Sweet Success: Navy Veteran Entrepreneur Opens a Sugar Cane Honey Business

Navy veteran Maria Williams is a shining example of how women veterans excel in entrepreneurship. Her business, Sweet Melao, uses high-quality sugar cane stalks to produce sugar cane honey—a natural, sustainable sweetener that keeps ingredients clean and simple. The Sweet Melao product line includes no-sugar jams and soft-baked granola cookies using sugar cane honey for guilt-free pleasure without unnatural additives or extra sweeteners.

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Connect with SBA Resources

Williams’ journey highlights the benefits of leveraging programs and services available through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). She maximized her access to the SBA resource partner network, including connecting with the Spark for Veterans Incubator hosted by the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) Veterans Business Outreach Center. By engaging with this program, Williams refined her business model, gained valuable insights from mentors, accessed business development resources, and developed a supportive network of fellow veteran entrepreneurs.

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Find Local Resources

For women entrepreneurs like Williams, Women’s Business Centers (WBCs) provide essential tools for starting or expanding their businesses. The more than 140 WBCs across the country provide support through business coaching and workshops and offer financial guidance. WBCs also offer tailored programs that address the unique challenges women veterans and military spouses encounter, including relocation or separation from service and transitioning to business ownership. Whether developing a business plan, seeking funding, or refining a marketing strategy, WBCs offer support for women entrepreneurs to succeed.

Tip: Local resources like Small Business Development Centers, Women's Business Centers, and SCORE Mentors offer specific tools, training, and programs that support women entrepreneurs.

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Access Training for Growth

Entrepreneurial success begins with access to the right resources and training. Training plays a crucial role in equipping veterans, military spouses, and women entrepreneurs with the skills needed to build and grow their businesses.

For women veterans like Williams, specialized programs such as Veteran Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship (V-WISE), Oregon Native American Business and Entrepreneurial Network (ONABEN), and Startup Training Resources to Inspire Veteran Entrepreneurship (STRIVE) offer valuable guidance.

The 8(a) Business Development Program offers online courses and mentorship opportunities for women to master the intricacies of business ownership. Participants attend workshops, connect with mentors, and access networking opportunities to transform their business ideas into thriving enterprises.

Additionally, military spouses can access the Pathway to Business class in person or online via the MySBA Learning platform. This course introduces military spouses to a broad spectrum of entrepreneurial business topics is valuable resource to utilize before starting a business.

Tip: Sign up for SBA training programs or visit the MySBA Learning platform to boost entrepreneurial skills, connect with peers and mentors, and gain support for overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities that arise.

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Find Federal Contracting Opportunities Through Certification

The Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contracting Program provides essential resources for women entrepreneurs like Williams. This program levels the playing field in federal contracting, offering exclusive opportunities for WOSBs in industries that historically underrepresent women. Accessing federal contracts gives women veterans and military spouses the opportunity to earn contract awards and partnerships that drive their businesses forward.

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Tip: Become certified to bid on federal government contracts on the new MySBA Certifications platform, which now supports applicants with multiple designations on one convenient portal.

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SUMMARY: First Steps to Starting or Growing Your Business:

1. Access training through the MySBA Learning Platform, V-WISE, ONABEN, and STRIVE for women veterans to strengthen business fundamentals.
2. Gain guidance through SCORE mentors and VBOCs.
3. Use local resources like Women’s Business Centers and SBDCs for assistance.
4. Gain federal contracting opportunities through the WOSB Federal Contracting Program and certification on the MySBA Certifications platform.

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Giving Back

Williams and Sweet Melao serve as an inspiring example of what is possible when passion meets purpose. A percentage of Sweet Melao’s profits go directly toward supporting initiatives that uplift communities. By keeping ingredients simple, promoting sustainability, and giving back to her community, Williams is redefining what it means to be a successful entrepreneur.

For additional resources, updates, and inspiration, follow the SBA Office of Veterans Business Development on LinkedIn,?X, and?Facebook.

This blog was originally written by the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Veterans Business Development (OVBD). To learn more about OVBD and its offerings, visit?sba.gov/ovbd.