Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20071106-04
November 6, 2007

Micro-grants assist Shar Ar Rabea businesses
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO

BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers, in conjunction with the local Iraqi government, distributed micro-grants to 29 small business owners in the Jamia neighborhood of western Baghdad Oct. 30.

Soldiers from Company B, 1st Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, with the help of the Khadra Neighborhood Advisory Council, paid 29 business owners their micro-grants to start rebuilding their businesses.

The recipients of micro-grants received between $2,000 to $2,500 which can be used to renovate their business, buy inventory or offices supplies, hire workers or pay for any other business related expenses.

This was the second group of micro-grants distributed since 1-64 Armor has been operating in the area, bringing the total number of micro-grants paid in the area to 71, with a total dollar value of $168,000 to local businesses.

As each of the business owners receives their grant, Soldiers from Bravo Company monitors their progress to ensure the grant provides the necessary boost. The unit plans to continue issuing these grants in order to revive Shar Ar Rabea, one of the most famous shopping streets in Baghdad prior to the war.

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