Veterans bring leadership, discipline, and problem-solving skills to business. Multiple grant programs and resources exist to help veteran entrepreneurs launch and grow their companies.
Federal Programs for Veteran Entrepreneurs
SBA Boots to Business Program
Cost: Free Access: All veterans, active duty, and military spouses
Boots to Business provides entrepreneurship training in two phases: - A two-day introduction to business ownership - An eight-week online course covering business planning, financing, and marketing
The program does not provide direct funding but connects participants to SBA lending partners and grant programs.
SBA Veterans Advantage Program
Benefit: Fee reductions on SBA loans Requirements: Veteran-owned small businesses
This program reduces fees on SBA 7(a) and 504 loans. While not a grant, the fee savings can equal thousands of dollars. It also provides priority processing.
VA Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E)
Amount: Varies Requirements: Veterans with service-connected disabilities
VR&E (formerly Vocational Rehabilitation) can fund business startup costs for eligible veterans. This includes equipment, supplies, licensing, and initial operating expenses. An approved rehabilitation plan is required.
Procurement Programs
Veterans get priority access to federal contracts through:
- - SDVOSB (Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business) set-asides
- - VOSB (Veteran-Owned Small Business) set-asides
The federal government aims to award 3% of all contracting dollars to SDVOSBs. Getting certified through the SBA's VetCert program is the first step.
Private Grants for Veteran Entrepreneurs
StreetShares Foundation Hero Award
Amount: $15,000 Deadline: Quarterly Requirements: Veteran, active duty, or military spouse business owners
This quarterly award recognizes veteran entrepreneurs. Winners are selected through a combination of public voting and judge evaluation. The application is straightforward: describe your business and military background.
Hivers and Strivers Angel Fund
Amount: $250,000 to $1,000,000 Requirements: Veteran-led startups
Hivers and Strivers invests in businesses led by military academy graduates. While structured as investments (not grants), they focus on early-stage companies that traditional investors overlook.
National Veteran-Owned Business Association (NaVOBA) Grants
Amount: Varies Requirements: Certified veteran-owned businesses
NaVOBA offers grants, mentorship, and corporate connections to certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses. They also run procurement matchmaking events.
Bob Woodruff Foundation
Amount: Varies Requirements: Organizations serving veterans (including veteran-owned businesses in some programs)
The Bob Woodruff Foundation funds programs that support veteran economic stability. Some cycles include direct grants to veteran entrepreneurs.
Coalition for Veteran Owned Business (CVOB)
Access: Veteran-owned businesses Benefits: Corporate mentorship, procurement connections, and grant alerts
CVOB connects veteran businesses to corporate partners and tracks grant opportunities from across the ecosystem.
State Programs for Veterans
Every state has a Department of Veterans Affairs or similar agency. Many offer:
- - Startup grants for veteran entrepreneurs
- - Tax credits and incentives for hiring veterans or being veteran-owned
- - Business licensing fee waivers
- - Free business education and mentorship
- - Procurement preferences for state and local contracts
Check your state VA website and state economic development agency for current programs.
Getting Certified
Certification as a VOSB or SDVOSB opens access to restricted programs. The SBA now manages all veteran business certifications through VetCert (vetcert.sba.gov). You will need:
- - Proof of veteran status (DD-214)
- - Business ownership documentation
- - Operating control documentation
- - For SDVOSB: VA disability rating letter
The certification process takes 30-90 days. Start early because many programs require certification before you can apply.
Tips for Veteran Grant Applications
Lead with your service. Grant reviewers for veteran programs value military experience. Describe how your service prepared you for business ownership.
Quantify your impact. How many veteran employees do you have? What is your community impact? Numbers strengthen every application.
Connect with veteran business organizations. Groups like IVMF (Institute for Veterans and Military Families) at Syracuse University offer free application coaching.
Stack programs. Apply for veteran-specific grants AND general small business grants. Your veteran status is an advantage in both categories.
Find Veteran Grants Fast
GrantMatched includes veteran status in its matching criteria. When you create a profile and indicate your military service, the platform surfaces grants specifically for veteran-owned businesses alongside general opportunities you qualify for. This eliminates hours of searching across multiple veteran business databases.