NASE News

CA Business Owner Receives $20,000 Award From NASE For Small-Business Excellence And Innovation

NASE — Monday, 18 July, 2011 09:00:00 EST

For Immediate Release:

Contact:

Kristin Oberlander
(202) 466-2100
koberlander@NASEadmin.org
Twitter: NASEtweets

A dog chases a lure from Wicked Coursing (La Mesa, Calif.)

Washington, D.C., July 13, 2011 – Pat Bennett, owner of La Mesa, Calif.-based small business Wicked Coursing, recently received a $20,000 award from the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) in recognition of her excellent small-business practices and her success in doing less with more while simultaneously driving innovation.

Bennett founded Wicked Coursing, a lure coursing equipment manufacturer, in 2008. Wicked Coursing specializes in fun and easy-to-use equipment for lure coursing, a fast-paced chase sport for dogs. As a member of the NASE, Bennett applied for and received a $5,000 Growth Grant™ in December 2010 – part of $550,000 in grants given by the NASE since 2006 in response to members’ needs for access to capital.

According to an NASE Member survey, 77% of America’s micro-business owners do not believe there are enough funding resources available. A majority of respondents reported having to use personal savings to start their businesses and identified a need for funding from associations and nonprofit organizations.

Bennett used the original grant funds to launch Wicked Coursing’s latest and most accessible product, the ZippityDog™, for sale on her website. Some of the funds were also used for tooling for a critical component in the L’il Monster product, allowing Wicked Coursing to remain competitive but also grow and bring an entry-level product to market. Bennett had received orders for 20 ZippityDog machines shortly after launching the product on her website, and has already sold more of her products in the first two quarters of 2011 than in entire past years. Bennett’s ability to leverage a small amount of money to expand her business, as well as her drive to design, manufacture and bring multiple products to market on her own prompted the NASE to select her out of 16 other grant recipients for a further financial award of $20,000.

“Transforming just the glimmer of an idea to a reality with a full-blown product out on the market has been a big challenge,” Bennett said. “Without the grant there’s no way I would have been able to get a new product out to the market so quickly. We’re still growing and experiencing growing pains, and this award from the NASE is truly phenomenal for us and will help take our business to the next level.”

“Pat truly exemplifies today’s small business owner,” said NASE President Kristie Arslan. “So many business owners are having to do more with less, and we’re thrilled to recognize Pat’s hard work and invest in the future of Wicked Coursing.”

Arslan presented Bennett with a $20,000 check at a ceremony in front of her family, friends and Wicked’s employees and business associates. High resolution photographs are available. E-mail Kristofer.Eisenla@widmeyer.com.

About the NASE
The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) is the nation's leading resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, bringing 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 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.

Grant Program Awards Over $80,000 to NASE Members In 2010

NASE — Wednesday, 2 February, 2011 10:53:00 EST

For Immediate Release:

Contact:

Kristin Oberlander
(202) 466-2100
koberlander@NASEadmin.org
Twitter: koberlander

17 Micro-Business Owners Receive Grants

Washington, D.C., February 2, 2011 – The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) awarded $84,483 in business grants to its members in 2010. Seventeen NASE Members, ranging from a photography studio to a financial education firm, received a grant from the association.

With the Business Development Grant program, 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 $525,000 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.

“These grants are our way of providing a little stimulus to our micro-business members,” said Robert Hughes, president of the NASE. “They’re staying positive and staying focused. They’re exhibiting the best of the entrepreneurial spirit. And we’re pleased that the NASE grants can contribute even a small part to their ongoing success.”

The following NASE Members received grants in 2010:

Pat Bennett of Wicked Coursing in La Mesa, Calif.
Bernard Bonin of Bernie’s Italian Ice in South Hadley, Mass.
Latifa Bradwell of Epartykits.com in Detroit, Mich.
Ilana Diallo of Hand In Hand Financial in Charlotte, N.C.
Edward Frye of Frye Brothers Plumbing Inc. in Finleyville, Pa.
Ronald Gregory of G2 Media in Rockville, Md.
Edward Guerentz of Specialty Home Improvement in Cary, Ill.
Todd Gustafson of ComputerSolutions, LLC in Rockland, Maine
Tracey Ingram of the Institute of Accent Modification in Chicago, Ill.
Diana McCaslin of MedLinks Transcription, Inc. in Jackson, Tenn.
Vicki Meyerhoff Smith of Bigfork Bigphoto in Bigfork, Mont.
Karen Moloney Delpha of KMD Billing in Norristown, Pa.
Nicole Pulley of Interior Affairs in San Antonio, Texas
Andrea Robertson of Fight Call, LLC in Phoenix, Ariz.
Michael Wolniewicz of MW Furniture Design in Chester Gap, Va.
Sheila Wyne of Sheila Wyne Studios in Anchorage, Alaska
Jeffrey Wynn and Linda Condy of Condy and Wynn Woodworking and Furniture Design in Spring City, Pa.

Learn about past grant recipients from 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009.

To learn more about the NASE Business Development Grant program, click here. Benefit availability dependent upon membership level.

NASE Members Receive Over $50,000 In Business Development Grants

NASE — Tuesday, 28 December, 2010 10:49:00 EST

For Immediate Release:

Contact:

Kristin Oberlander
(202) 466-2100
koberlander@NASEadmin.org
Twitter: koberlander

Program Continues To Help Members Grow, Succeed

Washington, D.C., December 28, 2010 – Micro-business owners received a financial boost to their business in the third and fourth quarters, thanks to the National Association for the Self-Employed’s Business Development Grant Program. These NASE Members, from an artist in Alaska to a computer repair company in Maine, were awarded a total of $54,998 for their businesses.

With the Business Development Grant program, 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 $500,000 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 four 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.”

The following NASE Members received grants during the third and fourth quarters of 2010:

Pat Bennett of Wicked Coursing in La Mesa, Calif.
Bernard Bonin of Bernie’s Italian Ice in South Hadley, Mass.
Latifa Bradwell of Epartykits.com in Detroit, Mich.
Ilana Diallo of Hand In Hand Financial in Charlotte, N.C.
Edward Frye of Frye Brothers Plumbing Inc. in Finleyville, Pa.
Edward Guerentz of Specialty Home Improvement in Cary, Ill.
Todd Gustafson of ComputerSolutions, LLC in Rockland, Maine
Vicki Meyerhoff Smith of Bigfork Bigphoto in Bigfork, Mont.
Karen Moloney Delpha of KMD Billing in Norristown, Pa.
Michael Wolniewicz of MW Furniture Design in Chester Gap, Va.
Sheila Wyne of Sheila Wyne Studios in Anchorage, Alaska

To learn about all the NASE Business Development Grant recipients, click here. Benefit availability dependent upon membership level.

NASE Members Receive Over $25,000 In Business Development Grants

NASE — Tuesday, 13 July, 2010 10:34:42 EST

For Immediate Release:

Contact:

Kristin Oberlander
(202) 466-2100
koberlander@NASEadmin.org
Twitter: koberlander

Program Continues To Help Members Grow, Succeed

Washington, D.C., July 13, 2010 – Micro-business owners received a financial boost to their business in the first and second quarters, thanks to the National Association for the Self-Employed’s Business Development Grant Program. These NASE Members, with businesses as varied as a stage combat educator and a medical transcription service, were awarded a total of $29,485 for their businesses.

With the Business Development Grant program, 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 $450,000 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 four 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.”

The following NASE Members received grants during the first and second quarters of 2010:
Ronald Gregory of G2 Media in Rockville, Md.
Tracey Ingram of the Institute of Accent Modification in Chicago, Ill.
Diana McCaslin of MedLinks Transcription, Inc. in Jackson, Tenn.
Nicole Pulley of Interior Affairs in San Antonio, Texas
Andrea Robertson of Fight Call, LLC in Phoenix, Ariz.
Jeffrey Wynn and Linda Condy of Condy and Wynn Woodworking and Furniture Design in Spring City, Pa.

To learn about all the NASE Business Development Grant recipients, click here. Benefit availability dependent upon membership level.

Local Business Owner Receives $20,000 Award For Small-Business Excellence

NASE — Thursday, 24 June, 2010 15:00:00 EST

For Immediate Release:

Contact:

Kristin Oberlander
(202) 466-2100
koberlander@NASEadmin.org
Twitter: NASEtweets

Washington, D.C., June 24, 2010 – Doug Springer, owner of Ellsworth, Maine-based small business Springers Gymnastics Center, today received a $20,000 gift from the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) in recognition of his excellent small-business practices and contribution to local youth, health and community development.

After teaching gymnastics for 20 years, Springer opened Springer’s Gymnastics Center in 2005. Springers Gymnastics specializes in the instruction of recreational gymnastics for children and young adults in a safe, professional and progressive learning environment. As a member of the NASE, Springer applied for and received a $4,100 Business Development Grant in June 2009 – part of $450,000 in grants given by the NASE since 2006 in response to members’ needs to access capital.

According to an NASE Member survey, 77% of America’s micro-business owners do not believe there are enough funding resources available. A majority of respondents reported having to use personal savings to start their businesses and identified a need for funding from associations and nonprofit organizations that provided grants and loans for small businesses.

Springer used the original grant funds to purchase additional equipment for male gymnasts, with the goal of increasing enrollment in that demographic. After receiving the grant, Springers Gymnastics saw the largest September enrollment in its five-year history, and increased its enrollment of male gymnasts by 10 percent. The tremendous impact Springer made with his grant prompted the NASE to select him out of 19 other grant recipients for a further financial award of $20,000.

"I cannot tell you how honored and humbled I am that you folks thought Springers Gymnastics worthy of recognition," Springer said. "At first, I thought it was just money, but the help, and more importantly, the new focus on my business and new motivation to make it even better is a gift you have given us that we could never repay.”

"Doug is sharing his love of gymnastics with his students, and in the process teaching them important life lessons about sportsmanship and health," said NASE Executive Director of Communications Maureen Petron. "We’re thrilled to recognize his achievement, and invest in his future growth."

Petron presented Springer with a $20,000 check at a ceremony in his gymnastics studio. Also in attendance to celebrate his achievement were Springer's family, staff and students. High resolution photographs of the ceremony are available. E-mail koberlander@NASEadmin.org.

About the NASE
The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) is the nation’s leading resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, bringing 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 is a 501(c) (6) non-profit organization and provides big-business advantages to hundreds of thousands of micro-businesses across the United States. The NASE has 200,000 members across the country, with 4,900 in Maine. For more information, visit the association’s website at NASE.org.

Grant Program Awards Over $95,000 to NASE Members In 2009

NASE — Wednesday, 6 January, 2010 15:24:00 EST

For Immediate Release:

Contact:

Kristin Oberlander
(202) 466-2100
koberlander@NASEadmin.org
Twitter: koberlander

20 Micro-Business Owners Receive Grants

Washington, D.C., January 6, 2010 – The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) awarded $95,243 in business grants to its members in 2009. Twenty NASE Members, ranging from a gymnastics center to an environmental consulting firm, received a grant from the association.

With the Business Development Grant program, 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 $400,000 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.

“These grants are our way of providing a little stimulus to our micro-business members,” said Robert Hughes, president of the NASE. “They’re staying positive and staying focused. They’re exhibiting the best of the entrepreneurial spirit. And we’re pleased that the NASE grants can contribute even a small part to their ongoing success.”

The following NASE Members received grants in 2009:

Gwen and James Arrigon of Beckett Run Inc. in Hamilton, Ohio
Jonathan Beck of JBS Multimedia in Huntington Beach, Calif.
Theresa Cassiday of Catena Creations, LLC in Bellevue, Neb.
Aaron Degler of Degler Design, Inc. in Saint Charles, Ill.
Elizabeth and Scott Dupre of The Pagoda Vent Company in Kittery Point, Maine
Robby Gerken of Erie Recycling Services, LLC in Antwerp, Ohio
Lily Hay of Aglow Marketing, LLC in Indianapolis, Ind.
Zane Homesley of Goshawk Environmental Consulting, Inc. in Austin, Texas
Steve Huffman of Steve Huffman Training Stables in Nampa, Idaho
Carl Leonard of Fogle's Asphalt Sealing in Walkersville, Md.
Scott and Karen Logan of The Blue Mermaid Island Grill in Portsmouth, N. H.
Tyler Madsen of Born Again Homes in Ellis, Idaho
Gaylene Mann of Curves of Dallas in Dallas, Ore.
Mary Miles of MG Accounting and Tax Service, LLC in Alpharetta, Ga.
Janna Piper of Janna Piper Housesitting in Portland, Ore.
Lesley Rackowski of Pillowcasegram & Other Things LLC in Westfield, N.Y.
Nancy Ritchie of Cranial Tap, Inc. in Sterling, Va.
Douglas Springer of Springers Gymnastics Center, LLC in Ellsworth, Maine
Susan Steele of Artistic Touch Studio in Gilbert, S.C.
Elizabeth Stultz of Elizabeth Stultz Photography in Windham, Maine

Learn about past grant recipients from 2006, 2007 and 2008.

To learn more about the NASE Business Development Grant program, click here. Benefit availability dependent upon membership level.

NASE Members Receive $40,000 In Business Development Grants

NASE — Wednesday, 30 December, 2009 15:21:00 EST

For Immediate Release:

Contact:

Kristin Oberlander
(202) 466-2100
koberlander@NASEadmin.org
Twitter: koberlander

Program Continues To Help Members Grow, Succeed

Washington, D.C., December 30, 2009 – Micro-business owners received a financial boost to their business in the fourth quarter, thanks to the National Association for the Self-Employed’s Business Development Grant Program. These NASE Members, with businesses as varied as an environmental consulting firm and an accounting firm, were awarded a total of $41,500 for their businesses.

With the Business Development Grant program, 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 $400,000 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.”

The following NASE Members received grants during the fourth quarter of 2009:

Gwen and James Arrigon of Beckett Run Inc. in Hamilton, Ohio
Aaron Degler of Degler Design, Inc. in Saint Charles, Ill.
Zane Homesley of Goshawk Environmental Consulting, Inc. in Austin, Texas
Carl Leonard of Fogles Asphalt Sealing in Walkersville, Md.
Tyler Madsen of Born Again Homes in Ellis, Idaho
Gaylene Mann of Curves of Dallas in Dallas, Ore.
Mary Miles of MG Accounting and Tax Service, LLC in Alpharetta, Ga.
Lesley Rackowski of Pillowcasegram & Other Things LLC in Westfield, N.Y.
Nancy Ritchie of Cranial Tap, Inc. in Sterling, Va.

To learn more about the NASE Business Development Grant program, click here. Benefit availability dependent upon membership level.

NASE Members Receive $20,000 In Business Development Grants

NASE — Thursday, 1 October, 2009 14:33:00 EST

For Immediate Release:

Contact:

Kristin Oberlander
(202) 466-2100
koberlander@NASEadmin.org
Twitter: koberlander

Washington, D.C., October 1, 2009 – Micro-business owners received a financial boost to their business in the third quarter, thanks to the National Association for the Self-Employed’s Business Development Grant Program. These NASE Members, with businesses as varied as a communications firm and a recycling service, were awarded a total of $20,000 for their businesses.

With the Business Development Grant program, 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 $350,000 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.”

The following NASE Members received grants during the third quarter of 2009:

Theresa Cassiday of Catena Creations, LLC in Bellevue, Neb.
Janna Piper of Janna Piper Housesitting in Portland, Ore.
Lily Hay of Aglow Marketing, LLC in Indianapolis, Ind.
Robby Gerken of Erie Recycling Services, LLC in Antwerp, Ohio

To learn more about the NASE Business Development Grant program, click here. Benefit availability dependent upon membership level.

NASE Members Receive Over $30,000 In Business Development Grants

NASE — Monday, 22 June, 2009 14:31:00 EST

For Immediate Release:

Contact:

Kristin Oberlander
(202) 466-2100
koberlander@NASEadmin.org
Twitter: koberlander

Program Continues To Help Members Grow, Succeed

Washington, D.C., June 22, 2009 – Micro-business owners received a financial boost to their business in the first and second quarters, thanks to the National Association for the Self-Employed’s Business Development Grant Program. These NASE Members, with businesses as varied as a wedding photographer and a horse trainer, were awarded a total of $33,743 for their businesses.

With the Business Development Grant program, 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 $350,000 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.”

The following NASE Members received grants during the first and second quarters of 2009:

Elizabeth Stultz of Elizabeth Stultz Photography in Windham, Maine
Jonathan Beck of JBS Multimedia in Huntington Beach, Calif.
Steve Huffman of Steve Huffman Training Stables in Nampa, Idaho
Susan Steele of Artistic Touch Studio in Gilbert, S.C.
Elizabeth and Scott Dupre of The Pagoda Vent Company in Kittery Point, Maine
Scott and Karen Logan of The Blue Mermaid Island Grill in Portsmouth, N. H.
Douglas Springer of Springers Gymnastics Center, LLC in Ellsworth, Maine

To learn more about the NASE Business Development Grant program, click here. Benefit availability dependent upon membership level.

Micro-Grant Program Awards Over $85,000 to NASE Members In 2008

NASE — Thursday, 22 January, 2009 14:28:00 EST

For Immediate Release:

Contact:

Kristin Oberlander
(202) 466-2100
koberlander@NASEadmin.org
Twitter: koberlander

17 Micro-Business Owners Receive Grants

Washington, D.C., January 22, 2009 – The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) awarded $85,772 in business grants to its members in 2008, bringing the program total to over $350,000 in awards since 2006. Seventeen NASE Members, ranging from a property preservation company to a creative bureau, received a grant from the association this year.

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. The awards are part of the NASE Business Development Grant Program, which started in 2006.

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 minor changes to the way a business operates can generate huge profits.”

The following NASE Members received grants in 2008:

Joseph Carr of Carr Development Group, Inc. in Oklahoma City, Okla.
Gina Covello of Habla Language Services in San Jose, Calif.
Robert Crosser of Southwest Hauling, LLC in Eloy, Ariz.
Cheryl Cruson of Oregon Trail Hobbies & Gifts in Ontario, Ore.
Jill Dittrich of Thresholds of Madison, LLC in Madison, Wis.
Scott Dullock of The House Doctors in Jackson, Mich.
Lora Edelman of Curves of Walla Walla in Walla Walla, Wash.
Melodie Ellis of Melodie’s Music & Dance in Trophy Club, Texas
Kathy Hester of Kathy Hester’s On Target Golf Schools in Vicksburg, Miss.
Christopher Hutcheson of Peachtree Restoration LLC in Manchester, N.H.
Richard Hylan of Hylan Plumbing Co. in Rocky Mount, N.C.
Regina Milan of Ideation Ink, LLC in Santaquin, Utah
Dawn O’Neil of Dawn O’Neil’s Family Child Care in Ashley Falls, Mass.
Jennifer Peace of Peaceful Images Styling Salon in Great Falls, Mont.
Gregory Steeg of Steeg’s Haul-Away Service, Inc. in Rock Falls, Ill.
Carlene Thompson of D & C Entertainment LLC in Delafield, Wis.
Tiffany Washington of Washington Accounting Services in Waldorf, Md.

Learn more about grant recipients from 2006 and 2007.

Grant Program Rounds Out Awards Worth $113,000 To NASE Members

NASE — Wednesday, 23 January, 2008 14:26:00 EST

For Immediate Release:

Contact:

Kristin Oberlander
(202) 466-2100
koberlander@NASEadmin.org
Twitter: koberlander

23 Micro-Business Owners Receive Grants In 2007

Washington, D.C., January 23, 2008 – The National Association for the Self-Employed awarded $113,544 in business grants to its members in 2007, bringing the program total to over $250,000 in awards since 2006.

Twenty-three NASE Members received a grant from the association this year. 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. The awards are part of the NASE Business Development Grant Program, which started in 2006.

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.

“Finding the funding to grow a micro-business is a constant challenge to our members,” said Robert Hughes, president of the NASE. “The NASE continues to advocate in Washington, D.C., for greater access to capital for the self-employed. But in the meantime, we wanted to provide an immediate solution for our members.”

The following NASE Members received grants in 2007:

Missy Axton-Wryn of Nature's Balance Care in Estacada, Ore.
Julie and Dan Braeckman of Daunting Task Studios in Bordentown, N.J.
John Bragg of Larry’s Locksmith in Shelbyville, Ill.
Brian Brophy of New Creation Construction in Lockeford, Calif.
Brent Dorsey of The Paint Gallery in Moorefield, W.Va.
Rolita Edwards of Lita’s Pooch Hut in Bedford Heights, Ohio
Brent Eriksen of Atlanta Handyman and Remodeling in Smyrna, Ga.
Robert Frye of Frye Bros. Plumbing in Ramage, Pa.
Jacquelyn Gadsden of There’s Room, Inc. in Columbia, S.C.
Robert Grimes of Ace High Ballooning in Lewisburg, Tenn.
Jeffrey Harrelson of Apex Training and Development in Dubuque, Iowa
Elizabeth Hawkins of Lizzie B Cre8ive in Tucson, Ariz.
Iris Hood of Hood Company in Pearl, Miss.
Renee Horner of Three E Graphic Design in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Steve Laughlin of Skidsteer Plus Landclearing in Highlandville, Mo.
Robert McConville of McConville Cattle in Indianola, Neb.
Edwin Newsome of Become One LLC in Elkhart, Ind.
Mutondo Ngaway of Mamu Cleaning Services in Columbia, Md.
Sheri Novak of Hazelnut Kids LLC in Traverse City, Mich.
Tracie Smith of Tracie’s Community Farm in Sullivan, N.H.
Kira Villarreal of Happily Ever After Designs in San Antonio, Texas
Karen Wharton of Wharton Carpet Services in Jamul, Calif.
Stephanie Yotz of Mountain View Pediatric Speech & Language, Inc. in North Bend, Wash.

Learn about grant recipients from 2006.

Grant Program Awards Over $150,000 To Members In Inaugural Year

NASE — Friday, 12 January, 2007 14:21:00 EST

For Immediate Release:

Contact:

Kristin Oberlander
(202) 466-2100
koberlander@NASEadmin.org
Twitter: koberlander

34 Micro-Business Owners Receive Grants In 2006

Washington, D.C., January 12, 2007 – Finding access to capital is without a doubt one of the biggest hurdles facing small businesses today, but for thirty-four micro-business owners, that hurdle is a little lower thanks to the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE). The NASE awarded $152,204 in business grants to its members in 2006, the first year of the NASE’s Business Development Grant program.

Launched in May, 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.

With the NASE Business Development Grant Program, NASE Members 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.

“Finding access to capital is one of the biggest hurdles facing small businesses today,” said Robert Hughes, president of the NASE. “Often, a small amount can make a huge difference to a micro-business. That’s what this program is about – providing enough of a boost to the business cash flow to take that next step in growing the business.”

The following NASE Members received grants in 2006:

Raymond Badders of Shirtznmore, Inc. in Manchester, Md.
Steve Baier of Red Rune Airbrush in Norwalk, Iowa

Toy Bairamis of Kosta’s Taxi Service in Homer, Alaska
Holly Birch of Holly Birch Photography in Champaign, Ill.
William Blazek of Blaz’N Diagnostics, LLC in Boise, Idaho
Carl Booker of Avista Products in San Antonio, Texas
Timmy Butler of Butler & Son Funeral Home in Roseboro, N.C.
Barbara Cady of Whodonnit Mystery Games in Walla Walla, Wash.
Martha Cordova of Chosen Healthcare in Wetumka, Okla.
Stephen Desmond of Perfect Impression Gifts in Orrington, Maine
Roger Dyar of Roger D. Dyar, P.E., P.A. in Greenville, S.C.
Thelma Epping of Young at Heart Adult Foster Home in Bend, Ore.
Charles Freeland of Freeland Custom Woodworking in Indianapolis, Ind.
Mary Elizabeth Harvey of Kid’s Shop and Mom’s Too in Dothan, Ala.
Leo Huppert of Huppert Pediatric Therapy in Gilbert, Ariz.
Jennifer Labs of Paradigm Shift Solutions, LLC in Lakewood, Colo.
Carey Marden of Zucchini Fish in Providence, R.I.
Marsha McCleod of ABC 123 Teach in St. Louis, Mo.
Bonnie Medina-Jawad of BJ’s Groom & Zoom in Las Vegas, Nev.
Ross Merenda of Optima Trade & Investments, LLC in Follansbee, W.Va.
Julia Meskill of Camera Girl Media, LLC in Atlanta, Ga.
Susan Newman of Dragonfly Books in West Springfield, Mass.
Kim Peavy of Hillside Springs Farm and CSA in Westmoreland, N.H.
Haskell Potter of Southeast Plumbing & Backhoe in Choctaw, Okla.
Deborah Reddmann of Fancy Plants Landscaping and Lawn Care in Harrisburg, Ark.
Teresa Rowell of Post Office Pizza in Albany, La.
Thomas Santoro of Law Office of Thomas Santoro in Barkhamsted, Conn.
Jeanne Schaffer of Building Blocks for Learning in Janesville, Wis.
John Schleicher of The Cleaning Authority in Albuquerque, N.M.
Link Smith of L. Smith Pallets in Cedar Bluff, Va.
Craig Sowby of Corner House Studio in Pleasant Grove, Utah
Rebekah Stamp of Catalyst Physical Therapy, PC in Hamilton, Mont.
Michael Stivala of Intwenty.com, Inc. in Stroudsburg, Pa.
Donnamarie Worsley of Computerized Billing Service in Milford, Del.

To learn more about the NASE Business Development Grant program, click here. Benefit availability dependent upon membership level.