Free Republic

Veterinarian Ahmed Salman Nimma signs and finalizes the paperwork for a 5 million Iraqi dinar micro-grant for his vet clinic in Numaniyah, May 9. Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Joe Thompson. FORWARD OPERATING BASE DELTA — Economic growth for small businesses is hard enough to accomplish in an established free-market such as the United States, let alone a new democracy getting on its feet.One of the tools available for small business owners in Iraq is the micro-grant, which a local veterinarian in Numaniyah is using to get his clinic up and running."I am grateful for this opportunity and am thankful...

DIWANIYA — A local welder received financial support from a Coalition forces microgrant progam last week. Rasad Abass is a local welder on the outskirts of Diwaniya; he and his welding colleague have more than 20 years of welding experience. His business provides metal goods from door hinges to artistic metal designs. Unfortunately, their business’s productivity is limited due to the inadequate power capacity, small-voltage-electric welder and limited employees, Abass said. That all changed for Abass when he received a $2,500 grant to put into shop repairs, generators and welding equipment. “I didn’t think that the American’s would come through...

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq, Jan. 10, 2008 – Business is booming for a butcher in Arab Jabour, Iraq, thanks to the micro-grants program being implemented by the 3rd Infantry Division’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team. Hussen Jowd (right), a butcher in Arab Jabour, Iraq, stands outside a new building being constructed for his business, Jan. 7, 2008. Improvements to his business are a result of the micro-grant program that provides businesses with up to $2,500 to help them expand. Photo by Sgt. Kevin Stabinsky, USA  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. Hussen Jowd’s success even garnered mention from President...