Grants and funding for veteran-owned businesses
Veteran-specific grant programs, SBA veteran resources, contracting set-asides and lender programs with fee waivers.
Updated September 2026. Details vary by lender and change often; confirm terms with the provider.
Grant programs
| Program | Award | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Second Service Foundation Military Entrepreneur Challenge | $4k – $15k pitch competition | multiple rounds a year |
| Warrior Rising | grants plus mentoring | veteran “vetrepreneurs” |
| StreetShares Foundation (Veteran Small Business Award) | up to $15k | annual, check current status |
| Hivers and Strivers | angel investment | veteran-led startups (equity, not a grant) |
| FedEx, Comcast RISE, Hello Alice rounds | $5k – $50k | general programs that often flag veteran owners |
Free programs that pay off
- SBA Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOC): free counseling and the Boots to Business course.
- SBA Veteran Small Business Certification: unlocks federal contracting set-asides. Veteran-owned contracting is a multibillion-dollar channel.
- SBA Express loans for veterans: historically the upfront guarantee fee is waived (confirm current terms on sba.gov).
- VR&E self-employment track: for eligible service-connected disabled veterans, can fund a business plan including equipment.
Lending
Several lenders and CDFIs run veteran-focused loan funds with coaching. If your business already has revenue, the 60-second match shows which products fit today while grant and contracting applications run in the background.
Frequently asked questions
Does the VA give business grants?
Not general business grants. The Department of Veterans Affairs runs the Veteran Readiness and Employment self-employment track for eligible disabled veterans, which can fund business equipment and startup costs as part of a rehabilitation plan. Everything else comes from SBA programs, contracting, and private grants.
What is the SBA veteran certification for?
Veteran-Owned (VOSB) and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned (SDVOSB) certification through SBA’s Veteran Small Business Certification program qualifies you for federal set-aside and sole-source contracts. It is free.