Entreprenurship Grants Available to Domesitc Abuse Survivors

Verizon, which has been working to end domestic abuse nation-wide through its HopeLine initiative, donated $45,000 to the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (OPDV) grant program. The program awards grants ranging from $500-$2500 to domestic violence victims to help them start their small businesses.

Domestic abuse not only affects a victim emotionally but also financially. Often, a victim of abuse must leave her home and belongings in order to escape an abuser. For many abuse victims, starting a business may be the first time they have ever experienced financial freedom from an abuser.

"For many domestic violence survivors, escaping an abusive spouse or partner is only half the battle," said Russ Preite, president of Verizon Wireless' Upstate New York Region. "Moving forward and creating an independent, self-sufficient life is a critical next step. It's our hope that the Verizon Domestic Violence Entrepreneurship Program will help some of these women put their hard-won skills to work to successfully bring a small business to life and regain their independence" (quoted from "Verizon Giving Entrepreneuship Grants to Domestic Violence Survivors").

The Uncovered Artistry Project, which operates a boutique that sells the artisan work of domestic abuse survivors, offers microloans to artisans. If an artisan needs funds to continue her craft, she can request a small loan ranging from $25-$200 from UA's microloan fund. Uncovered Artistry believes in OPDV's concept that entrepreneurship can empower victims of domestic and sexual abuse both financially and emotionally.

Said, Marguerite, one of Uncovered Artistry's artisans who sells her work in the online boutique, "I not only survived, but I've overcome, I've learned to forgive, and I've learned patience."

Entrepreneurship leads domestic violence victims to a more fulfilling, self-sustainting life.

Inspiration from the Big Apple

Social goals can replace greed as a powerful motivational force. Social-consciousness-driven enterprises can be formidable competitors for the greed-based enterprises.

-Muhammad Yunus in Banker to the Poor

There is, undoubtedly, something very attractive about the lights and sparkle of New York City's Times Square. As an individual about to venture into the world of entrepreneurship, the giant billboards and huge flashy TV screen seem to be a testament to the power and success of capitalism. But under what pretenses? Could a social-conscious business survive in the same marketplace as American Eagle and Verizon?

Yes...And I don't think we even need the flashy lights.

My sister and I developed our plan for Uncovered Artistry because we wanted to empower others. We knew how intimidating the business world could be. Tall white men in suits are a stark contrast to the two young socially-conscious college students we are. But for over a year we have had the joy of owning a small jewelry-design company called La SuaVoce Designs. And now our new venture, Uncovered Artistry Boutique, an online boutique that sells the artisan work of domestic violence survivors, will take our passion a step further.

The business and entrepreneurial world is not reserved for those with MBAs and suits; Uncovered Artistry will attempt to prove the power of socially-conscious business that empowers regular people to be entrepreneurs.

Sarah

Uncovered Artistry