Many grants for veterans to start a business are available to transition to civilian life

Veterans face specific challenges as they transition from military to civilian life. Many veterans face physical and mental health challenges, such as injuries sustained during service or conditions like PTSD. Many veterans aspire to become entrepreneurs after their service. Grants for veterans to start a business stem from the unique challenges they face as they transition from military service to civilian life.  These grants are crucial for empowering veteran entrepreneurs, supporting economic stability, and leveraging the valuable skills veterans bring to the business world.  

Veterans with service-related disabilities may face additional challenges in finding traditional employment. However, veterans often possess valuable skills like leadership, discipline, and problem-solving, which are highly transferable to entrepreneurship. Grants for veterans to start a business can enable them to create businesses that accommodate their specific needs and provide them with a source of income and independence. By enabling veterans to build successful businesses, grants contribute to local economic growth, job creation, and increased tax revenue.  

Transitioning veterans often face higher unemployment rates than the general population. Targeted grants for veteran-owned businesses, especially those for women veterans and veterans of color, help promote inclusivity in entrepreneurship and address disparities within the veteran community. Here are some grants for veterans to start a business that one can apply.   

Veteran Business Outreach Center (VBOC) Program Grants  

The VBOC program, funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), provides training, mentoring, and financial resources to veteran entrepreneurs. While the program itself does not issue direct cash grants to veterans, it connects them with grant opportunities and resources for business growth. With over 20 centers across the United States, the VBOC network ensures accessibility for grants for veterans to start a business who are in need of guidance and financial support.  

Hivers and Strivers Investment Grants  

Hivers and Strivers is an angel investment group that focuses on funding veteran-owned startups. While technically an investment, the organization also offers grants as part of its broader support to veterans pursuing high-potential business ventures. These grants are especially targeted toward startups with innovative concepts, such as tech or green energy solutions. Veterans benefit not only from financial support but also from the expertise of seasoned investors who provide strategic advice and industry connections.  

Warrior Rising Business Grants  

Warrior Rising is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering veterans. The organization offers grants for veterans to start a business who demonstrate entrepreneurial passion and commitment through its structured business development program. This grant program focuses on sustainability, requiring recipients to develop solid business plans and demonstrate a clear path to profitability.  

More grant opportunities exist   

Many more other grants for veterans to start a business are offered by the US Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA). Grants.gov is the largest database of all grants offered by the federal government, including grants for veterans to start a business. You can locate more grant opportunities by registering yourself at GovernmentGrants.us for just $39.95. For this small monthly membership fee, you will be able to access many more grant opportunities, such as minority grants, childcare grants, first time homebuyer grants, and more. This monthly membership fee is refundable in case your grant application is rejected.