Liseth Velez of LJV Development Named MA Veteran Owned Biz of the Year

BOSTON – The Small Business Administration (SBA) has named Liseth Jovhana Velez, Founder and CEO of LJV Development LLC the 2023 Veteran Small Business Owner of the Year for Massachusetts.

LJV Development LLC is a certified 8(a), SDVOSB, EDWOSB, MBE, VBE, WBE Commercial, and WBENC construction management firm that works with federal, state and private institutions.

“Liseth as sole owner of her firm – built a business with limited resources by utilizing SBA’s loan, contracting and entrepreneurial education programs after military service,” said District Director Robert Nelson. “Her success is a true inspiration to other veterans that dream of business ownership after serving our country. We thank Liseth for her service to our country and what she is doing to build vibrant communities. “

Incorporated in April of 2018, LJV Development started after Velez attended a Boots to Business program sponsored by the SBA. Velez received counseling from Michelle Simos of Apex Accelerators (formerly Procurement Technical Assistance Centers) to explore government contracting pathways.

Liseth took the leap into construction management to disrupt an industry with historically low women ownership. When Covid hit, only 2 years in business – Velez had just quit her full-time job in order to shift 100% of her focus to LJV Development. During that difficult time, the firm had barely any past performance, client base and working capital – Liseth had the SBA’s support to keep the business running, however.

"COVID presented unprecedented challenges that required immense accountability and leadership, and the SBA was instrumental in supporting businesses like ours," said LJV Development CEO Liseth Jovhana Velez. “Receiving this recognition is truly an honor, especially as a U.S. Veteran, as it reflects the hard work and resilience demonstrated by the LJV team during the tough times that every small business faced over the past few years. We are grateful for the continued assistance and guidance from organizations like the SBA.”

Velez took advantage of the Economic Injury Disaster Loan which was her Covid relief lifeline to weather through the crisis.

In 2021, Liseth joined SBA’s Emerging Leaders Program along with a cohort of small business executives – which after completion assisted her with mapping out a 5-year business development plan for growth and sustainability.

As of today, Liseth and her team have negotiated contracts with federal agencies such as DoD, VA, GSA, NPS, FEMA, and the FAA; and has also ventured into higher education, having completed renovations at Harvard Business School and Wellesley College as well. The firm plans to continue expanding throughout New England and the East Coast.

Velez will be honored at the annual SCORE Boston Celebrates Small Business Success Featuring the Massachusetts SBA 2023 Small Business Awards on Wednesday, May 10th, 2023, at the Sheraton Hotel, Needham, MA.

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About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration makes the American dream of business ownership a reality. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start and grow their businesses. It delivers services to people through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.