Two years after the city created its Veteran Grant Program, the first payments under it are starting to reach recipients.
The program is part of a $10.16 million appropriations bill approved by the Jacksonville City Council during Mayor Donna Deegan’s first months in office.
Council member Will Lahnen proposed devoting $50,000 to the program, aimed at helping service members leaving the military to start small businesses in Jacksonville. Council and Deegan approved it.
Lahnen, a U.S. Navy veteran and grandson of two World War II veterans, said those leaving the military often look for a more independent lifestyle outside of the service. Creating their own business is an avenue toward achieving that independence, he said.
Keeping veterans in Jacksonville can also boost the city’s economic development, Lahnen said. Since veterans are integrated into the city’s communities, Jacksonville doesn’t need to create more housing for them.
“Their kids are already on our sports teams,” Lahnen said. “They already go to our churches and other religious institutions.”
The funding is divided into $2,000 grants and awarded through the city’s Jacksonville Small and Emerging Business (JSEB) program, which works with companies that make under $20 million annually in revenue.
After some delays, JSEB has begun issuing the grants. As of Nov. 7, the city had awarded four of them, with several businesses waiting their turn.
JSEB administrator Gregory Grant said $2,000 can go a long way for a small business.
“A lot of times, as consumers, we look at the zeros. A business owner who is making $1,000 a month has the same issues as a business that’s making $1 million a year, and the only difference is the number of zeros,” Grant said. “They’re looking for ways to cut those expenses. This grant, although it seems microbial, helps them on that expense side.”
The grant funds are available only as reimbursements, and only to veterans living in Duval County. Recipients must attend and complete a small-business education course and must have been in business for at least six months.
Grants must also be used for tangible purchases made in the 180 days prior to submission of the application, and to assist with business development and growth. For example, a business cannot use the funds to give an employee a raise but they can be reimbursed for the cost of a computer.
If the initial $50,000 outlay proves beneficial to Jacksonville’s economic development, both Lahnen and Grant hope that further veteran investment can be included in future city budgets.
“I would like to have been able to show evidence that this seed investment sprouted into job creation, it sprouted into starting something that created more commerce in our city,” Grant said.
“I believe that investing in our military veterans is a big deal because they already know how to lead. They have leadership skills in the military. And I think these are some of the most prominent leaders to invest in, because they know how to make a lot out of a little.”
Information and applications are at jseb.jacksonville.gov/jseb-application/veteran-grant-program.