November 1, 2018 500 AM
On November 5-9, National Veterans Small Business Week, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is focusing attention and resources on a community that deserves it – our military veterans. When their military service ends, SBA services to these heroes begin. We know that many have just what it takes to be their own boss and live the American dream, a dream they courageously fought for. U.S. Army Veteran David Granado is a great example of what can happen when a veteran and the SBA connect. After serving for more than 21 years as a logistician, Granado used his technical expertise to open his own logistics business, DA Defense Logistic HQ in El Paso.
Granado was able to increase his opportunities to win federal contracts by obtaining SBA certifications as a Service Disabled Veteran and HUBZone company. These certifications help businesses obtain contracts that are set aside to reach the federal government and prime contractor’s small business contracting goals.
Today, Granado runs a multi-million-dollar corporation with about 461 employees in eight states.
“I am doing the same thing I did in the military, just without the uniform,” Granado said.
Granado donates annually to the El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Association and the Wounded Warrior Project. However, he said his greatest satisfaction is supporting his employees and employing U.S. veterans. The company proudly boasts that 34 percent of their employees are military veterans.
In the El Paso District, which covers 10 Texas counties, Service-Disabled Veterans like Granado have been awarded more than $8 million in federal contracts in fiscal year 2018. El Paso HUBZone firms have been awarded $14 million in federal contracts in FY 2018. In addition, Veteran-owned firms were approved for $30 million in small business loans in FY 2018.
Join SBA in celebrating Veteran entrepreneurs by following us on Twitter at @SBAgov and sharing your stories with the #VetBiz and #MyVetBiz hashtags.
Visit www.sba.gov/vetbiz or contact the El Paso District Office at 915-834-4600 to find out about various events in your neighborhood.
