Small Business Grants For Veterans

1. The Second Service Foundation

The Second Service Foundation, used to be the StreetShares Foundation, runs the Military Entrepreneur Challenge, gives veterans and their spouses the opportunity to pitch and win grants for their businesses. To apply to compete in the pitch challenge, you must first register online and attend a speed coaching session. You’ll then complete an application that includes a one-pager on your business.

If you are accepted to the competition, you will need to prepare a 2-minute pitch on your business to deliver in person at a Second Service Foundation conference. Three finalists give live pitches, and an audience vote determines the winner.

2. Warrior Rising

Warrior Rising is a nonprofit that helps veterans transition to “vetrepreneurs.” The organization runs a six-step business development program that includes training, coaching and much more. Through the process, veterans may have the opportunity to present their business idea and compete for a startup business grant.

To qualify, you must be a veteran or immediate family member of one and then complete an application. Warrior Rising will consider applications from startups and established businesses.

3. Stephen L. Tadlock Veteran Grant

25 veterans will win $1,000 micro-grants through the Stephen L. Tadlock Veteran Grant program. The program is open to U.S. veterans who own businesses that employ between two and 100 people, have been in operation for a minimum of one year and whose annual revenue does not exceed $5 million.

4. National Association for Self-Employed (NASE) Growth Grants

Now in its 17th 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 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.

5. Verizon Small Business Digital Ready

Small businesses can apply to receive a $10,000 grant from Verizon through this grant program. In order to be eligible, business owners must sign up for the Small Business Digital Ready program (it’s free to join) and complete two courses or events in order to unlock the application. Applications are open until June 28, 2024.

6. Fast Break for Small Business

A collaborative effort between Accion Opportunity Fund, LegalZoom, the NBA, WNBA and NBA G-League, Fast Break for Small Business is a annual grant program that awards $10,000 grants to 150 entrepreneurs. To be eligible, your business must have been operation for at least three months, have annual revenue of less than $1 million and have an active business bank account, among other requirements. Applications are accepted from Feb. 15 – Sept. 13, 2024.

7. Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs

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, or SBA, coordinates these programs, and 11 federal agencies list grant opportunities on the SBIR website. Funding amounts vary based on the individual grant given.

8. Grants.gov

Grants.gov is a database that contains 1,000+ federal grant programs. These small-business grants are offered by a wide variety of government agencies, such as the Department of Labor, the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Commerce.

To apply for one of these grants, you’ll want to make sure your business meets all eligibility criteria and register for a Grants.gov account. These business grants are not exclusive to veteran entrepreneurs! This is a good place to start if you’re looking for free funding.

9. GrantWatch

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 $18 for a weekly subscription.

Sources: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/small-business/small-business-grants-for-veterans