TOP 13 Small Business Grants for Veterans that You Shouldn't Miss

Starting or expanding a small business is always a meaningful journey, but it comes with its share of challenges. For many veterans, initial capital remains a significant barrier that prevents entrepreneurial dreams from becoming a reality. In this article, NextSky explores standout small business grant for veterans, along with practical application tips to help you confidently advance toward becoming a successful entrepreneur.

Top small business grants for veterans in 2025

Below is a list of the most impactful small business grants for veterans, including eligibility criteria, application details, and deadlines (if applicable) to give you a clear roadmap for applying.

1. Second service foundation military entrepreneur challenge

Produced by the Second Service Foundation, the Military Entrepreneur Challenge is a pitch competition that honours and supports veterans, active-duty service members, reservists, and military spouses who are pursuing their business dreams. Outstanding ideas can win grants from $1,000 to $15,000, depending on the event and location.

• Eligibility: Open to veterans, active-duty personnel, reservists, and their spouses. However, to qualify, the business must be at least 51% owned by a veteran or veterans.
• Application process: Register online, complete a quick training session, and submit a one-page business summary. Selected finalists pitch live for two minutes at the event, with winners chosen by audience and judges' votes.
• Deadline: Track and sign up for the foundation's official newsletter for the latest updates.
• Why apply: This comprehensive support package, including funding, training, and networking, is ideal for early-stage startups with strong presentation skills.

Read more: What is A Small Business? A Comprehensive Guide to Definition

2. Warrior Rising Small Business Grants

Warrior Rising, a veteran-founded nonprofit, supports veteran entrepreneurs through grants, mentorship programs, and a six-step business development pathway. Grant amounts are flexible, based on available funds and specific business needs, and can range up to $20,000 in some cases.

• Eligibility: For veterans or immediate family members with a clear business plan; suitable for both startups and operating businesses.
• Application process: Complete an online application, participate in Zoom training sessions, and pitch at the Business Shower event for funding and valuable resources.
• Deadline: Applications accepted on a rolling basis; visit warriorrising.org for detailed schedules and updates. The next cohort starts April 8, 2025, with registration open until April 2, 2025.
• Why apply: Offers holistic support from mentorship and training to customer connections, making it ideal for veterans seeking long-term, sustainable business growth.

3. Hiring our heroes small business grant program

Each year, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, through Hiring Our Heroes, awards $10,000 to five veteran- and military spouse-owned businesses to foster entrepreneurship in this community.

• Eligibility: For-profit businesses with 3–20 employees, majority-owned by veterans or military spouses, demonstrating financial need or located in economically distressed areas.
• Why apply: Substantial funding focused on businesses creating community impact.
• Note: The 2025 application period has closed, with recipients announced in April 2025. Applications for the 2026 program open October 15, 2025.

4. Farmer veteran fellowship fund

Managed by the Farmer Veteran Coalition, veterans in agriculture or ranching can receive grants from $1,000 to $5,000. Funds are paid directly to the equipment or service providers, rather than to the recipient.

• Eligibility: Prioritizes agricultural entrepreneurs operating farms or ranches with a clear vision and a broad impact on the community or supply chain.
• Why apply: Tailored for agricultural entrepreneurs, providing targeted support for rural veterans.
• Note: 2025 awardees were announced in May 2025, with 136 recipients. Applications for the 2026 cycle open in January 2026, with a deadline of February 14, 2026.

Read more: Small Business Grants: A Comprehensive Guide to Unlocking Free

5. Texas Woman's University veteran woman grant

This program provides essential $5,000 support annually to up to five female veteran entrepreneurs in Texas, aiming to promote sustainable business growth and significantly enhance their market competitiveness.

• Eligibility: Applicants must be female veterans owning at least 51% of an operating business in Texas. Funds can be used flexibly for equipment purchases, marketing investments, or facility upgrades.
• Why apply: Empowers and advances female veterans in business, offering practical, flexible capital access to realize business goals.
• Note: The 2025 application closed February 21, 2025, with winners announced March 11, 2025. The next cycle opens January 21, 2026.

6. Michigan veteran entrepreneur-lab (mve-lab)

This 8-week startup accelerator, hosted by Grand Valley State University, offers comprehensive development for veterans and military spouses in Michigan. Participants receive in-depth training, 1:1 mentorship from industry experts, and a chance to win up to $15,000 through a final pitch competition.

• Eligibility: For veterans or military spouses living in Michigan with promising business ideas or early-stage operations.
• Application process: Submit an online application, complete the full 8-week program, and pitch your business idea at the culminating event for funding opportunities.
• Why apply: A rare program combining hands-on training with funding potential, helping Michigan veterans not only build skills but turn ideas into reality.
• Note: The October 2025 cohort introduction night is scheduled for October 6, 2025, with the final pitch on December 15, 2025.

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7. Nase growth grants

The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) offers $4,000 quarterly grants to members operating for-profit businesses. Veterans also receive a 15% membership discount, reflecting the organization's commitment to supporting those who served.

• Eligibility: Valid NASE members owning an operating for-profit business. Veterans can apply immediately upon joining, with no waiting period.
• Application process: Submit a business plan and financial projections via the NASE website; deadlines follow a quarterly cycle.
• Why apply: Accessible, flexible, and nationwide support to expand operations through investments, marketing, or hiring.

8. Small business innovation research (sbir) and small business technology transfer (sttr) programs

Coordinated by the Small Business Administration (SBA), these programs fund research and development (R&D) for veteran-owned businesses. Awards range from $150,000 to over $1 million.

• Eligibility: For-profit U.S. businesses with fewer than 500 employees focused on innovative technology development.
• Application process: Apply online via SBIR.gov, submitting detailed proposals and prototypes (if available). Deadlines vary by administering agency.
• Why apply: Ideal for tech-focused veteran entrepreneurs, enabling the commercialization of innovative ideas with high growth potential.
• Note: The current SBIR/STTR authorization expires September 30, 2025; Congress may extend it, but agencies could pause new awards without action.

9. Grants.gov

Grants.gov is the comprehensive U.S. federal grants portal, aggregating over 1,000 funding programs from agencies such as the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Commerce (DOC). It serves as a central hub for businesses and individuals seeking development support.

• Eligibility varies by program, but many are specifically tailored for veteran-owned businesses. Register for a Grants.gov account to search for and apply for grants.
• Application process: Search for suitable programs, review their specific requirements, and submit your application online via the platform. Deadlines vary by opportunity.
• Why apply: Broad opportunities with innovative filtering tools, helping veterans quickly find the most relevant support for sustainable business growth.

10. FedEx entrepreneur fund

FedEx, in partnership with Hello Alice, administers an annual $10,000 grant program to support 30 military-connected businesses. This initiative supports veterans and military families in business development, encouraging entrepreneurship and sustainable growth.

• Eligibility: Businesses owned by veterans or military-connected individuals focused on growth. Must register with Hello Alice.
• Application process: Submit your application online via Hello Alice, providing your business details and a growth plan. The 2025 deadline is November 21, 2025.
• Why apply: Prioritizes military-connected businesses with substantial funding and support.
• Note: Applications open October 14, 2025, at 9 a.m. ET.

11. Stephen L. Tadlock Veteran Business Grant

Founders First CDC offers $1,000 micro-grants to 25 veteran-owned businesses nationwide. The program supports veteran entrepreneurs in maintaining and expanding small- to medium-sized operations.

• Eligibility: U.S. veterans owning 50% or more of a business with 2–100 employees and annual revenue under $5 million.
• Application process: Submit online via the website, including detailed operations and financial information.
• Why apply: Easily accessible micro-grants for small- to medium-sized veteran businesses.
• Note: The deadline for the October 2025 cycle is October 7, 2025. The total funding available is $25,000.

Read more: Small Business Loans for Women: 7 Options You Can't Miss

12. Verizon small business digital ready grants

Verizon's Digital Ready program offers $10,000 grants to small businesses, particularly those owned by veterans, to help them thrive in the digital landscape.

• Eligibility: Complete online registration, finish select training modules, and apply directly on the platform.
• Application process: Register online, complete training modules, and submit the grant application on the platform.
• Why apply: A rare opportunity combining significant development capital with modern digital skills training.
• Note: Applications close December 10, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. PT; 50 grants available.

13. Beyond the open small business grant program

This program offers grants starting at $10,000 to empower businesses owned by veterans, women, minorities, or members of the LGBTQ+ community. It's a great chance to boost capital, scale operations, and gain local community support.

• Eligibility: Operating entrepreneurs in Charlotte, NC, from supported groups.
• Application process: Complete the online application, attaching a detailed business plan and proof of eligibility.
• Why apply: Targets underrepresented entrepreneurs, providing flexible funding for scaling and sustainable growth.
• Note: 2025 applications not yet announced; check beyondopenclt.com for updates.

How to apply for small business grants for veteran entrepreneurs

To succeed in grant applications, adopt a structured strategy and thorough preparation. Follow these steps to maximize your chances of securing funding:

• Research opportunities: Use Grants.gov, GrantWatch, or veteran organization resources to find grants matching your business type, location, and growth goals.
• Verify eligibility: Ensure you meet the criteria, such as veteran status, ownership percentage, or industry focus. For disabled veterans, confirm if service-related disability requirements apply.
• Prepare documents: Gather your business plan, financial reports, military ID, and proof of veteran status (e.g., DD-214). Tailor your business plan to highlight community impact and economic needs.
• Craft a compelling story: Emphasize your military experience, leadership skills, and strategic vision. Explain how the grant will enable scaling and deliver real community value.
• Submit and follow up: Adhere to guidelines, submit complete applications early to demonstrate professionalism, and politely follow up if no response is received within the specified timeframe.
• Seek feedback: If unsuccessful, request detailed input from reviewers to refine future applications.

Additional resources for veteran entrepreneurs

Beyond grants, veterans can access free or low-cost resources to support their businesses:

• Veteran business outreach centers (VBOCs): SBA-funded, VBOCs offer workshops, in-depth counselling, and grant application assistance. Find your nearest center at sba.gov.
• Boots to business (b2b): SBA's free entrepreneurship training for transitioning service members, including a two-day basics course and advanced online Revenue Readiness program.
• Veteran Institute for Procurement (vip): Intensive training to secure government contracts, especially for service-disabled veteran-owned businesses.
• Vetfran: Offers franchise fee reductions and connections to a strong franchise network for veterans.
• Warrior allegiance: Helps veterans turn ideas into viable plans through experienced mentors and streamlined grant application support.

Alternatives to grants for veteran-owned businesses

If grants are too competitive or limited, consider these funding options:

• SBA loans: Competitive rates and fee waivers for veterans on SBA Express loans; ideal for established businesses with good credit.
• Hivers and strivers: Angel investment group providing $100,000–$1 million for veteran-owned startups in exchange for equity.
• Veterans Business Battle: Annual March Pitch Competition Connecting Veterans with Investors.
• Crowdfunding: Platforms like Kickstarter enable veterans to raise funds from supporters, making them ideal for community-focused businesses.
• Business lines of credit: Flexible capital access for ongoing expenses, with more lenient eligibility than traditional loans.

Tips for a successful veterans business benefits application

• Highlight military skills: Show how discipline, leadership, and problem-solving from service translate to business success.
• Focus on impact: Many grants prioritize community or veteran-focused outcomes. Detail how your business creates jobs or supports local economies.
• Polish your pitch: For presentation-based grants, practice delivering concise and engaging talks backed by data.
• Leverage mentors: Work with VBOCs, Warrior Rising, or IVMF advisors to refine applications and plans.
• Stay persistent: Apply to multiple opportunities and iterate based on feedback to boost future success.

Small business grants for veterans provide vital capital to turn entrepreneurial dreams into reality. By leveraging the programs curated by NextSky, you'll develop a robust business plan and a compelling story rooted in your military experience, helping you stand out in competitive grant processes.