Center for Business & Innovation offers free training for veteran-owned microenterprises in Lacey
The Thurston Economic Development Council Center for Business and Innovation (CB&I) has made some exciting updates to its Veterans Microenterprise Program (VMP). In addition to supporting veterans interested in starting up their own businesses, the VMP now serves already-established veteran-owned businesses with 5 or fewer employees within the City of Lacey.
Enrolled Veterans will receive admittance into the CB&I’s 8 week TuneUP training program (a $395 value), business plan update writing assistance and an opportunity to apply for business assistance grants ranging from $500 to $26,000.
To qualify, veterans must meet the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development “low to moderate income” criteria, which ranges from $41,550 for a one person household to $68,500 for a six person household. Eligible program applicants must live within Lacey or the City’s Urban Growth Area, (generally, the area adjacent to Lacey’s north, south, and east). Businesses funded by a Veterans’ Microenterprise Grant, including home-based businesses, must be located within the city limits.
Veteran-owned businesses interested in the program should contact the Thurston Economic Development Council at 360-754-6320, or email veterans@thurstonedc.com.
