Black-Owned Business Thriving Despite Pandemic By Utilizing SBA Assistance Programs

Gregory Modica knows that business ownership is not for the faint of heart. Raised as a child of a WWII Navy veteran and the youngest of 11 children, Modica was taught to be hardworking, productive, and to give back to his community. After serving as a full-time caregiver to his parent, he knew that he wanted to start his business to offer flexibility to employees who were in similar situations.

For an entire year prior to opening his doors, Greg followed SBA recommendations to conduct market research and complete his business model. He states, “I’ve found that starting a business is the easiest part. All the normal routines we take for granted when working for a company goes out the window. Had it not been for the tools and resources of SBA, I would not have made it this far.”  

In 2009 Gregory started his company, Government Supply Services, with the vision to provide employment opportunities for veterans, disadvantaged individuals, and to mentor young entrepreneurs.

As a Service-Disabled Veteran and Black business owner, Modica speaks frequently about the SBA’s products that he has taken advantage of including the SBA Emerging Leaders program, working with SBA Resource Partners SCORE and the Arkansas Procurement Technical Assistance Center, assistance with contracting, and the SBA’s coronavirus relief funding programs.

GSS has been able to pivot their strategic plan and pursue GSA Schedule contracts during an otherwise uncertain economic market, directly attributed to the assistance received from the Small Business Administration.

“I think that now, more than any other time in history, the Small Business Administration is needed,” says Modica.