Founders First CDC, a national 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that empowers expansion in diverse founder-led, revenue-generating businesses, announced the winners of its Veteran Fund on Thursday, November 7, 2024  during a virtual press conference. More than 1,000  businesses applied for the grant and 25 recipients were selected, with Veteran business owners receiving $1,000 each in cash. The purpose of the grant is to provide micro-investments to veterans who own and operate small businesses. The $25,000 grant has been awarded to 25 veteran recipients who received $1,000 each, which will help aid in their employer-based small businesses.

“We’ve established the Stephen L. Tadlock Fund for Veteran Business Owners in honor of my brother, Stephen L. Tadlock, a U.S. Navy Veteran. This $25,000 fund is a testament to our support for the vital contributions of Veteran entrepreneurs within the small business community. Having served our country through the military, their commitment inspires us. We’re fully committed to their success and hope this micro-grant can have a lasting impact on our economy.” says Kim Folsom, Founder and CEO of Founders First.

The Stephen L. Tadlock Fund Veteran Grant recipients are as follows:

• Christopher Lawhorne – Watchdog Tactical
• Vincent Harris – Vehtech, Inc
• Johnny La Fata – Barnacle Flush
• Leatriece Franklin – The Skrub Kafe Network
• Holly Reed – The Diamond Suede Group LLC
• Latoya Stampley – Stampley Technology & Management, LLC
• Rachael Harrelson – Southern Star Pediatric Speech Therapy, PLLC
• Marvin Askew II – Slightly Askew’d Films
• Paden Sickles – SickFit
• Harrison Kendall – SDVOSB Materials Technology & Supply LLC
• Femi Olukoya – Sand Castle Psych LLC
• Kyle Aquino – NVIS, Inc
• Anh Dang – Moda Smiles Dental Clinic
• John Matecki – Matecki Beard Oil LLC
• Marie Gacke – Maiden Montana Pet Treats
• Quintrel Brown – Kre8 Spaces, LLC
• Dewayne Kimble – KMD89 VA Claims Consulting
• Jacob Youngert – Kapture Environmental Consulting
• Jeffrey Peterson – JAC Trucking LLC
• Michael Hicks – Hixardt Technologies INC
• Brandi Brown – Gulf Spore LLC
• Justin Henshaw – GAGE
• John Griveas – fetch! Dog Treats
• Elissa Carmona – Elissa’s Solutions
• CJ Scarlet – CJ Scarlet LLC, DBA Badass Grandma Ventures

“As a finalist for the 2022 Stephen L. Tadlock Veteran grant, the funds enabled us to acquire essential equipment for our business. We are appreciative of all the assistance Founders First CDC provides to the Veteran business community, as it has assisted us in finding new ways to grow our business through our year-over-year growth” says Quinton McNair, Founder of StruggleBeard Bakery, U.S. Army.

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau’s survey of small business owners, there are more than 2.5 million Veteran majority-owned businesses in the U.S. that employ more than 5 million individuals. As a result, these businesses generate a revenue of more than $1.14 trillion, and account for an annual payroll of $195 billion.

Founders First programs guide business owners through the process of achieving accelerated growth through curriculum, hands-on assignments, and expert coaching. To learn more about Founders First programs and grant qualifications, visit www.foundersfirstcdc.org. 

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About Founders First CDC 

Founders First CDC is a not-for-profit 501c3 that was founded in 2015 and has received significant support from the regional community reinvestment banks to empower diverse founder-led, revenue-generating small businesses through three primary programs: (1) Founders Challenge; (2) Founders Bootcamp; and (3) Founders FastPath. By building recurring revenues, tech-enablement, and essential solution focus, Founders First serves as a catalyst for positive change to entrepreneurs of color and female founders to become leading employers in their communities. www.foundersfirstcdc.org