From Service to Startups – Grants that Every Veteran Should Know About

Many grant programs are available to help veterans transition from military service to civil life, and foster innovation within the veteran community. The grant award provides them with resources to turn their skills and experiences into successful enterprises. Many business grants for veterans are offered by governments and nonprofits as part of a broader initiative to honor the leadership, discipline, and strategic thinking that veterans bring to the marketplace. The Second Service Foundation is a nonprofit that runs a competition, known as Military Entrepreneur Challenge (MEC) for veterans, military spouses, and Gold Star family members. The competition winner gets $1,000 to $15,000 in startup capital through business grants for veterans, and an additional $5,000 to $50,000 in in-kind business services.  

Warriors Rising nonprofit offers small business grants and mentorship to start a business to veterans and their immediate family members. The nonprofit, founded in Utah in 2015, provides business grants for veterans and mentorship to eligible veteran entrepreneurs. Hivers and Strivers is an angel investment group that provides funding opportunities to veterans worth $250,000 to $ 1 million. Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Program allocates at least 3% of federal contacts amount for disbursal as business grants for veterans. The Veteran Business Outreach Center (VBOC) program by the Small Business Administration (SBA) provides business grants for veterans, along with training, mentorship, and assistance transitioning from active duty service.   

Pitch Competition for Grants   

Farmer Veteran Fellowship Fund helps veterans in the early stages of their agricultural business. Awards ranging in amount from $1,000 to $5,000 are provided to the members of the fund. Michigan Veteran Entrepreneur-Lab, offers a pitch competition to award business grants for veterans. Although no specifically focused on veterans, the US Chamber of Commerce hosts America’s Top Small Business Awards contest to distribute an award amount of $25,000 to the top 10 semi-finalists from the seven US regions. Additionally, one finalist will also receive a one-year US Chamber of Commerce Membership for free. To be eligible, the applying business must be functional for at least one year, have fewer than 250 employees, and have less than $20 million in revenue.   

Grants by Texas Woman’s University  

Texas Woman’s University runs an annual contest through which it provides business grants for veterans worth $5,000 to up to 25 business owners throughout Texas. Venmo Small Business Grant is available to all, not just veterans. To be eligible, the business must employ no more than 10 people, and have less than $50,000 in annual revenue. Boots to Business is an education and training program by the SBA that provides tips and techniques to veterans for starting a business. The Institute of Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) at Syracuse University in New York provides education and resources for business-minded veterans.    

Grants.gov is the federal government’s largest database of all grants offered by the federal government, including business grants for veterans. However, if you want to explore grant opportunities offered by private entities, state governments, and the federal government, in addition to business grants for veterans, you can consider becoming a monthly member of GovernmentGrants.us for a small monthly fee of just $39.95. You will then be able to access updated information on other grant opportunities also, like minority grants, childcare grants, housing grants, and more. Moreover, your monthly membership fee is refundable in case your grant application is rejected.