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Work Vessels for Vets Partners

Semper Fi Americas Fund logo

Work Vessels for Vets frequently partners with The Semper Fi Fund to share in the cost of equipment for veteran-entrepreneurs. They help veterans from all military services with counseling and practical assistance.

Mentoring Corps for Community Development, Nonprofit

Offers one-to-one mentoring to WVFV veteran applicants.

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US VEtERANS CHAMBER OF COMMErCE

EBV NATIONAL PROGRAM

The EBV National Program is a novel, one-of-a-kind initiative designed to leverage the skills, resources and infrastructure of higher education to offer cutting-edge, experiential training in entrepreneurship and small business management to post-9/11 veterans with service-connected disabili-ties and a passion for entrepreneurship.

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The Farmer Veteran Coalition

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SBA The Small Business Administration

SBA Federal Surplus JUST for Veterans Click for details on how your veteran owned business can qualify SBA Surplus Federal Property for Veterans ONLY

Frequently Asked Questions

GUIDANCE for APPLICANTS (click here)

Do you only give away boats?

No! A "Vessel" is any equipment you may need to reach your goal of self-employment.

What kind of businesses do you equip?

We support all kinds of veteran entrepreneurs and frankly marvel at the ingenuity of business ideas.

Is the equipment new?

Not always. Sometimes used equipment is donated or purchased in good used condition.

What is the average value of equipment grants?

Most of our vessels are valued at $5,000 to $6,000 but some may be much less or more depending on the need.

Do I have to be a Post 9/11 veteran to receive a vessel?

No, but Post 9/11 returning combat veterans do receive extra consideration. Veterans with VA disability ratings over 80% also have preference.

How long does the application process take?

It depends. We do not have a warehouse of equipment. All approved applications are matched with corporate or individual donations or purchased from donor funds.

Is there a long waiting list?

Often we have a waiting list of up to 6 months, but it depends on the availability of the vessels requested and the ability to match a donor with needed equipment.

Is my DD214 kept secure?

YES! All DD214 papers are maintained on a locked external drive that is only available to designated staff. We highly recommend that you redact your Social Security Number.

What geographic area do you serve?

We cover the entire United States.

Why do you need a Business Plan?

WVFV has partnered with the expert evaluators at The Mentoring Corps who work with our veteran applicants to assure that you have the right plans to be successful and that the equipment will contribute to your success.

May I still apply if I do not have a complete business plan?

Yes, but you need to complete a full description of your business concept and your timeline for start up.

I have a service-connected disability rating. Can I apply for adaptive equipment to help me in my own business?

Yes! And we can recommend resources to identify adaptations to equipment.

How will you use my photographs and story if I receive a vessel?

WVFV finds that your stories are the most successful way we can generate new funding to help more veterans. We will publicize our awards to media in your area and the nation as well as include in our grant applications to foundations.

What do you want in return?

NOTHING! We thank you for your service and ask only that you “Pay it Forward” by helping fellow veterans in need and by serving your community as you served your country.

Veteran Application Form

Application Instructions:

Before you begin, please verify that you meet the Program Requirements outlined below.
Complete the application form below and submit. Incomplete forms will not be considered.
For start-up business requests, please submit a business plan, budget, and goals.
For equipment, vessels, vehicles, or other, please outline the intended use in the form below.

Information (such as the DD-214, business plan, budget, and goals) can be emailed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or mailed to:

Work Vessels for Vets
Post Office Box 215
West Mystic, CT 06388

Please Note:

WVFV endeavors to assist as many veterans as is possible. Not all requests will necessarily be met, but will be kept on file as resources or matches may become available in the future. Recipients names and images may be used in future WVFV communications.

Program Requirements:

Honorable Discharge - You must upload a copy of your DD214
VA Disability Rating, if applicable – Please upload a copy of rating
Interest in Self Employment – You must upload a Business Plan
Statement of Need for Equipment for your business

Applicant Information

Last Name(*)

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First Name(*)

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Address 1(*)

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Address 2

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City(*)

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State(*)

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Zip(*)

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Day Phone(*)

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Evening Phone

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E-mail(*)

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Are you interested in Self Employment?

Yes No Invalid Input

If yes, please attach copy of Business Plan with Budget and Goals to this application.

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Upload your business plan, including answers to the following questions…

A. What product or service are you selling?
B. What were your revenues and profit from your business, before your compensation I the past 12 months? How many people are dependent on income from your business?
C. Describe your competition.
D. What experience do you have to develop and run this business?
E. Why do you think your business will succeed?
F. Explain why you believe you have the ability and know-how to deliver a quality product or service?

Employment / Education Status

Are you in College or a Training Program?

Yes No Invalid Input

If yes, enter the name of the school.

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Have you Graduated?

Yes No Invalid Input

If yes, enter the degree earned.

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Military Experience

Branch

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Start Date

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End Date

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Rating/Rank at Discharge

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Do you have a service-connected disability rating?

Yes No Invalid Input

What percentage has the VA rated your disability? (10% - 100%)

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IMPORTANT: You MUST upload a copy of your DD214 Discharge paper. You may redact your SSN.

DD214 Discharge Paper

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Donation Request

NOTE: Laptops for disabled veterans enrolled in Entrepreneurial Bootcamp for Veterans (EBV) at universities receive first priority.

If other, please describe.

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Utilization: If you were chosen to receive assistance from WVFV for what purpose would you utilize it?

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STATEMENT OF NEED

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Signature

You must check all of the following, then enter your Name and the current date.

(*)

I have an Honorable Discharge from Duty and have uploaded a copy of my DD214. Invalid Input

(*)

I have also uploaded a business plan, budget and goals for my start-up business idea. Invalid Input

(*)

I have outlined the equipment, vessel, vehicle or tools I am requesting and specified how the donation will be used. Invalid Input

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I understand that not all requests will be fulfilled, and that my request may not be immediately available. Invalid Input

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I further understand that my name and images may be used in future WVFV communications. Invalid Input

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I certify that my answers are true and complete to the best of my knowledge. Invalid Input

Your Signature

NAME(*)

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DATE(*)

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For Veterans

If You Are a Returning Vet:

STEP ONE: Accept our THANKS! For your service to our Country!

STEP TWO: Review our website for all of the available programs, services and application.

STEP THREE: Fill out a short application outlining your plans and goals and the assistance you are seeking. Be sure to UPLOAD three items: 1. Copy of your DD214 (redact SSN). All DD214s are securely stored offline for privacy. 2. A Copy of YOUR BUSINESS PLAN (including financial estimates of income & expenses). 3. A STATEMENT OF NEED which includes how the equipment requested will assist your success.

Veteran Application

STEP FOUR: Each application is reviewed. While it is impossible to assist all veterans who apply, WVFV retains all applications and as resources and products become available, we assist as many applicants as possible.

THERE ARE 3 MAIN PROGRAMS AT WVFV WITH EQUIPMENT GRANTS RANGING FROM $1000 - $8000 WITH RARE EXCEPTIONS.

1. Equipping Veteran-Owned Small Businesses

This WVFV program provides critical new or used equipment (adapted to accommodate injuries if needed) to returning veterans who are starting a non-farming business.

2. Equipping Injured Veteran-Farmers

This WVFV program provides agricultural equipment (tractors, fencing, farm equipment) to America's veterans who are starting farms or ranches. Working closely with the Farmer Veteran Coalition and AgrAbility chapters around the country, Work Vessels for Vets identifies needed farm equipment and any modifications required to adapt equipment for combat injuries.

3. Equipping Nonprofit Programs that serve veterans

Knowing that “start-up” nonprofits need equipment too, WVFV awards equipment to equine therapy programs and veteran training programs, boats for therapeutic fishing programs, electronics to programs for vets with PTSD, and other “vessels” for nonprofits to help meet their missions to give back to fellow veterans.

Here are some of the many ways Work Vessels for Vets has helped returning veterans make the transition to civilian life after combat.

Laptops For Vets

Kathleen Burns, President of Work Vessels for Vets, presents laptops for their college pursuits to several Connecticut National Guard vets just returned from Afghanistan.

Tools & Equipment

Eric Des Bins - Eric was awarded the Purple Heart and other recognitions for valor in combat in Iraq; will be utilizing the tools and equipment for his new contracting business.

39 Foot Lobster Boat

Donated a 39ft Lobster Boat, refitted by Noank Shipyard to Afghanistan vet Timothy Field of Westport, MA for commercial fishing out of Plymouth, MA.

Landscaping Equipment

WVFV donated a landscaping trailer and dump truck to CT Veteran Dave Campbell for his new landscaping business.

Deep Sea Fishing Boat

Refurbished and donated a deep sea fishing boat to Todd Rohr and the New England Disabled Veterans Sports Program of Portsmouth, NH to take wounded veterans deep sea fishing.

Diesel Van

Arranged for a diesel van donated by Mystic, CT's Densmore Oil Co, and prepared by Valenti Auto Mall of Mystic to veteran owned Calvary Brewing Co of Oxford, CT enabling the Oxford, CT brewing company to double its delivery area and hire an additional veteran driver for their growing business.

Tractor & Farm Vehicles

WVFV Donated a tractor, farm vehicles, equipment and tools for Veterans Farm, Jacksonville, FL to provide horticultural therapy for combat veterans with PTSD, TBI and other war injuries.

Farm Fencing

WVFV donated farm fencing for Kyle Cooper's Veterans' Horse Farm, Jacksonville, FL with funds from an anonymous WVFV donor.

Commercial Van

WVFV donated commercial cleaning equipment and commercial van to Tim Smith for a new commercial cleaning service called Patriot Commercial Cleaning of St. Louis, MO.

FISH RITE Drift Boat

WVFV donated a FISH RITE Drift Boat for fly fishing guide, USMC veteran Justin Clenard of Utah, a veteran of three tours in Iraq and Afghanistan where he lost both legs to an IED. He recently took former Vice President Dick Cheney on a fly fishing trip.