Arlington native Bryant “Griff” Griffith served in the Marine Corps for 10 years. During his transition back to the civilian sector, he said he felt a loss of identity, purpose and community – but he found that connection again through entrepreneurship. Griff founded JAWS – Junk and Waste Solutions in Arlington in 2020. JAWS is a certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business, specializing in junk removal, dumpster rentals and demolition services.  Their DR2 System – donate, repurpose, recycle – aims to ensure responsible stewardship, reducing landfill waste and meeting community needs.

As Griff’s business grew, so did his need for capital. “Sustaining that growth and keeping up with demand without investment capital is very challenging,” Griff said. When he saw the opportunity for 0% interest loans through the Arlington Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and LiftFund program, he knew it was time to take action.

Griff said that access to capital can be an obstacle for startups, not just because of interest rates but stringent loan terms and lack of business history, to name a few. Compared to other experiences with traditional loans, Griff thought the application and follow-up process for the Arlington EDC LiftFund program was straightforward and user-friendly.

“Communication is key; one thing that stood out the most in working with LiftFund. They were very communicative and took the extra time to explain things as we navigated the process,” said Griff.

When asked if he would recommend the program to other small businesses, Griff’s answer was a resounding “Absolutely! I’ve been doing just that – telling everyone!”

Griff explained that through doing business in Arlington, he experienced a strong sense of community and a unique environment where businesses, both small and large, are supported through a shared mission of growth and success.

“Everything from the prioritization of edifying future business leaders to programs like the Arlington EDC and LiftFund loans showcases Arlington’s commitment to the business community,” he said. “The City’s efforts to bridge the gap between public resources and private enterprise demonstrates a genuine investment in the long-term success of small businesses, ensuring we have the support needed to scale and make a lasting impact.”

Zero percent interest loans are still available to small businesses through the Arlington EDC LiftFund program. To learn more and apply for a loan, visit the LiftFund website.