Hey friends,

My 30th birthday is coming up, and instead of doing a “just-for-me” celebration, I want to turn this moment into something that gives back.

Ten years ago, I started my first business with the help of a $3,000 scholarship. That support was the spark I needed to take a real shot on myself. What began as a small hobby marketing agency called Stud Monkey Media grew into Verta Marketing Inc., and eventually became Verta Ventures Inc. Today, Verta Ventures has five businesses in its portfolio across marketing, government grant consulting, AI consulting, e-commerce, and SalesTech.

None of that happens without the early belief someone placed in me. That scholarship didn’t just help me start a business. It gave me the confidence to chase a dream and build a life around it.

Now, as this decade closes and a new one begins, I want to pay that forward.

For my birthday, I’m hosting a small charity party with my closest friends, and I’m raising money to create a scholarship for a student who has big entrepreneurial dreams, someone who just needs that first push the way I did.

If you’re in a position to contribute, I’d be genuinely grateful. Any amount helps.

100% of proceeds will go directly to funding this scholarship.

Thank you for being part of my journey, and for helping me start someone else’s.

With love,

Simon

Original News Post Talking About My Scholarship