Veteran Business Grants: Complete Guide to Funding Your Military Entrepreneur Journey

The Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $10.2 billion—23% of its total prime contract dollars—to service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses last year, far exceeding the statutory 5% goal. Yet over 90% of veteran-owned businesses never bid on government contracting opportunities, leaving billions in potential revenue untapped.

Military service develops skills that translate directly into business success: leadership, discipline, adaptability under pressure, and the ability to execute complex operations. The federal government and private organizations recognize this potential through dedicated grant programs, certification pathways, and contracting preferences designed specifically for veteran entrepreneurs.

Understanding what funding exists, how to qualify, and where to apply can transform your business trajectory.

Federal Certification Programs: The Gateway to Government Contracts

The most significant funding opportunity for veteran-owned businesses is not a grant at all—it is access to federal contracts through SBA certification programs.

Veteran Small Business Certification (VetCert)

The SBA's Veteran Small Business Certification program, transferred from the Department of Veterans Affairs in January 2023 under the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021, provides two certification pathways:

Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) certification allows businesses to compete for sole-source and set-aside contracts across all federal agencies. To qualify, your business must have no less than 51% ownership and control by one or more veterans rated as service-disabled by the VA.

Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) certification enables sole-source and set-aside contract opportunities specifically at the Department of Veterans Affairs through the Vets First program.

Why Certification Matters

The federal government aims to award at least 5% of all federal contracting dollars to SDVOSBs each year—a goal recently increased from 3% by the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024. For context, total federal contract spending exceeds $700 billion annually, meaning billions are specifically allocated for service-disabled veteran-owned businesses.

The VA significantly exceeds this target, awarding 23% of its contracts to SDVOSBs. Over 2,300 SDVOSB firms received awards in the most recent fiscal year, reflecting a 3% increase in participation over the prior year.

Certification Requirements

To apply for SBA certification as a VOSB or SDVOSB, your firm must:

• Be identified by the VA as a veteran or service-disabled veteran
• Qualify as a small business under SBA size standards for your industry
• Be at least 51% owned and controlled by qualifying veteran(s)
• Operate as a for-profit business based in the United States

The certification process requires documentation of veteran status, business ownership structure, and operational control. Processing times vary, but once certified, your business gains access to the federal contracting marketplace.

Grant Programs with Current Application Windows

Unlike loans, grants provide funding that does not require repayment. While grants are more limited in total dollars available compared to federal contracting, several programs specifically target veteran entrepreneurs.

Hiring Our Heroes Small Business Grant Program

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation's Hiring Our Heroes program, sponsored by the FedEx Founder's Fund, awards five businesses annually: four receive $10,000 grants and one receives a $25,000 grand prize.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Legal resident of the contiguous 48 states, Alaska, or Hawaii
• At least 51% ownership by a veteran or military spouse
• 3 to 20 employees (including owners, full/part-time staff, and 1099 contractors)
• Annual revenue under $5 million
• Located in an economically vulnerable community or demonstrating financial need

Timeline: Applications close December 15, 2025. Winners are announced on or before March 29, 2026.

Farmer Veteran Fellowship Fund

The Farmer Veteran Coalition provides grants from $1,000 to $5,000 for veterans pursuing agriculture or ranching. The 2025 cycle awarded 136 recipients. Funds are paid directly to equipment or service providers rather than to the recipient.

Timeline: Applications for the 2026 cycle open in January 2026, with a deadline of February 14, 2026.

StreetShares Foundation Veteran Small Business Award

This well-known private grant program awards $4,000 to $15,000 to veteran-owned businesses demonstrating positive community impact.

Eligibility:

• Veteran, reserve member, active duty member of the U.S. Armed Forces, or military spouse
• At least 51% veteran ownership
• Demonstrated community or veteran-market impact

Application Requirements: Business plan, pitch video, and short essay explaining community impact.

Stephen L. Tadlock Veteran Grant

Founders First awards $1,000 annually to 25 veteran-owned small businesses.

Eligibility:

• U.S. veteran business owner
• 2 to 100 employees
• Minimum one year in operation
• Annual revenue under $5 million

Texas Women Veterans Small Business Grant

This program provides $5,000 grants to up to five female veteran entrepreneurs in Texas annually.

Eligibility: Female veteran owning at least 51% of an operating business in Texas.

Timeline: The next cycle opens January 21, 2026.

Rice Business Veterans Association Pitch Competition

This veterans-only pitch competition offers $30,000 in total grant funding: $15,000 for first place, $10,000 for second, and $5,000 for third.

Timeline: Applications are open through January 31, 2026, for the April event.

Michigan Veteran Entrepreneur-Lab (MVE-Lab)

Grand Valley State University hosts this 8-week startup accelerator for veterans and military spouses in Michigan. Participants receive training, mentorship, and the opportunity to compete for up to $15,000 through a final pitch competition.

Second Service Foundation Military Entrepreneur Challenge

This nationwide program gives veteran, military spouse, and Gold Star Family entrepreneurs opportunities to network, learn, and compete for capital. Past winners have received between $4,000 and $15,000.

Innovation Grants Through SBIR/STTR Programs

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs provide substantial funding for businesses engaged in federal research and development initiatives.

Award amounts: $150,000 to over $1 million, depending on the grant phase and agency.

Eligibility:

• U.S.-based for-profit entity
• Fewer than 500 employees
• Research and development focus

Nearly a dozen federal agencies participate, listing opportunities on the SBIR website. While not veteran-specific, these programs provide significant funding for veteran entrepreneurs in technology, research, and innovation sectors.

Important note: The current SBIR/STTR authorization expires September 30, 2025. Congress may extend it, but agencies could pause new awards without action.

SBA Loan Programs with Veteran Benefits

While loans require repayment, SBA programs offer veteran-specific advantages.

In fiscal year 2025, the SBA loaned over $1.3 billion to veterans. Key benefits include:

Waived guarantee fees: For SBA Express loans, the SBA waives the upfront, one-time guarantee fee for veteran businesses.

Express loan program: Veterans can access faster approvals and discounted fees through the SBA's Express Loan program, which provides up to $500,000 for small businesses needing quick working capital.

Military Reservist Economic Injury Disaster Loans: Businesses whose essential employees are called to active duty can access emergency funding.

Training and Support Resources

Free training programs significantly improve your chances of securing funding and succeeding as a business owner.

Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs)

The SBA funds 31 VBOCs nationwide, providing:

• Business plan workshops
• Comprehensive feasibility analysis
• Concept assessments
• Mentorship and counseling
• Pre-business plan workshops for new entrepreneurs

Contact: 202-205-6773 or [email protected]

Boots to Business

Part of the Department of Defense Transition Assistance Program (TAP), Boots to Business is offered on military installations worldwide. Boots to Business Reboot extends training to veterans of all service periods.

The Revenue Readiness course, a 6-week online program, helps transform business concepts into operational models.

Veteran Institute for Procurement (VIP)

VIP provides federal contracting training for veteran and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses nationwide. The program offers six in-person training sessions working with both startups and established businesses—available at no cost to eligible businesses.

Programs for Women Veterans

SBA-funded programs for female service members and veterans include:

• V-WISE at Syracuse University
• STRIVE in Utah
• ONABEN

Programs for Service-Disabled Veterans

Specialized training through:

• Oklahoma State University's Entrepreneurship Program
• St. Joseph's University's Bootcamp
• Warrior Rising nonprofit
• Veteran Entrepreneurial Training & Resource Network

Patriot Boot Camp

This nonprofit supports veterans, active duty service members, and military spouses through training programs, mentorship, and access to investor and grant opportunity networks.

Warrior Rising

A free, one-stop resource for veterans launching or growing businesses. The six-step module provides entrepreneurial education, training, coaching, mentorship, and potential access to clients, investors, and funding.

Application Strategies That Win Grants

Grant applications are competitive. These strategies increase your success rate:

Develop a Strong Business Plan

Your business plan should clearly outline:

• Business goals and objectives
• Target market analysis
• Revenue model and pricing strategy
• Growth strategies
• Financial projections
• Specific use of grant funds and expected outcomes

Emphasize Community Impact

Many veteran-focused grant programs prioritize businesses that positively impact their communities. Highlight how your business:

• Creates jobs, especially for veterans
• Supports the veteran community
• Contributes to local economic growth
• Addresses community needs

Tailor Each Application

Generic applications rarely win. Each grant program has specific requirements and evaluation criteria. Research thoroughly and customize your materials to demonstrate you understand what each funder values.

Use Multiple Grant Databases

Beyond Grants.gov (which lists over 1,000 federal funding programs), explore:

• SBA resources for veterans
• GrantWatch for searchable grant listings
• Veteran organization websites
• State-specific programs in your area

Attend Workshops and Webinars

VBOCs, SBA offices, and veteran organizations regularly offer workshops on finding and applying for grants. These events provide insights and help identify opportunities matched to your business.

Work with Experts

Business finance experts and VBOC counselors can strengthen your application by identifying weaknesses and improving your presentation.

Financial Management for Grant-Ready Businesses

Organizations funding veteran businesses want to see financial discipline. Clean, organized records signal a business ready to manage grant funds responsibly.

Key practices:

• Maintain consistent monthly bookkeeping
• Separate business and personal expenses completely
• Document all transactions with supporting evidence
• Reconcile accounts regularly
• Keep historical data organized for reporting requirements

Grant applications often require financial statements, tax returns, and projections. Businesses with disorganized records struggle to compile required documentation and may appear unprepared to manage funding.

Building a Sustainable Funding Strategy

The most successful veteran entrepreneurs do not rely on a single funding source. A comprehensive strategy might include:

1. Certification: Apply for VOSB or SDVOSB certification to access federal contracts
2. Grants: Apply to multiple programs simultaneously, as success rates vary
3. Training: Use free VBOC and VIP resources to strengthen your business and applications
4. Networking: Connect with veteran entrepreneur communities for referrals and opportunities
5. SBA loans: Consider loans for larger capital needs, leveraging veteran fee waivers

Getting Started Today

With over 18 million veterans in the United States—and 19% classified as service-disabled—the veteran entrepreneur community represents significant economic potential. Federal and private programs exist specifically to help you succeed.

Start by:

1. Determining your eligibility for SDVOSB or VOSB certification
2. Identifying grant programs matching your business stage and industry
3. Contacting your nearest VBOC for counseling and training
4. Organizing your financial records for application requirements
5. Building a business plan that emphasizes community impact

The unemployment rate for veterans stands at 2.9%—well below the 4.1% for the nonveteran civilian population. Veterans are building successful businesses. The funding and support exists to help you join them.

Beancount.io provides plain-text accounting that gives you complete transparency and control over your financial records. Every transaction is traceable, every report auditable—exactly what grant applications and government contracts require. With version-controlled records and AI-ready formatting, you can generate the financial statements funders need to see. Get started for free and build the financial foundation that qualifies your veteran-owned business for funding opportunities.