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| Iraq |
| More Micro-grants |
| 2007-11-06 |
| Micro-grants assist Shar Ar Rabea businesses Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers, in conjunction with the local Iraqi government, distributed micro-grants to 29 small business owners in the Jamia neighborhood of western Baghdad Oct. 30. Soldiers from Company B, 1st Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, with the help of the Khadra Neighborhood Advisory Council, paid 29 business owners their micro-grants to start rebuilding their businesses. The recipients of micro-grants received between $2,000 to $2,500 which can be used to renovate their business, buy inventory or offices supplies, hire workers or pay for any other business related expenses. This was the second group of micro-grants distributed since 1-64 Armor has been operating in the area, bringing the total number of micro-grants paid in the area to 71, with a total dollar value of $168,000 to local businesses. Even if every penny of it is just plain bribe money it is still a good 'investment'. As each of the business owners receives their grant, Soldiers from Bravo Company monitors their progress to ensure the grant provides the necessary boost. The unit plans to continue issuing these grants in order to revive Shar Ar Rabea, one of the most famous shopping streets in Baghdad prior to the war. |
| Posted by:Glenmore |
| #3 http://www.sba.gov/services/financialassistance/index.html There is tons of money available in the US for anybody who wants to start a small business and asks for it. Other than grants, you can also get low interest loans and low cost insurance. What you need is a business plan in hand, which is normally about five pages long. Hint: Don't start a restaurant. They typically have a six month 50% failure rate. Second Hint: If you put "robotics" in the title of your business, DARPA will be there in a heartbeat, with a suitcase full of money. |
| Posted by: Anonymoose 2007-11-06 19:45 |
| #2 Gimme one. |
| Posted by: Thomas Woof 2007-11-06 18:23 |
| #1 I can't say enough about the power of micro grants to improve the economy in an area. These 29 will probably result in twice that many businesses recovering, perhaps 500 people being hired, their families being supported. Other businesses will spring up to provide supplies, tax revenues will jump. The effect goes on and on. |
| Posted by: Anonymoose 2007-11-06 13:40 |