54 Year Old Disabled Carpenter Seeks Grant To Resume Construction Business

by Harry A. Skeen
(Clinton, AR, USA)

I am a 54-year-old carpenter disabled by a work injury ten years ago. Now I'm looking for a government grant to restart my construction business.

I've been on disability for the last 7 years. But disability is disabling! I went from making $500-$600 a week working to $600 a month on disability.

After living expenses, lights, water, auto, gas, and cell phone there's nothing left.

So I've decided to try and go back to work, part-time at least. I worked in the construction business (building houses, mostly) for 25 years, before I injured my back.

For the last 8 years that I worked, I had my own small remodeling and home repairs company. I know how to do most minor repairs in a house, including electrical, plumbing, and carpentry.

I also know how to supervise workmen, get work and pay my bills.

All I need now is a little funding to get me back on my feet. I estimated my first year's operating cost to be about $27,000, and my projected first-year profit $15,000.

I figure I'd have my head above water in 3-5 years. And my plan is to have enough business in 10 years to retire and let someone else run the show. Is that too much to ask for?