Companies with majority veteran ownership are less likely to receive all the financing that they applied for — despite having similar credit risk to other businesses — according to data from the Federal Reserve.
Fortunately, many organizations across the United States offer small-business grants for veterans, as well as other resources to help entrepreneurs bridge the funding gap.
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Small-business grants for veterans
Small-business grants offer free funding that doesn’t need to be repaid. Business grants for veterans can be a particularly good option if you’re just starting out and can’t qualify for traditional financing options.
Keep in mind, grant applications are often competitive and time-consuming, but the payoff can be worth it if you can secure the funds. Here are some options to consider:
Secretsos Small Business Grant
- Amount: $2,500.
- Deadline: Sept. 30, 2026 for third quarter applications.
- Eligibility: U.S.-based entrepreneurs who are at least 21 years old and have a legally registered business. Must be a traditionally underserved business (i.e. denied a bank loan, woman-owned, veteran-owned, minority-owned or located in a low-income area).
- Apply: Via the Secretsos website; $15 application fee.
The Secretsos Grant program supports entrepreneurs who are often overlooked by traditional investment sources. Grants are awarded on a quarterly basis. Funds can be used for any purpose to enhance operations and growth.
Stephen L. Tadlock Veteran Grant
- Amount: $1,000.
- Deadline: Applications run Sept. 15, 2026 through Oct. 15, 2026.
- Eligibility: U.S. veterans with at least one year in business, two to 100 employees and annual revenue of $5 million or less.
- Apply: Via the Founders First website.
Twenty veterans can win $1,000 micro-grants through the Stephen L. Tadlock Veteran Grant program. Winners also receive access to one of two business programs administered by Founders First.
Veteran Shark Tank
- Amount: $50,000.
- Deadline: Oct. 13, 2026.
- Eligibility: Businesses that are more than 50% owned by a U.S. veteran and have less than three years in operation.
- Apply: Via the Veteran Shark Tank website.
An annual pitch competition for veteran entrepreneurs, Veteran Shark Tank gives five finalists the opportunity to pitch their business idea in front of a live audience to a panel of judges for a chance to win $50,000.
Breva Thrive Grant
- Amount: $5,000.
- Deadline: Fourth quarter applications will run from Oct. 1, 2026 through Oct. 31, 2026.
- Eligibility: Open to all U.S.-based small businesses who can demonstrate an impact on their community.
- Apply: Via the Breva website.
The Breva Thrive Grant offers $5,000 on a quarterly basis to small businesses that can demonstrate their impact on the community. To qualify, you must be currently generating revenue and, ideally, in business for at least one year. Breva also prefers applicants who are located in low-income or traditionally underserved areas.
Verizon Small Business Digital Ready
- Amount: $10,000.
- Deadline: December 2026.
- Eligibility: Must complete certain educational courses; additional requirements may apply.
In order to be eligible for this grant, you must sign up for the Small Business Digital Ready program (it's free to join) and complete two courses, virtual events or in-person events. Once these tasks are completed, you can submit a grant application.
Verizon reviews applications monthly through December 2026. Each month, 10 small-business owners will receive grants. If you’re not chosen in a given month, your application will remain in consideration through the end of the year.
NASE Growth Grants
- Amount: Up to $4,000.
- Deadline: Rolling applications; reviewed on a quarterly basis (April, July, October and January).
- Eligibility: Members of NASE; all business owners, including veterans.
- Apply: Apply through the NASE website.
Now in its 20th year, the NASE Growth Grants program accepts applications for the chance to win $4,000 grants on a quarterly basis. Your business must be a member of the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) to apply, but veterans receive a 15% discount on the annual fee and can apply for the grant program immediately upon joining the organization.
Freed Fellowship Grant
- Amount: $500; recipients also considered for an additional $2,500 year-end grant.
- Deadline: Rolling applications; grants awarded monthly.
- Eligibility: U.S. small-business owners; women, minorities and other underrepresented entrepreneurs are especially encouraged to apply.
- Apply: Via the Freed Fellowship website; $19 application fee.
The Freed Fellowship offers a microgrant of $500 on a monthly basis. Winners also receive a personalized strategy session, a one year membership in the Freed Studio and they’re eligible for the $2,500 year-end grant.
» MORE: Check out business grants for minority entrepreneurs
Grant from the Supplier Innovative Finance Program
- Amount: $5,000.
- Deadline: Rolling. Must complete a training program to be eligible for the grant.
- Eligibility: B2B or B2G (business-to-government) businesses in certain states with between $250,000 and $10 million in annual revenue. Must have a recognized small business certification.
- Apply: Via the Founders First website.
The Supplier Innovative Finance Program gives socially and economically disadvantaged small-business owners the opportunity to receive a $5,000 grant. First, you must apply for the program and complete a self-paced training course (called Passport On Demand). Once you’ve graduated, you’re eligible for the quarterly $5,000 grant. Eight grants are awarded each quarter.
The program also includes learning resources and access to a network of funders, such as venture capitalists and alternative lenders. To be eligible, your business must be certified (or in the process of receiving certification) as one of the following: veteran-, women-, LGBTQ- or minority-owned.
Melissa Washington Small Business Award
- Amount: Up to $5,000.
- Deadline: Applications are currently closed.
- Eligibility: Women veteran entrepreneurs.
- Apply: Via the Women Veterans Giving website.
The Melissa Washington Small Business Award offers up to $5,000 to help women veterans to start or expand their businesses. The winner will also receive a business assessment, coaching and a certificate of recognition. Applications are evaluated based on your innovation, resilience and commitment to making a positive impact through your venture.
Warrior Rising Business Showers
- Amount: $2,000 to $150,000.
- Deadline: Graduates of Warrior University are invited to apply.
- Eligibility: Must be a graduate of Warrior University. Warrior University accepts veterans, military spouses, and immediate family members with early-stage startups.
- Apply: Invitation-only.
Warrior Rising is a nonprofit that helps veterans transition to “vetrepreneurs.” The organization runs several business development programs that include training, coaching, mentoring and networking. Once you’ve completed the Warrior University training, you may have the opportunity to present your business idea and compete for a startup business grant.
Veteran Business Battle
- Amount: Varies.
- Deadline: Applications for 2026 are closed.
- Eligibility: Veteran-owned startup businesses.
- Apply: Via the Veteran Business Battle website.
Hosted by the Rice Business Veterans Association, this veterans-only business pitch competition aims to connect military veteran entrepreneurs with investors and lenders to help fund their business. Finalists compete for grant funding and investment offers. Finalists also have the opportunity to attend workshops and networking events.
CO-100
- Amount: One $25,000 grant for the grand prize winner; 10 $2,000 grants for additional finalists.
- Deadline: Applications are currently closed.
- Eligibility: U.S. residents who own a for-profit business that has been in operation for at least one year; have fewer than 250 employees and gross revenues of less than $20 million over the last two years.
- Apply: Via the U.S. Chamber of Commerce website.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce CO-100 honors a variety of small businesses and their contributions to the American economy. In addition to grant funding, winners receive media exposure, networking and other recognition items.
Texas Woman's University Veteran Grant
- Amount: $5,000.
- Deadline: Applications for 2026 are closed.
- Eligibility: Existing veteran-owned, Texas-based businesses.
- Apply: Via the Texas Woman’s University application site.
The Center for Women Entrepreneurs at Texas Woman’s University offers this small-business grant program to veterans who are starting or own a business. The annual grant program awards $5,000 grants to up to five business owners throughout Texas. Grants can be used for a variety of purposes, including equipment, machinery or technology purchases, marketing or advertising campaigns and property improvements.
Michigan Veteran Entrepreneur (MVE) Lab
- Amount: Varies.
- Deadline: Applications for the next cohort are full, but you can apply to join the waitlist.
- Eligibility: Michigan veterans, military members or their dependents.
- Apply: Via the MVE Lab website.
For veteran small-business owners in Michigan, Grand Valley State University operates the Michigan Veteran Entrepreneur Lab. This accelerator program offers startup training and networking opportunities for veteran entrepreneurs and their spouses.
During the program, participants prepare for their business launch — learning how to develop a product, go to market, craft a business pitch and more. MVE Lab concludes with a pitch competition in which winning entrepreneurs are awarded small-business grants.
Farmer Veteran Fellowship Fund
- Amount: $1,000 to $5,000.
- Deadline: Applications are currently closed.
- Eligibility: Operational agricultural businesses run by a veteran or current member of the U.S. Military; must be a member of the Farmer Veteran Coalition (which is free to join).
- Apply: Via the Farmer Veteran Coalition website.
This program offers financial assistance to veterans who are in the early stages of running farming or ranching businesses. Unlike other grants, the program doesn’t issue funds to recipients themselves. Instead, it pays third-party vendors for the items the veteran needs to launch their business, such as livestock, fencing, tractors, feed and other equipment.
Hiring Our Heroes Small Business Grant Program
- Amount: $25,000 for grand prize winner; four additional grants of $10,000.
- Deadline: Applications are currently closed.
- Eligibility: U.S.-based businesses that are majority owned by a veteran or military spouse. Must have three to 20 employees, and $5 million or less in revenue.
- Apply: Via the Hiring Our Heroes website.
The Hiring Our Heroes grant program awards five veterans or their spouses grants to help grow their businesses. To be eligible, your business must be majority owned by a veteran or military spouse. You also must be located in an economically vulnerable community or be able to show financial need brought on by hardship outside of your control.
EBay Up & Running Grant
- Amount: $10,000.
- Deadline: Applications are currently closed.
- Eligibility: U.S.-based businesses who are actively selling on eBay and in good standing.
- Apply: Via eBay’s website.
Veterans who sell on eBay may be eligible for this opportunity. This year, 10 small businesses were awarded $10,000 through the eBay Up & Running Grants program. Winners also received an expert eBay Live mentorship and a full kit of pro-level live selling equipment.
Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs
- Amount: Varies.
- Deadline: Varies by grant; deadlines are listed within each opportunity on the SBIR.gov website.
- Eligibility: Must operate a for-profit business, have no more than 500 employees and meet other eligibility requirements.
- Apply: Submit an application in response to a specific agency solicitation and technical topic, available through the SBIR/STTR solicitations page.
The SBIR and SBTT programs offer small-business grants to veteran-owned businesses (as well as other companies) that are looking to contribute to federal research and development. The U.S. Small Business Administration coordinates these programs, and 11 federal agencies list grant opportunities on the SBIR website.
Grants.gov
- Amount: Varies by grant program.
- Deadline: Varies by grant; deadlines are listed within each opportunity on the Grants.gov website.
- Eligibility: Open to all types of entrepreneurs, including veterans.
- Apply: Register your business using the System for Award Management (SAM) platform and get a unique entity identification number; create an account on Grants.gov to submit applications.
Grants.gov is a database that features more than 1,000 federal grant programs. These small-business grants are offered by a variety of government agencies, such as the Department of Labor, the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Commerce. Although these grants are not exclusive to veteran entrepreneurs, the database is a good place to start if you’re looking for free funding.
GrantWatch
- Amount: Varies by grant program.
- Deadline: Varies by grant; deadlines are listed within each opportunity.
- Eligibility: Varies by grant.
- Apply: GrantWatch platform will direct you to the specific application.
GrantWatch is an online grant listing platform that features hundreds of small-business grants from all over the U.S. You can browse the directory to find a grant that meets your needs and eligibility criteria, including searching specifically for grants for veterans.
Although GrantWatch offers a free membership, the premium membership gives you access to additional features, such as keyword search and the ability to view full grant information. Paid memberships start at $22 for a weekly subscription.
Business loans for veterans
If you don’t qualify for certain grants or simply want to consider other funding options, you might look into a traditional small-business loan. Although there aren’t many business loans designed specifically for veteran-owned businesses, there are still different loan options you can explore:
- Business bank loans. These loans typically have the best rates and terms, but they can be difficult to access. Many banks require that you have several years in business, a credit score in the 700s and strong revenue to qualify for financing. If you think your business may be eligible, look for local and national institutions that offer military discounts or other benefits to veteran-owned businesses, such as Navy Federal Credit Union and Huntington Bank.
- SBA loans. For established veteran-owned businesses in need of capital, SBA loans can offer large loan amounts, long repayment terms and competitive interest rates. You’ll also need good credit and strong revenue to qualify. Plus, for SBA Express loans, the SBA waives the upfront, one-time guarantee fee for veteran businesses.
- CDFI loans. Community development financial institutions (CDFIs) are mission-driven organizations that provide business funding to underserved communities, such as U.S. veterans. Approval requirements at CDFIs can be more flexible than banks or online loans. Some CDFIs that support veteran entrepreneurs can be found through the online platform Veteran Loan Fund. In addition to being matched to a lender, you may also be able to access below-market-rate loan funding and free business coaching.
- Microloans. Nonprofit organizations often focus on funding traditionally underserved businesses in their area. They offer smaller loan amounts of up to $50,000. For example, PeopleFund, a microlender and community development financial institution in Texas, offers fast working capital loans as well as other financing options. PeopleFund provides discounts on interest rates for veterans. If you’re a new business or have bad credit, you may still be able to qualify for a microloan.
- Peer-to-peer business loans. Peer-to-peer platforms can help you raise capital directly from investors, and usually, their qualification requirements are less stringent than those of banks. If your business has a compelling story or dedicated customer base, a P2P lending platform may be a particularly good fit.
- Online business loans. Startup businesses or those with lower credit scores may find greater flexibility with online lenders. These lenders can offer a variety of products, including term loans, business lines of credit, invoice factoring and equipment financing. Online lenders tend to have more lenient qualification requirements, but their interest rates will likely be higher than that of a bank or SBA loan.
Additional resources for veteran entrepreneurs
Financing guidance and business training can be invaluable for veterans who are starting or expanding their businesses. Connecting with organizations that specialize in supporting veteran entrepreneurs or with mentors who’ve successfully transitioned out of the military can be especially helpful.
Here are several resources for veteran-owned businesses:
Veteran Business Outreach Centers
The SBA backs 31 Veteran Business Outreach Centers across the country, which provide workshops, training, counseling and mentorship to veteran business owners. These organizations offer services such as business plan preparation, comprehensive feasibility analysis and pre-business plan workshops for entrepreneurs looking to launch a business.
These centers can also help you understand your financing options and connect you with additional SBA resources, such as community partners, lenders and programs.
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Program
This SBA program helps qualifying veteran entrepreneurs obtain government contracts. The federal government aims to award at least 5% of federal contracting funds to service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses through this program every year.
Among other criteria, participants must own at least 51% of a business and have a service-connected disability, as determined by the VA.
Boots to Business
Boots to Business (B2B) is a free, two-step education and training program offered by the SBA to service members who want to become entrepreneurs. The program includes a two-day introduction to entrepreneurship course, which provides tips and techniques for starting a business. All active-duty military members transitioning out of the military and their partners or spouses are eligible.
Veterans of all eras and their spouses can participate in a similar program that covers the same course material — the Boots to Business Reboot (B2BR). After completing the B2B or B2BR program, participants can continue their business training with the B2B Revenue Readiness course, which is available online for free through Mississippi State University.
Institute for Veterans and Military Families
The Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) at Syracuse University provides education and resources for business-minded veterans. The institute holds a variety of training events, including Boots to Business, STRIVE, the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans, the Veteran Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship program and a 10-week long veteran program dedicated to launching a business.
IVMF also offers a resource library and access to an alumni network to help new and existing business owners find the support they need.
Veteran Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship
Veteran Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship (V-Wise) is a two-phase program that offers tools to help female veterans become successful entrepreneurs. Coordinated by IVMF, the program includes a four-week online training course and a three-day, in-person event as well as ongoing mentorship, resources and support for launching or growing a business.
V-Wise costs $75 and is open to all honorably discharged female veterans, active-duty female service members and the female partners or spouses of the above (including widowed spouses or partners).
VetFran
VetFran, short for “veterans and franchising,” is a program offered by the International Franchise Association Foundation. It hosts an online portal that connects veteran entrepreneurs with hundreds of vetted franchise companies across industries offering special discounts for veterans who wish to buy into a franchise. VetFran also offers learning resources to veterans interested in becoming a franchisee.
Hivers and Strivers
Hivers and Strivers is an angel investment group that invests exclusively in businesses owned and operated by veteran entrepreneurs. You can receive from $100,000 to $1 million in funding from this group, but you’ll have to be willing to give up some equity in your company. This type of funding is well-suited for early-stage startups that anticipate significant growth.
Veteran Institute for Procurement
The Veteran Institute for Procurement (VIP) provides training for veteran-owned and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses throughout the U.S. to help them secure contracts from the federal government. VIP offers six in-person training programs, working with startups and established businesses.
Through VIP, veteran entrepreneurs can access educational events, networking opportunities and community support. Training programs are available to eligible businesses at no cost.
Office of Small & Disadvantaged Business Utilization
Part of the VA, the Office of Small & Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) houses a variety of resources for veteran entrepreneurs. Through OSDBU, you can find upcoming webinars and training sessions and reach out to small-business liaisons to get more information about working with the VA.
The OSDBU website also houses the Veteran Entrepreneur Portal, which collects resources to help veteran business owners find funding and franchising opportunities, acquire government contracts and access networking connections.
Veteran Readiness and Employment
If you are a veteran with a service-connected disability who is interested in starting a business, assistance is offered through the Veteran Readiness and Employment program, formerly the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment program. Veterans can get help with developing a business plan, training in marketing, finance and operations and other services.
State and local governments
Many state governments allot funds specifically to support veteran small-business owners. Some states offer certifications for veteran-owned or service-disabled veteran-owned businesses to help those entrepreneurs compete for government contracts.
Florida's Office of Supplier Diversity, for instance, certifies veteran-owned businesses and gives them access to a portal that lists government contracting opportunities. Certification and recertification are free.
Through your state, you may be able to take advantage of veteran-focused training programs, webinars and networking opportunities. The Economic Development Administration in your city or state may also be able to connect you with local funding options, including business grants.
Frequently asked questions
How do you get certified as a veteran-owned business?
Under the VA's Vets First program, businesses can be certified as veteran-owned. There are two options for Veteran Small Business Certification (VetCert):
- Veteran-owned small business (VOSB) certification. Veterans can apply for sole-source and set-aside contracts at the Department of Veterans Affairs.
- Service-disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) certification. Disabled veterans can apply for federal sole-source and set-aside contracts across the federal government.
Certification eligibility requirements for a veteran-owned business include:
- At least 51% veteran-owned.
- Registered as a small business with SAM.gov.
- Meet SBA's size standards.
In some cases, businesses managed by a disabled veteran's spouse or an appointed, permanent caregiver can also be certified. To apply for certification, visit the Veteran Small Business Certification portal managed by the SBA.
Are VA business loans available to veterans?
Although the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) guarantees mortgages through the VA home loan program, it does not offer VA business loans. Similarly, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) doesn’t offer specific VA small-business loans, but it does offer a few different programs dedicated to business loans for veterans. So far in fiscal year 2026, the SBA has loaned nearly $900 million to veteran-owned small businesses.
How do you apply for a small-business loan for veterans?
The loan application process will vary by lender; however, you'll typically need to provide basic information such as:
- Military identification.
- Background information about your business.
- Business financial documents such as profit and loss statements, tax returns or bank statements.
- Personal guarantee.
If you’re applying for a small-business loan that offers discounts for veterans, like the SBA Express loan program, you’ll likely need to provide documentation to show that the business is at least 51% owned by a veteran or their spouse.
You’ll also need to meet general small-business loan qualifications, such as credit score, revenue and time in business.
While most lenders don’t require you to be certified as a veteran-owned business to apply for a loan, it can open the doors to certain federal government contracts set aside for veteran business owners.
Article sources
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- 1.Fed Small Business. Veteran-Owned Firms. Accessed Aug 13, 2026.
- 2.U.S. Small Business Administration. SBA Information Notice 5000-20025 . Accessed Aug 13, 2026.
- 3.Florida Department of Management Services. Veteran-Owned Small Businesses. Accessed Aug 13, 2026.
- 4.U.S. Small Business Administration. 7(a) & 504 Summary Report. Accessed Aug 13, 2026.
