Stories of the Individuals, Families, and Small Rural Communities We Serve

Jennifer Sanders of Hampton Roads, VA, never imagined the journey ahead of her when she left the military and started her own business "Pass the Salt."

"I was an Aviation Boatswain's mate in the Navy and on active duty for eight years," said Jennifer. "When I left and transitioned to civilian life, I re-discovered my love for cooking and collecting recipes. My recipe list went from zero to more than 1,000 in no time!"

Jennifer was grateful to the military for giving her opportunities to learn about leadership, how to develop a strong work ethic, and how to work under extreme pressure. She signed up for a Boots to Business class offered by the military as her ideas for a small business began to percolate.

In 2019, Jennifer came up with the name of her business "Pass the Salt" and applied for her business license. Then Covid hit and Jennifer wondered if she should pursue her small business plans. "I wasn't sure, because of Covid, if having a food truck was such a good idea anymore," said Jennifer.

To test her ideas and cooking skills, Jennifer held a food-tasting fundraiser for her neighbors, local folks, and her daughter's kindergarten class. She pitched the idea of selling tacos only for two days. The response was overwhelming. "People were calling and texting me asking me if I would do Tacos Thursday or Taco Sunday," said Jennifer.

But what about all of Jennifer's recipes and other dishes she wanted to offer? Jennifer asked her husband Harry what she should do because she wanted to cook lots of things. Her husband's advice? Stick to tacos, so she did.

Jennifer was ready to move her business to the next level. She met with Debra Farley at the Hampton Roads Small Business Development Center, who recommended that she contact Brian Brown, Senior Business Services Lead at SERCAP. Brian helped Jennifer create her business plan. "He called me back immediately and our relationship started right then and there," said Jennifer. "We had several Zoom meetings every month until my business plan was completed." 

As SERCAP works very much like a one-stop shop, with her business plan in hand, Jennifer's next step was to purchase a food truck, but she did not have any capital. Brian introduced Jennifer to SERCAP's Small Business Loan program, she submitted her application and was approved for a five-year loan for $30,000. Because of her low-income status, she was also approved for a $2,500 SERCAP grant. In addition, Jennifer's husband Harry invested $5,000 toward working capital. Harry surprised Jennifer with his investment- something he had been saving for her since she started. 

“With a referral from the Hampton Roads Small Business Development Center, we were able to assist Jennifer in reaching her goals of opening her business. We are proud to have assisted this veteran-owned business,” said Brian Brown SERCAP’s Senior Business Services Lead. “As we developed the business plan, we worked closely with the SERCAP Small Business Loan Program to secure the finances needed to make her dream a reality.”

Jennifer is so grateful for all the support she has received from her family and friends.

Jennifer's tacos are not fried as a healthier option for her customers.

Jennifer's aunt attended culinary school and taught Jennifer about meal prep work.

Pass the Salt's grand opening will be held this month - February 2024. Her target audience includes sailors, soldiers, airmen, and their families as she brings the "Pass the Salt" food truck to military bases, as well as Hampton Roads and rural areas. Look for updates about Jennifer's business on SERCAP's social media. You can also follow "Pass the Salt" on Instagram. "This journey showed me that I

did not have to have a culinary degree, "or all the know-how to be successful; It's about being obedient," says Jennifer. "I felt a calling. The Lord spoke to me and said, "You will do this! Don't get distracted in this world. There is no turning back - even if you only serve one person!"

Jennifer and Harry are parents to five children, ages 24, 22,12, 8, and 3. They live an active lifestyle in Hampton Roads, VA. They enjoy taking family vacations and attending live entertainment venues with their children. SERCAP is so grateful to Jennifer and her family for allowing us to share their story.

Jennifer's New "Pass the Salt" Food Truck

Jennifer and her husband Harry

Jennifer felt a calling to start "Pass the Salt"

Do you want to help other veterans, like Jennifer and other low-income individuals so they can pursue their dreams of being small business owners?

Make Your Gift Today

All you need to do is consider making a gift, of whatever size works for you, to SERCAP 's Annual Fund. Thank you!

SERCAP’s Small Business Loan Program delivers loans to small business owners and entrepreneurs looking to expand an existing business that primarily serves a rural population. SERCAP’s Small Business Loan product has an interest rate of prime + 200 basis points and can be used for working capital, inventory, property renovation, and financial management systems.



SERCAP’s Small Business Loan Program focuses on serving existing businesses looking to grow or expand. If you participate in and graduate from SERCAP’s Entrepreneurial Learning Initiative (ELI) Program, the existing business requirement will be waived, and entrepreneurs can qualify for SERCAP’s Small Business Loan Product to start a new business. For an application, please contact SERCAP's Small Business Loan Manager, Lois Miller at lmiller@sercap.org. 

2/12/2024 Correction: the link for the ELI program in the original edition on Feb. 5th was incorrect. Please click on ELI Entrepreneurship Program (above) and you will be directed to the correct link. SERCAP sincerely apologizes for any inconvenience.

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SERCAP Mission Statement

To improve the quality of life for low-income individuals by promoting affordable water and

wastewater facilities, community development, environmental health, and

economic self-sufficiency.