Posted on Sep 21, 2015
SGT Sara Hodgkiss
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First let me state I realize I am a girl with a dream. I am a Medically Retired Vet who has recently bought my family's un operational, not even animal inhabitable horse farm. This farm is located in Lancaster County Pa. The farm is in need of more than I alone can handle, especially with my Medical issues. Does anyone know of any programs that could offer assistance whether it be labor or financial? Any and all advice is greatly appreciated!
Posted in these groups: Retirement logo RetirementWheelchair and flag Disabled Veterans
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Responses: 58
LTC Christopher Sands
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SGT Sara Hodgkiss
SGT Sara Hodgkiss
9 y
Wonderful program!
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SrA Gerald Anderson Jr
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Edited 9 y ago
Sara,
I think that it's a wonderful thing that you're doing, both for yourself and for the potential animals that might one day be part of your land & your operation. I think that SSG Swan & CPT Waldron were referring to a number of programs that are available for veterans, particularly those who are service disabled, to start up businesses. It's a section of the VA that does a lot of the same work that the Small Business Administration does for civilians. Here's a link to a page that I found on the VA website that might help direct you towards the place/people that can answer your questions: http://www.va.gov/osdbu/programs/.
One other place you might consider is local churches (if you are a church member yourself) as well as local veteran organizations like the American Legion of the VFW. They might have programs to help you in some manner, whether that be to help you re-install your farm's fence or find someone to do the work for you. For your information, I only just now found the VA information with a very quick Google search ("program available for veterans buying a business") and the above link was one of the first entries I found.
Good luck!!!
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SGT Sara Hodgkiss
SGT Sara Hodgkiss
9 y
Looking into it, thank you!
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LTC Mo Vanderslice
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Okay, you're a female veteran. The SBA has a number of programs available to assist you. I saw someone recommended renting out space - good idea, people who want to board their horses with you is easy money. You can also check into therapy programs that need space as well as horses and tact for their programs. You could also provide a rest area for race horses to rest up and regain their strength in between race seasons - Southfork Ranch out side of Dallas was known for this prior to the TV show that changed it all. But first, go by your local SBA office to see what they can do for you and get you the operating capital to get you started. Good luck!
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SGT Sara Hodgkiss
SGT Sara Hodgkiss
9 y
Wonderful advice and recommendations.
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LCpl Kevin Crespo
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SGT Hodgkiss, my son in law is in road construction and is coming up on his off season soon. We live about 30 minutes away from Lancaster. Perhaps you two could come to some accord as to labor and price. If you're interested, send me and email. [login to see] . I also have quite a few kids that would love to earn some cash on the weekends.

Regards,
SPC Crespo
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1SG Bart Coffey
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The only way to accomplish is to apply for a patriot express business loan. I went through the process and unless you have a business plan, a % of $ FOR A DOWN pmt, and a bank to approve the loan, then u will have to raise the funds on yor own. Do u have voc rehab
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SGT Sara Hodgkiss
SGT Sara Hodgkiss
9 y
I will look into this option if needed.
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SGT Rick dawson Carpenter
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Do you presently have horses?
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SGT Sara Hodgkiss
SGT Sara Hodgkiss
9 y
Yes, but only two. They are being kept on my fathers horse farm in Virginia at the moment.
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CPO Andy Carrillo, MS
CPO Andy Carrillo, MS
9 y
SGT, you are poised to do some wonderful work in Equine Assisted Therapy (EAP) to help other veterans work through PTSD. Check out this website, perhaps you can partner with this program and bring a version of it to Lancaster County:
http://www.trinity-ec.com/veteran_therapy.phtml
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SPC Kenneth Maxon
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SGT Mark Stevens
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There is always a work around to a challenge.
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Cpl Sean Fitzgerald
Cpl Sean Fitzgerald
9 y
yes, that is what she is apparently looking for
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SGT Mark Stevens
SGT Mark Stevens
9 y
Cpl. Sean Fitzgerald, my comment was meant as a follow on comment to my first. I offered advice in that one. Please keep sarcasm to your self. It's not helpful.
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