$1000 Start-Ups: transforming lives, one dream at a time

What if a thousand dollars could change everything?

For most people, a thousand dollars might cover a month's rent or a car repair. But in the hands of someone with a dream and the right guidance, a thousand dollars can ignite something far more powerful: a business, a purpose, a new beginning.

That is what Leah Ward-Lee set out to do when she founded $1000 Start-Ups, a nonprofit built on the belief that anyone — no matter their zip code, background or bank balance — can create a lasting change through entrepreneurship.

Leah isn't your typical business mentor. She's a veteran, a leader, and most of all, a believer in people. After serving in the military and holding senior leadership positions in corporate America, she could have easily retired. Instead, she chose to dedicate her time and expertise to helping others rise. "I saw too many people with incredible ideas but no access to funding or mentorship," Leah says. "They didn't need a million dollars; they just needed a hand up, not a handout." Through $1000 Start-Ups, Leah and her team walk entrepreneurs step by step from idea to income. Participants receive up to $1000 in start-up funding, but more importantly, they gain nine months of real-world business training, community mentorships, and a network that believes in their success. Participants learn how to build businesses that fit their lives, from catering and cleaning services to graphic design, lawn care, and so much more. Each new business means another person contributing to the local economy, another family gaining stability, another young person seeing that success is possible.

"Leah is so much more than the founder/president/executive director of $1000 Start-Ups," says Avis Miller, CEO of First Coast Tours, a 2022 cohort participant and mentor, and $1000-Start-Ups Board Member. "She is a true champion for every entrepreneur she encounters. Leah pours her heart, her wisdom, and her years of professional experience into helping others bring their dreams to life. Beyond her titles and accomplishments, to me she is a friend and sister from another mother who freely shares her gift, her love, and her unwavering encouragement. Her presence inspires, her kindness uplifts, and her passion ignites possibility."

"I was in one of the first cohorts to graduate from the $1000 Start-Ups program," shares Kati McClurg. "The knowledge and experiences that Leah so freely shares continues to support my work as a Teacher Leader of Rain Lily Montessori School, Inc. I gained the skills and confidence to speak publicly, to set up systems and standard operating procedures to efficiently run a small business, and to thrive as a female entrepreneur. Once you are part of the $1000 Start-Ups 'family,' it's forever! I still call Leah with business questions, and she always has time for me. She is a gift to this community, tireless in her support of the entrepreneurial spirit."

Zen Waters, from the program's first cohort, adds, "Leah's desire to truly help people is her kindness."

I encourage you to visit $1000 Start-Ups to learn more about this amazing organization — and to donate and/or volunteer if you are able.

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Christine Hiebel and her family live in Fernandina Beach. Christine is co-owner of Amelia Island Microgreens, a company that specializes in providing top-quality, environmentally-friendly microgreens kits.

Others in the community are invited to share their stories of kindness and compassion. If you have a story you'd like to share here in the Fernandina Observer — about a neighbor or friend or business that showed you kindness — please contact Peggie Weeks at pegweeks@gmail.com