Veterans interested in starting or growing a business may have access to grants, funding opportunities, business training, mentoring, and other resources specifically designed for veteran entrepreneurs.
However, finding legitimate funding requires knowing the difference between grants, loans, business competitions, government programs, and other forms of assistance. The U.S. Small Business Administration notes that it does not provide grants directly to individuals to start or expand a business. Instead, many SBA veteran programs provide counseling, training, contracting opportunities, and connections to funding.
Private organizations and nonprofit programs may also offer grant competitions for veteran-owned businesses. For example, VA News reported in 2026 on Warrior Rising's program, through which selected veteran founders could compete for Business Shower grants of up to $20,000.
Who May Qualify?
Depending on the program, assistance may be available to:
- Veterans who own an existing small business
- Veterans planning to start a business
- Service-disabled veteran business owners
- Active-duty service members transitioning to civilian life
- National Guard and Reserve members
- Military spouses
- Veteran entrepreneurs in specific industries
- Businesses meeting specific ownership requirements
Each grant or funding opportunity has its own eligibility rules.
Check What You May Qualify For
Finding legitimate veteran business funding can take time because programs differ in their eligibility requirements, deadlines, business stage, location, and funding purpose.
- ✓ Free eligibility check
- ✓ Free guidance if needed
Programs vary based on your veteran status, business type, location, and industry.
Types of Small Business Funding for Veterans
Veteran Business Grants
Some private organizations and nonprofit programs offer competitive grants to veteran-owned businesses. These opportunities may provide funding for equipment, expansion, marketing, operations, or other approved business expenses.
Grant availability can change, so applicants should verify the current requirements and deadline directly with the organization offering the grant.
SBA Veteran Business Programs
The SBA provides veteran entrepreneurs with resources for starting and growing businesses, including training, counseling, funding guidance, and federal contracting opportunities.
Veterans Business Outreach Centers, or VBOCs, provide counseling, business-plan assistance, workshops, mentorship, and training for eligible veterans and other members of the military community.
Service-Disabled Veteran Business Resources
Veterans with service-connected disabilities may have additional entrepreneurship resources available through VA programs.
The VA's VR&E Self-Employment track can provide eligible participants with help developing a business plan, analyzing a business concept, receiving small-business training, and identifying resources needed to implement a business plan.
Federal Contracting Opportunities
Funding does not always come in the form of a grant.
Veteran-owned and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses may qualify for SBA's Veteran Small Business Certification program, which can provide access to certain federal contracting opportunities.
This can create business revenue opportunities rather than providing a traditional grant.
Business Training and Mentorship
Some veteran entrepreneurship programs focus on education and mentorship rather than direct cash grants.
SBA-supported programs include Boots to Business, Boots to Business Reboot, Veterans Business Outreach Centers, and other veteran entrepreneurship resources.
How to Find Grants for a Veteran-Owned Business
- Confirm your eligibility. Review the program's veteran, ownership, business-size, and location requirements.
- Identify your business need. Determine whether you need funding for startup costs, equipment, expansion, marketing, working capital, or another purpose.
- Search government and private programs. Look at SBA resources, veteran organizations, nonprofit programs, foundations, and business competitions.
- Check the funding terms. Make sure you understand whether the opportunity is a grant, loan, competition, investment, or another type of funding.
- Prepare your business information. A business plan, budget, financial information, ownership documentation, and description of how funding will be used may be required.
- Watch deadlines. Many private grant competitions open for limited periods.
What Can Veteran Business Grants Pay For?
It depends entirely on the program. Some opportunities may allow funding for:
- Business equipment
- Technology
- Marketing
- Inventory
- Expansion
- Training
- Business operations
- Hiring
- Other approved business expenses
Never assume an expense is covered until the grant provider confirms it.