While in the process of transitioning from the U.S. Navy to civilian life in Jacksonville, Florida, Chahn Chess began the process of pondering how he would earn a living with the skills acquired while in military service. Mr. Chess, specialized in Environmental Health and while stationed at the Hospital, located at the Naval Air Station Jacksonville, he decided that he wanted to make Jacksonville home. In addition to exiting the Navy, Mr. Chess is about to become a single-parent and wanted the flexibility of controlling his schedule so that he can apply himself to being a full-time dad.

After hearing about the Jacksonville Urban League Entrepreneurship Center (JULEC), Mr. Chess contacted Thomas B. Waters, Director, who assisted him with applying for his Limited Liability Corporation (LLC) status with the State of Florida among other services, free of charge. As a result of the assistance received from the JULEC, Mr. Chess has direction on how he will transition his military-learned skills into a small business and is well on his way in doing so with his new LLC status.

The JULEC provides free coaching, technical assistance, referrals, and supportive services to persons seeking to start a business, and existing small businesses seeking to expand. In addition to the aforementioned services, the JULEC hopes to soon offer financial assistance in the form of small business loans.