STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Two Staten Island business owners were among 10 New York City entrepreneurs to recently receive Veteran Entrepreneurship Program grants, each valued at $20,000. The grants — facilitated by the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Resource Network — aim to empower veteran-owned businesses and foster their growth and success.
“I was honestly surprised and incredibly grateful. Just hearing that I was remembered to be considered for something like this was already a huge honor,” noted recipient Enrique Vargas, owner of Citi Fades Barbershop & SMP in Tottenville. “It meant a lot to know that the Chamber recognized the work we’ve been doing and saw potential in our business.”
Vargas, who joined the Navy in September 2005 after graduating from Tottenville High School, said he felt a mix of emotions, excitement and relief after learning of his grant acceptance.
“Being a small business owner, every dollar counts, and receiving this grant was a game-changer,” said Vargas. “It made me feel seen and supported — not just as a business, but as a part of the local economy that’s making an impact.”
West Brighton resident Dr. Mecca Nelson, founder and CEO of Mecca’s City of Wholeness, was also awarded a grant, thanks to the expansion of the program this year to include military spouses and members of Gold Star Families. Nelson’s husband, Sgt. Mario Nelson, was killed in 2006 when a grenade detonated near his vehicle while he was leading a convoy of Iraqi soldiers and U.S. Marines through a perilous stretch of road.
“When I found out I was accepted and awarded the $20,000, I was absolutely ecstatic,” Nelson said. “The first thing I did was thank God for allowing the judges to truly see the heart behind my work and the impact it’s making. I was so moved when they said they saw me, and they saw the value in what I do. That recognition was everything. The most beautiful part is that the organizations I collaborate with can attest to that impact — they’ve seen it firsthand. It was a powerful affirmation that all the hard work, the sleepless nights, the passion, and it’s all paying off.”
The grants were provided by NYC Boss Up in partnership with the New York City Department of Small Business Services, the New York City Department of Veterans’ Services, the K & R Moelis Family Foundation, and the FJC, a Foundation of Philanthropic Funds that manages donor advised funds and fiscal sponsorships, among other philanthropic services.
Michael Anderson, the Chamber’s Small Business Resource Network supervisor, informed the business owners about the opportunity.
“When I heard about the grant from the Chamber, I was overjoyed — especially to hear from Michael. He remembered meeting me at several events. He knew my name, my story, the mission behind my business, and he believed in it,” Nelson recalled. “In the midst of all they do, the fact that the Chamber of Commerce and Michael took the time to reach out and share this opportunity truly touched my heart. It reminded me that the work I do matters and that others see it, too.”
Vargas and Nelson were selected from a pool of over 100 applicants who are military veterans, military spouses, or members of Gold Star Families who currently own a small business in New York City. Applications included detailed business histories, personal stories, business plans, and proposals for future growth and expansion. Eligible applicants were reviewed over three rounds, culminating in a pitch meeting and a five-person panel interview in late October.
All 10 winners received a portion of the grant early in the program. After completing the FastTrac GrowthVenture for Veterans course, a five-week, 10-session online seminar that teaches entrepreneurs how to grow their business enterprises, they reconvened for a ceremony in Manhattan in April for the final payments. In addition to the $20K grant, winners were enrolled in the Small Business Service’s small business mentorship program to help build and grow their businesses.
The Small Business Resource Network Team is looking to connect with more small business owners for similar opportunities. The team is currently seeking any small business owner living in NYCHA or Section 8 public housing for a grant application closing at the end of April. If you qualify for such an opportunity, contact Michael Anderson at [email protected].
Also, as part of Small Business Month in May, the Chamber will be hosting a Q&A with Small Business Services Commissioner Dynishal Gross on Monday, May 19. To register for the event, please email Anderson.
