To escape from an abusive relationship, a woman must find and rely on the strength within herself that she has been told for years, and sometimes even decades, that she does not possess. She must find a way to cope with and ultimately overcome adversity. She must be diligent and continue moving forward, finding new ways to solve big problems. She must invest in herself after repeatedly being told that she is not worth investing in and without her partner she is nothing. She must become self-sufficient for perhaps one of the first times in her life.

Escaping from an abusive relationship and reinventing oneself on their own terms puts to use the exact tools and skill set that entrepreneurship relies on.

While countless women have escaped from lives of domestic violence and have went on to create lives for themselves that fulfill and inspire them, they all could have used some additional help and support during a time when they needed it the most.

Verizon Wireless is now giving survivors of domestic violence living in New York State an opportunity to secure funding for home-based or small businesses. In cooperation with the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, Verizon Wireless has launched its Domestic Violence Entrepreneurship Program, which grants funding to women to help get their home-based or small business off the ground.

So often, financial struggles are what keep women in abusive relationships, lacking the resources and support they desperately need in order to free themselves. By having the opportunity to secure funding for a business of their own, survivors will have the ability to create long-term safety and financial stability for themselves. The rewards that can be obtained from running a home-based or small business are immeasurable and very much priceless to the survivors who may have not ever been able to achieve this dream, and peace of mind in the process, without the help of such grants.

The Domestic Violence Entrepreneurship Program provides grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 to help women help themselves. According to Verizon Wireless, the funding may be used to make a down payment on a work space, purchase a computer or other office equipment, purchase initial product inventory, or be used as collateral to support the receipt of a small business loan, or to help pay the costs of attending an entrepreneurship program or business course.

Applicants interested in receiving a grant through the Domestic Violence Entrepreneurship Program will need to submit: a business proposal and a letter from a domestic violence program or advocate attesting to the individual’s participation in domestic violence services.

At this time, this program is only open to survivors living in New York State.