Vet-Owned Businesses Can Qualify to Access Federal Personal Property Surplus System

SBA Opens NEW PROGRAM to get Surplus Equipment for your Veteran-Owned Business

• CLICK HERE for 12 minute video - WVFV's Cathy Cook and WVFV Awardee Maj Jim Hartman describe the IN's and OUT's for the new program.                            How to qualify for access to the Federal Surplus Property System and claim equipment for your farm or business.  
• CLICK HERE for Small Business Administration flyer about the new program
• Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information about the program

Hundreds attend Grey Sail Brewery’s 10^th Anniversary Party on Veterans Day 2021

WESTERLY, RI – Glasses clinked and cheers for veterans went out to thank those who served from everyone at Grey Sail Brewery’s 10^th Anniversary Party at their 63 Canal Street brewery and taproom.  Hundreds of active military, veterans and guests enjoyed the celebration on November 11th.  In honor of Veterans Day, active and retired members of the military enjoyed a free beer and discount. The party featured food trucks, live music, and giveaways.

“It was an amazing party,” said Jennifer Brinton, co-owner of Grey Sail Brewing of Rhode Island in a statement. “We appreciate that our staff, our partners in distribution, our community, and our loyal customers have all had a substantial part in us achieving this 10-year milestone.”

Grey Sail has been brewing quality, craft beer in Rhode Island for the past ten years, and now offers seven varieties in their core lineup in addition to seasonal specialties.  Grey Sail released its anniversary beer, a dry-hopped imperial pilsner, at the party. The beer is available for purchase and consumption at Grey Sail’s brewery and taproom, and in retail stores, bars, and restaurants in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.

And best of all, Grey Sail Brewery presented a check for $1500 from proceeds of the Veterans’ Day event to support Work Vessels for Veterans, a local volunteer charity that awards equipment to injured veterans who are starting their own businesses.  Over 2400 veterans in all 50 states have received $3.5 million in equipment from this small group of dedicated volunteers. 

“These funds will certainly help a new veteran-owned business get off the ground,” said Cathy Cook, of Work Vessels for Vets.  “We are so grateful to Jennifer and Alan Brinton for honoring Veterans at their 10^th anniversary Party.” 

“It’s been a fantastic 10 years,” said Alan Brinton.  “And we are delighted to expand our success by offering a hand-up to help veterans start their entrepreneurial journeys.”

To learn more about Work Vessels for Vets, Inc. please visit website http://www.WVFV.org

For more information about Grey sails Brewery and Taproom go to https://greysailbrewing.com/our-brewery/

Ending Third Quarter with Successful Fund-raising, New Connections and Top-Ratings – All to Help Veterans Succeed!

The volunteers of Work Vessels for Vets packed in a ton of activity to end the third quarter with a flurry of fund-raisers, grant awards, new partnerships and the highest national ratings.

“The month of September was crazy!” said Executive Director Cathy Cook.  “After sitting on idle for many months due to COVID restrictions, we raised almost $60,000 in one month! And we forged strong partnerships while attending FARM AID with Michael O’Gorman, founder of Farmer Veteran Coalition.”

Dominion Energy Foundation kicked off the month by presenting a grant of $20,000 to be used for equipment awards for veterans in CT, RI, VA, NC, & SC.   Skydive for Veterans of CT and MA held their annual Jump for Vets with dozens of skydivers who each pledged at least $500 so they could jump out of perfectly good airplanes on September 11^th.  Proceeds from this event is shared by Work Vessels for Vets and to a veteran nonprofit that deals with homelessness in CT.

We launched our 2^nd Annual Online Auction, featuring many items crafted by our veterans.  We are still tabulating the proceeds, but so far it was $6000! 

Skydive for veterans  Saturday Sept 11, 2021  ellington, ct

SkyDive for Veterans Registration link

SkyDive for Veterans Benefit for Work Vessels for Vets Sept 11, 2021

The PATRIOT STAR BUSINESS AWARD was established to recognize veterans whose new businesses turned the corner to profitability after receiving essential equipment from Work Vessels for Veterans.  In April 2021, WVFV Executive Director Cathy Cook personally visited several veteran businesses around the country to make the awards.

Army veteran Joyce Carter opened her hair restoration salon in February 2020 with $2000 in specialized therapeutic equipment from Work Vessels for Vets.  Just two weeks later, she had to close due to the pandemic.  Left with all the start up bills, and no income, Joyce was afraid her dream would never come true.  But with courage and perseverance, she got through a year of COVID, and reopened in April 2021.   During her visit, Joyce reported that now she has clients who travel over 2 hours for her effective hair restoration therapy.  CONGRATULATIONS!