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    Micro Grants shape future

    Micro Grants Shape Future

    Photo By Spc. Jessica Luhrs-Stabile | Sgt. 1st Class Steve Stutzman, a Nappanee, Ind., native and platoon sergeant for Co....... read more read more

    In the village of Chemin near the Iraqi city of Kirkuk, only two small stores serve the rapidly growing population, there are currently no activities for youth to do, but thanks to small grants that are scheduled to be given out within the next few months all of this could change.

    The Combined Security Force and Soldiers of Alpha Co., 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division out of Fort Stewart, Ga., met with local leadership and businessmen, March 26, to discuss the use of these grants, known as "micro-grants," in the village and how it could help to boost the economy.

    A micro-grant is an amount of money given to citizens of the area that have a dream of rebuilding their existing business, starting a new one or improving their farm, according to Sgt. 1st Class Steve Stutzman, a Nappanee, Ind., native and platoon sergeant for A-Co.

    These micro-grants are not just free hand-outs of money, said Stutzman to the leadership. The citizens must come to the U.S. forces with a business proposal and then if approved the CSF and U.S. Forces will check-in on them to ensure they are following their proposal.

    Stutzman, is currently on his third deployment, and says that he sees the most potential for growth in this area.

    "Because we see so much potential in this area, next week we will begin interviews of citizens and the process of approving the micro-grant," said Stutzman.

    If the funds are approved, for one shop-owner in the area, he said that he would like to expand on his existing shop.

    Like many others in the area this man has a vision for his future and the future of his country.

    "Even if I do not get a chance to improve my shop, I will continue to do what I can for the future of my children and the community," said the man.

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 03.30.2010
    Date Posted: 03.30.2010 08:46
    Story ID: 47431
    Location: KIRKUK, IQ

    Web Views: 381
    Downloads: 366

    PUBLIC DOMAIN