Help Veteran Derek Overcome Startup Hurdles

Hello everyone. My name is Derek Lipscomb. I have to be honest when I start this. I spoke with my wife and I wasn't sure if I should do this. The reason why I felt that way was because I've donated to GoFundMe stories before and I felt that my situation wasn't as dire as the ones I've helped in the past.

I've donated to friends, family members of friends, and even strangers. But their situations were very important. I'm not saying that my circumstance isn't important, but helping others has been just a thing I've thought of as being a great duty to my fellow human being in need.

Now, here I find myself asking for assistance.

I'm a 53-year-old veteran and I've had a very hard time finding the true places to apply for grants, small business loans, etc. During my research, I seem to have always found someone giving information on getting these assisted programs, but they would end up either being partial information, selling me information, or just sending me down rabbit holes. It's been very frustrating. A frustrating journey.

I'm starting a small business. Or, I've started a small business. I obtained my license last year, 2023. I acquired a location. I've opened my business account. And, I've even purchased the tools to help me financially move forward with sales.

I've invested my very own money in the building, the equipment, and the startup cost. Unfortunately, while maintaining a full-time job, I've almost run myself into debt. Our country was founded on dreams of independence and moving up to be the best of our individual selves. But I won't lie... it's been a frustrating "up-hill climb, in the mud." This journey has had me up at night trying to move my money around to complete this startup, without having my family suffer from this.

Due to issues with the building, 40% of my money has gone into getting it up to code and passing the inspection. Now that the inspection has been completed, I've had to move money around to get the equipment and items needed to get my business up and running, fully.

But, as anyone can testify to just being an adult today, everything has seemed to go up in price substantially - and that's just in the past 4 months!

I'm asking for help to raise $5000 to secure the remainder of items needed for production and inventory, also for another 3 months cushion for my business.

My wife and oldest 2 sons have been by my side throughout this with everything from cleaning the property, the building, and learning how to do things on our own to save money. I thank them for their dedicated support and understanding.

I'm reluctant to ask for any help in this manner (GoFundMe) simply because I feel a bit ashamed to ask in this way. I've dedicated my life to being the best of myself in everything that I've done. A soldier, a husband, a father, and a friend. This venture will not be taken (has not been taken) lightly.

The business is a powder coating business where I'm adding life and personalization to my customer's motorcycles, vehicles, and accessories. I'm the only location in my area, which is great for me! I have had to turn down customers due to the time period and setbacks that have occurred while getting things prepared.

This donation would help us get over the last hurdle and open "full steam ahead"! If you have the ability to donate just $25 and also spread this word for me, it would be MORE than appreciated. It would be heaven-sent!

I thank you for your time for reading my request, or even quickly reading through this. I not only will post on my social media if this is successful, but I'd like to make sure that I post in the future the persons who helped me accomplish my dream and meet the goal to have my business fully opened and taking orders before Christmas this year.

Thank you for your time and have a great rest of your day.