Success Stories

The Blissful Bean is located in Ecru, MS and provides locals with great tasting coffee and sweet treats!

In August of 2023, the Blissful Bean Owner, Blenda Gann, attended the Military Spouse Pathway to Business class with the VBOC at MSU and continued her small business journey with the Boots to Business Revenue Readiness class. 

With the tools and information provided during the two-day course and the B2B Revenue Readiness course, Blenda was able to develop her business concept and business plan. A few more months and a lot of diligent work later she was able to have her grand opening!

Blenda seized the opportunity and is currently serving those in the Ecru, MS area her wonderful coffee and local pastries!  

The Jamaican Spot located in Leesville, LA is a restaurant opened by Romeo and Anette Thompson. The restaurant opened in August 2018. Romeo retired from the Army after serving from 1998-2018.

“I am committed to getting the job done after working long hours in different environmental conditions. Taking lead on a new project and working with a team to develop my vision was easy because I understand the roles and responsibilities of being a leader,” -Romeo Thompson

Romeo was able to attend the Boots to Business workshop at Fort Polk.

“It was inspiring. I learned the benefits and challenges of owning a restaurant business,” -Romeo Thompson

The Jamaican Spot now has five employees and is open for business!