This group serves as an advocate and useful resource for companies owned and operated by veterans inside the US. It focuses on connecting these enterprises with company contracting alternatives, guaranteeing they’ve a good probability to compete within the market. The council promotes the expansion and sustainability of veteran-owned companies by offering certification packages and entry to a community of assist. For instance, it gives a standardized certification course of that enables firms to simply determine and have interaction with verified veteran-owned companies for provider range initiatives.
The importance of this type of establishment stems from its dedication to supporting those that have served within the armed forces, recognizing their contributions by facilitating their entrepreneurial endeavors. It addresses the distinctive challenges veterans face within the enterprise world, similar to entry to capital and navigating complicated procurement processes. The formation of this group represents a broader societal effort to honor veterans by empowering them economically, fostering job creation, and contributing to the general financial vitality of the nation.
The next dialogue will delve into the particular providers provided, certification processes, and the influence of this group on the broader veteran enterprise group. Additional evaluation will look at its position in selling provider range inside company America and the financial advantages derived from supporting veteran-owned enterprises.
1. Certification
The narrative of the Nationwide Veteran Enterprise Improvement Council (NVBDC) is inextricably linked with the idea of certification. It serves not merely as a procedural step however as a keystone, holding collectively the council’s mission and its influence on the veteran enterprise group. Certification, on this context, is greater than a stamp of approval; it is a validation, a key unlocking doorways to alternatives that may in any other case stay closed to those that have served their nation. Think about a veteran-owned development agency, struggling to achieve traction in a aggressive market. With out NVBDC certification, it blends into the background, indistinguishable from numerous different companies. However with that certification, it turns into a recognized entity, a acknowledged participant in provider range packages throughout main firms.
The significance of this certification stems from the necessity to guarantee authenticity and forestall exploitation. Massive firms searching for to satisfy provider range targets require assurance that companies claiming veteran standing are, in reality, legitimately owned and operated by veterans. NVBDC certification gives this assurance, streamlining the method for each the company and the veteran-owned enterprise. Moreover, the method of acquiring certification itself typically gives invaluable steering and assets. It compels companies to arrange their operations, doc their possession, and reveal their capability to satisfy contracts. In essence, certification acts as a catalyst for skilled growth, guaranteeing that veteran-owned companies will not be solely acknowledged but in addition ready to succeed.
In conclusion, the connection between NVBDC and certification is symbiotic. The council depends on the credibility and standardization of its certification course of to satisfy its mission of advocating for veteran-owned companies. Conversely, veteran-owned companies depend upon this certification to achieve entry to alternatives and compete successfully within the market. This method ensures that company America has a dependable technique of figuring out and supporting these enterprises, finally benefiting each the veterans who’ve served their nation and the companies they now lead.
2. Advocacy
The Nationwide Veteran Enterprise Improvement Council operates not solely as a certifier but in addition as a robust voice. This side, advocacy, is the lively and assertive championing of veteran-owned companies in arenas the place their considerations may in any other case be missed. It is a dedication to making sure their views are heard and regarded throughout the bigger financial panorama.
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Legislative Affect
The NVBDC actively engages with lawmakers to form insurance policies that profit veteran entrepreneurs. This may contain lobbying for elevated entry to authorities contracts, advocating for tax incentives that encourage the hiring of veterans, or pushing for laws that streamlines the method of beginning and operating a enterprise. An instance is the councils constant push for stricter enforcement of present laws regarding set-aside contracts for veteran-owned companies, guaranteeing that these alternatives aren’t unfairly diverted to different entities.
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Company Engagement
Past legislative motion, the NVBDC works straight with firms to advertise provider range initiatives. This entails educating company leaders concerning the worth of partnering with veteran-owned companies, highlighting the distinctive abilities and experiences veterans convey to the desk. The council may also facilitate connections between firms and licensed veteran-owned companies, serving to to create mutually helpful partnerships. Think about the NVBDC’s efforts to encourage Fortune 500 firms to extend their spending with veteran-owned suppliers, demonstrating a dedication to supporting those that have served.
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Public Consciousness
Advocacy additionally entails elevating public consciousness concerning the contributions of veteran entrepreneurs and the challenges they face. The NVBDC makes use of numerous platforms, together with media outreach and public occasions, to spotlight success tales and promote the worth of supporting veteran-owned companies. This will embody sharing details about the financial influence of veteran entrepreneurship and highlighting the distinctive qualities that make veterans profitable enterprise house owners, like self-discipline, management, and a robust work ethic.
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Problem of Fraudulent Claims
There exists a persistent menace to the integrity of packages designed to help veteran-owned companies. Non-veteran companies generally try and falsely declare veteran standing to entry preferential remedy. The NVBDC performs a vital position in advocating for stricter oversight and enforcement to fight such fraudulent actions. The council additionally champions efforts to lift consciousness concerning the significance of verifying veteran standing, guaranteeing that real veteran-owned companies obtain the assist they deserve.
The effectiveness of the Nationwide Veteran Enterprise Improvement Council hinges on this multi-faceted strategy to advocacy. By influencing laws, partaking with firms, elevating public consciousness, and safeguarding in opposition to fraud, the council ensures that veteran entrepreneurs have a good probability to reach the enterprise world. It is a dedication to honoring their service by empowering them economically.
3. Networking
The Nationwide Veteran Enterprise Improvement Council (NVBDC), at its core, understands that enterprise thrives on connection. Networking, due to this fact, shouldn’t be a peripheral exercise however relatively a central pillar supporting your entire construction. Image a newly licensed veteran-owned logistics firm, stuffed with potential however struggling to interrupt right into a crowded market. The NVBDC would not merely provide certification; it gives a pathway. That pathway is paved with alternatives to attach with company procurement officers actively searching for various suppliers. These aren’t simply informal introductions; they’re structured occasions, workshops, and conferences designed to foster real relationships and translate into tangible enterprise alternatives. With out the NVBDC’s facilitated networking, that logistics firm may stay an undiscovered asset.
The impact of this deliberate networking is amplified by the shared expertise of navy service. Veterans typically discover a direct sense of camaraderie and belief with each other. NVBDC-sponsored networking occasions capitalize on this innate connection, creating an surroundings the place veterans really feel comfy sharing challenges, exchanging recommendation, and forming strategic alliances. Think about a veteran-owned cybersecurity agency attending an NVBDC convention. By networking, they may join with a bigger veteran-owned IT options supplier, resulting in a synergistic partnership that enables them to bid on larger tasks and broaden their attain. This sort of collaboration, born from the shared values and experiences fostered by the NVBDC’s networking, exemplifies the sensible significance of this part.
The true worth of networking throughout the NVBDC framework extends past rapid gross sales. It fosters long-term relationships, mentorship alternatives, and a robust sense of group. Nevertheless, challenges stay. Making certain that networking occasions are accessible to veterans in various geographic areas and industries requires ongoing effort and innovation. Moreover, sustaining the standard and relevance of those connections calls for a dedication to steady enchancment and adaptation. Finally, the NVBDC’s success hinges on its means to domesticate a vibrant and productive networking ecosystem, empowering veteran entrepreneurs to attach, collaborate, and thrive.
4. Alternative
For a lot of veterans, the transition to civilian life is marked by each newfound freedom and unsure prospects. The self-discipline and dedication honed by navy service typically translate into entrepreneurial ambitions, but the trail to realizing these ambitions is seldom simple. Herein lies the essential nexus between “alternative” and the Nationwide Veteran Enterprise Improvement Council (NVBDC). The council serves as a catalyst, remodeling latent potential into tangible prospects. It is the power that takes a veteran with a compelling enterprise concept and connects them with the assets and networks wanted to rework that concept right into a thriving enterprise. The NVBDC shouldn’t be merely a passive observer; it is an lively participant in shaping the panorama of alternative for veteran-owned companies.
Think about the case of a former Military engineer who, after a number of excursions of responsibility, determined to launch a renewable power consulting agency. His technical experience was past query, however he lacked expertise in navigating the complicated world of company procurement and authorities contracting. The NVBDC, by its certification program and networking occasions, supplied him with the credibility and connections he wanted to safe his first main contract. That preliminary alternative served as a springboard, permitting him to construct a profitable enterprise that now employs dozens of different veterans. This story shouldn’t be an remoted incident; it is a recurring theme woven into the material of the NVBDC’s mission. The council understands that veterans do not merely want handouts; they want a good probability to compete, a degree enjoying discipline the place their abilities and expertise can shine. The NVBDC is devoted to creating that enjoying discipline, one alternative at a time. It actively cultivates connections between veteran-owned companies and firms searching for to diversify their provide chains. They advocate for insurance policies that guarantee veteran-owned companies have entry to authorities contracts, they usually present assets and mentorship to assist veterans navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship. Nevertheless, the duty shouldn’t be with out its hurdles. The panorama of enterprise is ever-evolving. Rules shift, markets fluctuate, and new applied sciences emerge. Sustaining a gentle stream of related alternatives for veteran-owned companies requires fixed vigilance and adaptation.
Finally, the NVBDC’s success in fostering alternative is measured not simply within the variety of companies licensed or contracts secured, however within the lasting influence it has on the lives of veterans and their communities. It’s about greater than financial growth; it’s an assertion that service is valued, abilities are transferable, and that those that have given a lot to the nation deserve an opportunity to construct a affluent future. The NVBDC ensures that this perception interprets into significant motion, one alternative and one veteran success story at a time.
5. Sources
The narrative of the Nationwide Veteran Enterprise Improvement Council (NVBDC) is basically intertwined with the idea of “Sources.” The provision and efficient distribution of those assets kind the lifeblood of the councils mission, enabling it to empower veteran-owned companies to thrive within the aggressive market. And not using a strong basis of assist, the council’s efforts could be akin to constructing a home on sand. It’s the strategic allocation and administration of those assets that transforms the NVBDC from a mere certifying physique right into a dynamic power for financial development throughout the veteran group.
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Monetary Help
Some of the urgent challenges for veteran entrepreneurs is entry to capital. Many veterans, significantly these getting back from lively responsibility, lack the established credit score historical past or collateral required to safe conventional loans. The NVBDC addresses this problem by connecting veteran-owned companies with a community of lenders, grant packages, and funding alternatives particularly tailor-made to their wants. For instance, the council may accomplice with a group growth monetary establishment (CDFI) to supply microloans to veteran-owned startups, offering them with the preliminary capital required to launch their companies. These loans, typically provided with extra favorable phrases than conventional lending choices, might be the distinction between a viable enterprise concept and a missed alternative. With out such help, many promising veteran-owned ventures would merely by no means get off the bottom.
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Academic Applications
Past monetary assist, the NVBDC acknowledges the significance of offering veterans with the information and abilities wanted to reach enterprise. The council gives a variety of instructional packages and workshops protecting subjects similar to enterprise planning, advertising and marketing, monetary administration, and authorities contracting. These packages are sometimes delivered by skilled enterprise professionals and veteran entrepreneurs, offering members with sensible insights and real-world recommendation. Think about a collection of workshops designed to assist veteran-owned companies navigate the complicated technique of securing authorities contracts. These workshops may cowl subjects similar to writing proposals, understanding authorities laws, and constructing relationships with procurement officers. By equipping veterans with the information and abilities they should compete successfully, the NVBDC empowers them to grab alternatives and construct sustainable companies.
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Mentorship Networks
Entrepreneurship generally is a lonely and difficult journey, significantly for veterans who could also be transitioning from a structured navy surroundings to the often-unpredictable world of enterprise. The NVBDC addresses this problem by fostering mentorship networks that join veteran entrepreneurs with skilled enterprise leaders and fellow veterans. These mentors present steering, assist, and encouragement, serving to veterans navigate the challenges of beginning and rising a enterprise. For instance, the NVBDC may pair a newly licensed veteran-owned enterprise with a seasoned govt from a Fortune 500 firm, offering the veteran with entry to invaluable recommendation and insights. These mentorship relationships might be instrumental in serving to veterans keep away from frequent pitfalls, develop efficient methods, and construct robust skilled networks. The shared expertise of navy service typically creates a robust bond between mentors and mentees, fostering a way of camaraderie and mutual assist that may be invaluable within the face of adversity.
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Authorized and Technical Help
Navigating the authorized and technical complexities of beginning and operating a enterprise might be daunting, significantly for veterans who might lack prior expertise in these areas. The NVBDC gives entry to authorized and technical help by partnerships with regulation corporations, accounting corporations, and know-how suppliers. This help can vary from offering professional bono authorized recommendation to providing discounted software program and IT providers. For instance, the NVBDC may accomplice with a regulation agency to offer free consultations to veteran-owned companies on points similar to contract regulation, mental property, and regulatory compliance. This sort of help might be essential in serving to veterans keep away from pricey errors and be sure that their companies are working in compliance with all relevant legal guidelines and laws. By offering entry to authorized and technical experience, the NVBDC helps degree the enjoying discipline for veteran-owned companies, permitting them to compete extra successfully within the market.
These multifaceted assets, orchestrated by the Nationwide Veteran Enterprise Improvement Council, will not be merely about offering a serving to hand; they’re about fostering sustainable development and empowerment throughout the veteran enterprise group. By strategically allocating monetary assist, instructional packages, mentorship alternatives, and entry to authorized and technical experience, the NVBDC empowers veteran entrepreneurs to beat obstacles, seize alternatives, and construct thriving companies that contribute to the financial vitality of the nation. The effectiveness of the council hinges on its continued means to determine and tackle the evolving useful resource wants of the veteran enterprise group, guaranteeing that those that have served their nation have the assist they want to reach the enterprise world.
6. Assist
The time period “Assist,” when thought of alongside the Nationwide Veteran Enterprise Improvement Council (NVBDC), transcends easy help. It embodies a dedication, a promise fulfilled to those that have served. It is the bedrock upon which the NVBDC builds its mission, a multi-faceted construction designed to empower veterans within the difficult world of enterprise possession. This assist is not nearly offering assets; it is about fostering resilience, nurturing potential, and guaranteeing that veterans have the instruments and networks they should thrive.
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Transition Help
Many veterans face a frightening transition from navy life to the civilian sector. The NVBDC understands this actuality and gives specialised packages tailor-made to assist veterans navigate this often-turbulent interval. This help can embody resume writing workshops that translate navy abilities into civilian-friendly language, networking occasions designed to attach veterans with potential employers or enterprise companions, and counseling providers that tackle the distinctive challenges of reintegrating into civilian society. A veteran leaving lively responsibility after years of service may really feel overwhelmed by the prospect of beginning a enterprise. The NVBDCs transition help program can present the steering and assist wanted to rework navy expertise right into a viable marketing strategy.
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Monetary Steering
Entry to capital is a crucial hurdle for a lot of aspiring entrepreneurs, significantly veterans who might lack established credit score or collateral. The NVBDC addresses this problem by connecting veterans with a community of lenders, buyers, and grant packages particularly designed to assist veteran-owned companies. This may contain facilitating introductions to enterprise capital corporations fascinated about funding veteran-led startups, offering steering on navigating the Small Enterprise Administration (SBA) mortgage course of, or providing workshops on monetary literacy and administration. A veteran with a promising enterprise concept could be unable to safe conventional financing resulting from an absence of credit score historical past. The NVBDC’s monetary steering program will help them discover various funding choices and develop a sound monetary plan.
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Enterprise Improvement
Beginning and rising a profitable enterprise requires extra than simply ardour and dedication; it requires a stable basis of enterprise information and abilities. The NVBDC gives veteran entrepreneurs with entry to a variety of enterprise growth assets, together with workshops, seminars, and on-line coaching packages protecting subjects similar to advertising and marketing, gross sales, operations, and authorized compliance. These assets are designed to equip veterans with the instruments they should successfully handle their companies, navigate the complexities of {the marketplace}, and obtain sustainable development. A veteran with a robust technical background may lack the advertising and marketing experience wanted to successfully promote their services or products. The NVBDC’s enterprise growth program can present them with the coaching and assets they should develop a compelling advertising and marketing technique and attain their target market.
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Advocacy and Illustration
Past direct assist, the NVBDC additionally serves as an advocate for veteran-owned companies, working to make sure that their voices are heard and their pursuits are represented on the native, state, and nationwide ranges. This entails lobbying for insurance policies that profit veteran entrepreneurs, selling provider range packages that encourage firms to contract with veteran-owned companies, and elevating public consciousness concerning the contributions of veterans to the economic system. A veteran-owned development firm may face unfair competitors from bigger corporations with higher assets. The NVBDC’s advocacy efforts will help degree the enjoying discipline by guaranteeing that veteran-owned companies have equal entry to contracting alternatives.
These parts of “Assist,” interwoven with the NVBDC’s core features, create a robust ecosystem designed to empower veteran entrepreneurs. It is a system that acknowledges the sacrifices veterans have made and gives them with the assets and alternatives they should construct profitable companies and contribute to the financial prosperity of the nation. The NVBDC’s enduring dedication to assist ensures that veterans aren’t simply remembered for his or her service however celebrated for his or her continued contributions as entrepreneurs and enterprise leaders.
Regularly Requested Questions on Veteran Enterprise Assist
Many questions come up regarding the assist obtainable to veteran-owned companies. Understanding these regularly requested questions is essential for veterans searching for to leverage obtainable assets and navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship.
Query 1: What constitutes a “veteran-owned” enterprise as outlined by organizations providing certification?
The definition is exact, and adherence is strictly monitored. Greater than a symbolic gesture, it hinges on verifiable management and possession. Rules sometimes stipulate {that a} minimal proportion, typically 51%, of the enterprise have to be owned and managed by a number of veterans. Management implies demonstrable authority in decision-making, not merely nominal possession. The legacy of numerous veterans hangs on this accuracy.
Query 2: Why ought to a veteran-owned enterprise search certification when it already exists?
Certification serves as a bridge throughout the chasm of company procurement. Many giant firms are actively searching for various suppliers. Certification, by an accredited entity, validates veteran standing, thereby easing entry to those alternatives. Consider a veteran owned manufacturing searching for to contract with a significant company. The certification ensures they meet the procurement necessities, making enterprise occur.
Query 3: Are assets obtainable for veterans fighting the transition from navy service to entrepreneurship?
Recognizing the distinctive difficulties concerned on this transition, a number of packages, authorities and non-profit, provide focused assets. Mentorship packages, enterprise planning workshops, and entry to capital are designed to equip veterans with the instruments and information to thrive. A veteran transitioning shouldn’t be alone however has entry to these assets.
Query 4: What are the frequent boundaries confronted by veteran-owned companies, and the way can these challenges be addressed?
Entry to capital, restricted networking alternatives, and issue navigating bureaucratic processes regularly impede veteran entrepreneurs. These boundaries might be overcome by focused mentorship, streamlined certification processes, and advocacy efforts that champion veteran pursuits within the political and company arenas.
Query 5: How do provider range packages profit each veteran-owned companies and the firms implementing them?
Provider range packages create a mutually helpful ecosystem. They supply veteran-owned companies with entry to bigger markets, whereas firms profit from the distinctive abilities, dedication, and perspective that veterans convey. An organization searching for a dependable development contractor is guaranteeing reliability by deciding on a veteran.
Query 6: The place can veterans discover dependable details about funding alternatives and assets?
Quite a few assets exist to assist veteran-owned companies to entry alternatives and funding. Governmental Small Enterprise Associations, and accredited certification packages are dependable sources to entry these alternatives.
Understanding these key questions illuminates the trail ahead for veterans searching for to leverage their abilities and experiences within the enterprise world. The assist construction exists; accessing it requires information and proactive engagement.
The dialogue will now shift to a extra in-depth evaluation of the success tales rising from the veteran enterprise group, showcasing the transformative potential of focused assist and strategic partnerships.
Strategic Insights for Veteran Enterprise Homeowners
The journey of a veteran entrepreneur is usually marked by distinctive challenges and distinctive alternatives. Derived from the core rules and observations of the Nationwide Veteran Enterprise Improvement Council (NVBDC), these strategic insights function navigational aids, guiding veteran-owned companies in the direction of sustainable success.
Tip 1: Prioritize Certification: Certification shouldn’t be merely a formality; it’s a strategic crucial. It acts as a validation of veteran possession, opening doorways to provider range packages and company contracts typically inaccessible with out it. Image a seasoned fight medic, now operating a medical provide firm. Their battlefield expertise is invaluable, however with out NVBDC certification, securing a contract with a significant hospital chain turns into exponentially tougher.
Tip 2: Leverage the Energy of Networking: Navy service instills a way of camaraderie and shared goal. Extending this to the enterprise world generally is a highly effective asset. Actively take part in veteran-focused networking occasions, constructing relationships that may result in partnerships, mentorships, and invaluable referrals. Think about a former sign officer launching a cybersecurity agency. Attending an NVBDC-sponsored networking occasion connects them with a bigger protection contractor, making a mutually helpful alliance.
Tip 3: Grasp the Artwork of Authorities Contracting: Authorities contracts characterize a big alternative for veteran-owned companies. Dedicate time to understanding the intricacies of the procurement course of, together with set-aside packages particularly designed for veteran-owned enterprises. A former logistics officer beginning a transportation firm can leverage their experience to navigate the bidding course of and safe contracts with authorities companies.
Tip 4: Construct a Robust On-line Presence: In as we speak’s digital age, a strong on-line presence is crucial for attracting prospects and constructing model recognition. Spend money on an expert web site, optimize for search engines like google and yahoo, and actively interact on social media platforms. Think about a veteran-owned development firm showcasing their tasks by high-quality photographs and buyer testimonials on their web site, attracting new purchasers and constructing belief.
Tip 5: Search Mentorship from Skilled Entrepreneurs: Study from the successes and failures of those that have walked the entrepreneurial path earlier than. Hunt down mentors who can present steering, assist, and invaluable insights into the challenges of operating a enterprise. Think about a newly licensed veteran-owned enterprise proprietor paired with a seasoned govt from a Fortune 500 firm. The chief’s expertise gives important perception, steering the brand new enterprise away from frequent errors.
Tip 6: Embrace Steady Studying: The enterprise panorama is continually evolving. Decide to lifelong studying, staying abreast of business developments, new applied sciences, and finest practices. A veteran-owned IT providers firm can keep aggressive by investing in coaching for its staff, guaranteeing they possess the abilities and information wanted to satisfy the ever-changing calls for of the market.
Tip 7: Preserve Moral Requirements: Integrity and moral conduct are paramount. Construct a repute for honesty, transparency, and truthful dealing. A veteran-owned accounting agency can construct belief by adhering to the very best moral requirements, demonstrating a dedication to accuracy and integrity in all its dealings.
These strategic insights, honed by the experiences of numerous veteran entrepreneurs and championed by the Nationwide Veteran Enterprise Improvement Council, function a compass, guiding veteran-owned companies in the direction of long-term success.
The next evaluation delves into particular case research, illustrating the transformative influence of those insights and showcasing the resilience and ingenuity of the veteran enterprise group.
The Enduring Legacy
The previous exploration has illuminated the multifaceted position of the Nationwide Veteran Enterprise Improvement Council. From its stringent certification processes to its strong advocacy efforts, the narrative reveals a company devoted to empowering those that as soon as wore the uniform. Every useful resource provided, every networking alternative fostered, every story of veteran triumph underscored, all level to a singular, unwavering dedication. The council’s work transcends mere financial help; it speaks to a profound respect for service, a recognition that the abilities honed within the crucible of navy expertise are invaluable belongings within the enterprise world.
The story doesn’t finish right here. The councils journey, like that of the veterans it serves, is considered one of fixed evolution and unwavering resolve. It’s a name to motion, not only for firms and authorities entities to prioritize veteran-owned companies, however for veterans themselves to embrace the alternatives that await. Because the solar units on one endeavor, it rises on one other, and the Nationwide Veteran Enterprise Improvement Council stays a steadfast beacon, guiding veterans towards a future the place their service is honored not simply with gratitude, however with tangible financial empowerment.
