Veterans bring leadership, resilience, and mission-driven focus to business ownership—but funding can be a major hurdle. In 2025, several programs offer financial support and guidance specifically for veteran-owned businesses. These opportunities may help turn a business plan into a working reality by covering startup costs, expanding operations, or building new skills.
Federal Support Programs for Veteran-Owned Businesses
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Program
This federal contracting program gives service-disabled veteran entrepreneurs better access to government contracts. To qualify, the business must be at least 51% owned and operated by one or more service-disabled veterans. While it doesn’t provide direct cash grants, it opens doors to set-aside and sole-source contracts—opportunities that can help build revenue and credibility in the federal marketplace.
Veteran Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs)
VBOCs offer free training, mentorship, and help with funding preparation. These SBA-funded centers are built specifically for veterans and their families who want to start or grow a business. They can walk you through business plans, explain financial documents, and help you prepare stronger applications for grants or loans.
Private and Nonprofit Grant Opportunities
Hiring Our Heroes Small Business Grant
This grant program supports small businesses owned by veterans and military spouses. Each year, five businesses receive $10,000 to help with growth and operations. Although the 2025 application period closed in February, future rounds are expected. It’s a good idea to check the site regularly for updates or sign up for notifications.
NASE Growth Grants
The National Association for the Self-Employed offers $4,000 grants to help members grow their businesses. Veterans receive a 15% discount on membership fees. Grant funds can be used for marketing, hiring, equipment, or other business investments. Applications are reviewed quarterly, and past recipients have included a range of veteran-owned businesses.
Second Service Foundation: Military Entrepreneur Challenge
The Second Service Foundation (formerly the StreetShares Foundation) offers the Military Entrepreneur Challenge, a grant competition designed for veterans, military spouses, and Gold Star family members. Applicants pitch their business ideas and compete for grants up to $15,000. The program emphasizes businesses that positively impact the military community.
Warrior Rising
Warrior Rising provides business training, mentoring, and potential grant funding—up to $20,000—for veterans and their immediate family members. To be considered for funding, applicants first complete a business development program. The organization supports entrepreneurs at all stages, from early ideas to established businesses.
State-Based Programs
Texas Woman’s University Veteran Woman Entrepreneur Grant
This program offers $5,000 grants to women veterans in Texas who are starting or growing a business. To qualify, businesses must be at least 51% owned and controlled by a woman veteran. Funds can be used for equipment, marketing, inventory, or other business expenses.
Michigan Veteran Entrepreneur-Lab
Veteran entrepreneurs and their spouses in Michigan can apply for this eight-week startup accelerator program. Participants receive training, networking opportunities, and the chance to compete in a pitch competition for grant funding.
Illinois Veterans Business Program (VBP)
Illinois’ Veterans Business Program (VBP) certifies veteran-owned businesses, making them eligible for state contracting opportunities. To qualify, businesses must be at least 51% owned by one or more qualified service-disabled veterans residing in Illinois. Certification can enhance access to state-funded projects and procurement opportunities.
SBA and Partner Resources
While not grant programs, these federally supported organizations offer free or low-cost help to veteran business owners—including support for finding and applying to funding opportunities.
Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs)
SBDCs are located throughout the U.S. and provide one-on-one support to small business owners. Services include help with business strategy, financial projections, licensing, and preparing grant or loan applications. Many centers also host workshops or webinars tailored for veterans. These resources are especially helpful if you’re applying for funding and need assistance getting your documents or business plan in shape.
SCORE
SCORE offers mentoring and business education through a national network of volunteers, many of whom are veterans themselves. Whether you need help writing a business plan, improving your marketing, or understanding your financials, a SCORE mentor can guide you through the process. The organization also provides free templates, how-to guides, and live webinars on a variety of small business topics.
Tips for Applying Successfully
Applying for grants can be time-consuming, but preparing the right materials ahead of time makes the process easier—and improves your chances of getting funding. Here are a few ways to strengthen your applications:
- Get your paperwork in order. Most grant programs ask for proof of veteran status, business licenses, and financial records like tax returns or profit-and-loss statements. Keep these documents updated and accessible.
- Write a clear business plan. Funders want to see that you’ve thought through your goals and know how you’ll use the money. Your plan should include a short summary, what your business does, who your customers are, and how you plan to grow.
- Follow the instructions exactly. Every grant program has different requirements. Missing a step—like submitting the wrong format or forgetting a form—can disqualify your application.
- Pay attention to deadlines. Set calendar reminders well in advance. Some programs only open once a year and may close as soon as funds run out.
- Use free support services. Reach out to local VBOCs, SBDCs, or SCORE mentors for help with writing, editing, or reviewing your application. Many of these services are free and specifically geared toward helping veteran entrepreneurs succeed.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right funding can be one of the toughest parts of running a business—but you don’t have to go it alone. If you’re a veteran entrepreneur, there are real opportunities to access grants, training, and expert guidance in 2025.
Whether you’re applying for a state-based grant, pitching in a business competition, or just starting to write your plan, take advantage of the programs designed to help veterans succeed. Every step you take to prepare puts your business on stronger footing.
