Majid Aubied Sahail al Azouy (right), owner of a hardware store, signs a micro-grant receipt as Sgt. 1st Class Daniel Jack, of A Troop, 150th Armored Reconnaissance Squadron, 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team, watches, Sept 21. Al Azouy plans to provide more electrical supplies to the local villagers. A Troop, based out of Williamson, W.Va., issued nine grants in one day to help stimulate the economy in its area of operations. Photo by Spc. Ruth McClary

Nine Iraqi businessmen in southern Baghdad gave broad smiles and many thanks as they received micro-grant payouts, Sept. 21, from Soldiers of A Troop, 150th Armored Reconnaissance Squadron, 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team, that improve economic conditions in their communities.

Funding allocated through the brigade commander’s Emergency Relief Fund was distributed to the businesses in the al-Radwaniyah, Mufargi and Fetoah marketplaces, about 15 miles southwest of Baghdad.

“This was my first time giving out micro-grants,” said Sgt. 1st Class Daniel Jack, of Seth, W.Va. “I usually work with micro-rewards, which are pay-outs for tips to stop terrorist activity; it works like crimestoppers in the U.S.”

Nearly $43,000 in payouts were given to upgrade four grocery stores, a restaurant, an auto repair shop, a butcher shop, a general store and a hardware store.

“Opening a butcher shop in this area would decrease the travel time for transporting fresh meats to this area,” said Ahmad Abdullah Husen al Azouy, of the Abu Amur marketplace. “Local herders can bring their livestock to the market for butcher or sell them to me.”

“My store provides common products like blankets, mattresses and clocks,” said Sarmad Samey Mahmoud al Mufargi, a general store owner in the Murfargi village. “The grant will help me expand to include a repair shop.”

Each business caters to at least 150 customers in its local area, and they also double as community communication hubs; providing people with information that can affect the entire area. All of the owner’s expansion plans will create more jobs and stimulate the economy.

Samy Yahyaa Aheya Jaabir al-Janabi, a Mufargi falafel restaurant owner, wants to add a grill and expand his area to house more supplies. Majid Dafak Saiel, an al-Radwaniyah grocery store owner, threw up his hands, thanking Allah for the grant. He plans to upgrade his store and increase supplies.

The squadron has submitted nearly 40 grant applications with 20 payouts to date that include a fish and dairy farm expansion and an internet and phone center. Grant approval is based on the overall impact the improvements will have in the community. Recipients from these payouts submitted applications back in July.

“I was really glad to finally have follow through on the micro-grant project after many months of waiting,” said 1st Lt. Timbur Nersesov, of Los Angeles. “It is an opportunity for U.S. forces and the government of Iraq to impact our relationship with the locals.”

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Story by Spc. Ruth McClary

Starting a business in Iraq is a complicated and complex process. It takes more than just a dream, which is where the micro-grant program comes in to play – to help the Iraqi people achieve their dreams.

The Soldiers of the 24th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, patrolled through the Abu Ghuraib market, northwest of Baghdad, June 18, to talk to business owners about the program and to encourage them to apply for a grant. The visit also provided them an opportunity to check on those who already received funds.

Meeting with the people on the streets was also the first opportunity for the Soldiers directly talk to the local residents about the benefits of the program and observe how effective it has been to date.

“It is nice to see the results of our work and how we can help rebuild our own nation,” commented the senior Iraqi officer on the mission, who serves with the 24th Bde., 6th IAD.

The micro grants are financial grants provided by the government of Iraq to perspective business owners for the initial costs of starting up a business or to help existing businesses improve.

Initially, the micro-grants were under the control of Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers, who would conduct applicant interviews, transfer funds and perform follow-up visits to ensure the money was being used properly.

Now, under the supervision of 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment “Gimlets,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, the Soldiers of 24th Bde. learned how to manage the micro grant program, and they are putting their new-found knowledge to work.

While on its mission, the patrol stopped at a chicken restaurant where in the past week, the owner completed repairs to his building and ordered his new freezer unit – all as a direct result of receiving the micro grant and putting the funds to their proper use.

“With the new freezer on its way,” said the local business owner, “I will be able to serve more people and not have to buy chickens every day.”

Stories of success, such as this one, are what will help the nation – and the people – of Iraq rebuild itself.

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