesses and individuals nationwide.

With the Business Development Grant program, premier-level NASE Members can apply for up to $5,000 for a specific business need such as the purchase of new equipment or software, or the funding of advertising, marketing materials and training. Since the program began in 2006, the association has awarded over $300,000 to member businesses.

The NASE Business Development Grant Program offers access to capital for micro-business owners who have a specific business need – but lack the finances to carry out that goal. The program was designed after an online NASE Member poll found that a majority of micro-business owners (57 percent) initially fund their businesses using personal savings, and many (40 percent) continue to use personal savings for ongoing financing.

“Over the past two years, we’ve seen how just a small amount of capital can get a business off the ground,” said NASE President Robert Hughes. “When a retailer can suddenly sell products online or a contractor can buy a piece of equipment instead of renting it—those small changes to the way a business operates can generate huge profits.”

To learn about all the NASE Business Development Grant recipients, visit www.NASE.org/grants.