Niurka Castaneda, a U.S. Army veteran, had already established a business and came to the VBOC for assistance to help grow her business. She is based in South Florida and is marketing her beautiful, heart-shaped umbrellas world-wide through online retailers, as well as locally and through direct sales. Ms. Castaneda’s business, Amor Umbrella, is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business, Woman Owned Small Business, and Minority owned, all of which may help her establish a presence in certain venues and with government contracting.

She said, “I have been using the services of the Florida Veterans Business Outreach Center since July, 2019. I am very grateful for the guidance of the counselors and the insight they provide in the best way to grow my business. They have provided me with resources, training, and advise that has seriously made a positive impact on my business, Amor Umbrella.”