Citizens Announces $300,000 Grant for Veteran Small Businesses in the Bronx

Citizens today announced a $300,000 grant to empower veteran-owned small business in the Bronx, in partnership with Military Warriors Support Foundation (MWSF) and the Hope4Heroes program. The grant will provide tailored support and resources to strengthen veteran-owned business, such as storefront renovation, new technology and technical training, and includes one year of financial mentorship.

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Brendan Coughlin, Head of Consumer Banking at Citizens and Nuno Dos Santos, Tri State Metro Retail Director at Citizens presented Marisa Estrella, Former U.S. Army Specialist and Founder of Worldwide Veterans and Family Services with a new 2023 Ford Transit Cargo Van as part of Citizens’ $300,000 grant program with Military Warriors Support Foundation for veteran-owned small businesses in the Bronx. (Photo: Business Wire)

Earlier today, Citizens and MWSF recognized Former U.S. Army Specialist Marisa Estrella, founder of Worldwide Veterans & Family Services, as the first grant recipient. The program will remain open and accept applications through the end of this year, in order to benefit additional veteran-owned businesses. To be considered, applicants must be an honorably discharged veteran and own a business in Bronx County. Interested veterans can apply at militarywarriors.org/hope4heroes.

“Citizens has a long-standing commitment to supporting veterans, particularly in under-served communities where small businesses are struggling to recover from the pandemic,” said Brendan Coughlin, Head of Consumer Banking at Citizens. “In the last year, Citizens has worked closely with communities across New York City, understanding that a bank’s true value is in contributing positively to the neighborhood and supporting businesses and customers to realize their dreams. We are excited to build on our 8-year partnership with Military Warriors Support Foundation by expanding to the Bronx.”

The program is the largest corporate grant for veterans in the Bronx and continues Citizens’ deep commitment to fostering neighborhood revitalization and economic development.

“Hope4Heroes is an extraordinary initiative helping veterans all across the country, and we are proud to partner with Citizens to bring the program to the Bronx,” said Ken Eakes, Executive Director at MWSF. “There are many hurdles to overcome while running a small business and operating in a borough like the Bronx, where recovery has been stalled. Citizens and MWSF have a track record of supporting small businesses and seeing the results of our support extend to the communities around them.”