StreetShares Foundation Gives $10,000 in Veteran Business Grants to Exceptional Veteran Business Owners

WASHINGTON, March 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The StreetShares Foundation announced today three winners of its monthly Veteran Small Business Awards. Winners will receive awards of $5,000, $3,000 and $2,000, supported by JPMorgan Chase & Co.

March Winners

1^st Place: Tom Cox, Army Veteran, Co-Founder of Candl (Atlanta, Ga.)

2^nd Place: Brian Wood, Army Veteran, CEO of Good Shepherd Defense and Training (Morton, Ill.)

3^rd Place: Charles Miller, Army Veteran, Founder/Designer of Charles Miller Brand Denim (Washington, DC)

Tom Cox, CEO and Co-founder of Candl, has more than 20 years of experience in communications technology. Candl's mission is to make connectivity accessible to people around the world. Tom and Co-Founder Jason Talley came up with the idea after meeting a Syrian refugee who said, "Staying connected is more important than food and shelter."

Candl connects world travelers and refugees with cellular data or WiFi through a hardware device and software products. Tom and Jason plan to donate 50 percent of the veteran award funds to a nonprofit supporting refugees.

Brian Wood, CEO of Good Shepherd Defense and Training, started his small business after receiving low-quality civilian firearms training. As a recent combat veteran, he wanted to provide a more personalized training course for Illinois residents getting their concealed carry license. As a Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Business, Brian provides not only firearms training but also self-defense courses. "We're creating shepherds who could be mothers or fathers protecting their families," Brian said.

Charles Miller, Founder and Designer of Charles Miller Brand Denim (CMBD), created high quality apparel for the traveling professional, who could be government contractors, business owners, photographers, etc. As a member of the National Guard and an Equal Opportunity leader, Charles believes in creating a community of collaboration and mentorship among creatives. CMBD is veteran-owned and made in the USA. Denim is sourced in North Carolina and manufactured in Los Angeles.

Learn more about the winners.

About StreetShares Foundation

StreetShares Foundation, located outside of Washington, D.C., is a nonprofit affiliated with StreetShares, Inc. The mission of the StreetShares Foundation is to inspire, educate, and support veterans' business ownership. $10,000 in awards are given monthly to veteran, current reserve, active duty members and military spouse business owners. Top veteran business owners are presented online for a public vote. Learn more here.

Media Contact: Shauna Vo Pulayya, 347.330.4104, [email protected]

SOURCE StreetShares, Inc.