Guard Support of Massachusetts

Non-Profit Organization | Member since August 5th, 2009

Guard Support is providing education and training, capital and expertise to businesses started my members of the Massachusetts National Guard and their spouses.

Applicants for both the Guard Support Entrepreneurs’ Education and Training Grant and the Entrepreneurs’ Funding Program (EFP) must be a member of the Massachusetts National Guard in good standing who has not yet ended his/her term of service, or the spouse of a member of the Massachusetts National Guard in good standing who has not yet ended his/her term of service.

Entrepreneurs’ Education and Training Grant

Guard Support will provide business planning education and training grants to eligible applicants. Eligible education and training programs include business plan writing and other entrepreneurship courses and programs offered by Guard Support partners. Guard Support education and training partners include the SBA Massachusetts Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), SCORE, the Boston Entrepreneurs' Network, EntreTech Forum, and the Center for Women & Enterprise.

Entrepreneurs' Funding Program (EFP)

Guard Support will provide seed and expansion capital to businesses founded by members of the Massachusetts National Guard and/or their spouses. Funds will be used to launch start-up companies, re-start businesses that were shut down due to deployment and to fund the growth of existing companies. The EFP will provide long-term low interest loans of $10,000-$40,000 to qualifying businesses. Entrepreneurs will receive expert advice from advisers and other business experts over the course of the funding relationship. With experts drawn from the local business, legal and accounting communities, Guard Support will put together a team to serve as an Advisory Committee to each company that the Fund invests in. Supporters to date include corporate and local bank foundations, law firms, businesses, organizations, and individuals.

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