Emily Nunez Cavness and Betsy Nunez were named the grand prize winners by FedEx of $32,000 to help expand their small business, reports Fox 31 Denver. The sisters help veterans by employing them in their company, Sword & Plough, which takes military surplus items and turns them into handbags, wallets and other accessories.
“With our brand, we’re trying to communicate that, in addition to that veterans are incredible assets to communities, that all of their skills and leadership easily transcends into the civilian workforce,” Betsy Nunez said.
Her sister Emily Nunez Cavness was serving as an Army captain with 10th Special Forces based out of Fort Carson, Colorado when she came up with the business idea. “I thought how awesome would it be to use really durable military fabric and turn it in to bags and accessories that people would use,” she said.
Nunez Cavness started learning about the challenges that came with transitioning from active duty. Specifically, she saw the need to empower veteran employment. “I also learned more about challenges around veteran unemployment and that really stuck with me because it really seemed like such an injustice,” she said.
Since the sisters founded Sword & Plough in 2013, they’ve helped get 65 veterans hired. They also work with U.S. manufacturers who hire veterans, in addition to hiring military family members to assist in marketing and distribution.
“How great would it be to empower veteran employment from every stage,” said Nunez Cavness. “From design to manufacturing to fulfillment.”
The sisters donate 10 percent of their profits to military organizations.
Sisters win award for small business that puts veterans to work
