Veteran-Owned Business Grants in 2026: Where to Find Funding and How to Apply

Grants for Veteran Entrepreneurs Are Real — and Underutilized

Business grants — unlike loans — do not require repayment. For veteran entrepreneurs, a meaningful ecosystem of grant programs exists specifically to fund veteran-owned business startups and expansions. These programs range from federal government initiatives to state-level economic development grants to private foundation and corporate programs. The challenge is finding current, active programs — grant availability changes as funding cycles open and close. This guide covers the most durable sources and how to approach the application process effectively.

Federal Grant Programs for Veteran Entrepreneurs

Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR)

SBIR and STTR are the largest sources of federal grant funding for small businesses — over $4 billion annually across federal agencies. These programs provide grants for research and development of innovative technologies and products. Veterans are not given separate set-asides within SBIR/STTR, but veteran-owned businesses compete on the same basis as all small businesses. For veterans with technical backgrounds or businesses in technology, defense, healthcare, or energy, SBIR/STTR grants of $300,000 to $2 million are achievable.

Apply through sbir.gov — the central portal for all federal agency SBIR/STTR solicitations.

USDA Rural Business Development Grants

For veteran entrepreneurs in rural areas, the USDA Rural Business Development Grant program provides technical assistance and training grants to rural small businesses through intermediary organizations. While not exclusively for veterans, veteran-owned businesses in eligible rural areas may qualify. Apply through your state’s USDA Rural Development office.

State-Level Veteran Business Grant Programs

Many states operate their own veteran entrepreneur grant programs through their departments of veterans affairs or economic development agencies. Program availability and amounts vary significantly by state and by annual funding cycles. Representative programs:

• New York: The New York State Division of Veterans’ Services operates grant programs for veteran entrepreneurs including startup funding and technical assistance grants
• California: CalVet and the California Office of the Small Business Advocate maintain resources and some grant programs for veteran business owners
• Texas: The Texas Veterans Commission and Texas Economic Development Corporation have historically offered veteran entrepreneur support programs
• Virginia: The Virginia Department of Veterans Services maintains connections to state economic development grant programs for veteran-owned businesses

Search your state’s veterans affairs website and economic development agency website for current programs. Grant programs open and close on funding cycles — checking annually ensures you do not miss a current opportunity.

Private Foundation and Corporate Grant Programs

Hivers and Strivers

Hivers and Strivers is an angel investment group focused specifically on veteran-founded startups. While technically equity investment rather than grants, their support frequently includes non-dilutive grant components and connections to grant resources. Relevant for veteran entrepreneurs seeking early-stage startup capital.

StreetShares Foundation Veteran Small Business Award

StreetShares Foundation operates the Veteran Small Business Award — a grant competition providing $15,000 to $4,000 in grants to veteran-owned small businesses. The competition runs annually with periodic application windows. Apply at streetsharesfoundation.org.

FedEx Small Business Grant Contest

The annual FedEx Small Business Grant Contest awards grants of $50,000 to select small businesses. While not veteran-specific, veteran-owned businesses are encouraged to apply and veteran ownership is a compelling story element. Applications open annually — check fedex.com/smallbusiness for current cycles.

Amber Grants for Women Veterans

The WomensNet Amber Grant provides monthly $10,000 grants and an annual $25,000 grant to women-owned businesses. Women veterans qualify and represent a compelling application category. Apply at ambergrantsforwomen.com.

NASE Growth Grants

The National Association for the Self-Employed provides Growth Grants of up to $4,000 to member businesses for specific business development purposes. Veteran membership in NASE and strong grant applications have historically received funding. Details at nase.org.

SBA Programs That Support Veteran Business Funding

The SBA does not directly administer grant programs for veteran businesses (with the exception of SBIR/STTR), but several SBA-affiliated programs provide resources that support grant competitiveness:

• Veteran Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs): Free business development assistance including grant identification and application support. The VBOC can identify currently active grant programs specific to your state and industry.
• SCORE mentors: Free mentoring from retired business executives who can help develop grant-ready business plans and identify appropriate programs.
• Women’s Business Centers: For women veterans, WBCs provide grant application assistance and connections to women-veteran-specific funding opportunities.

How to Write a Competitive Grant Application

Grant applications are competitive — the quality of your application matters as much as your eligibility. Key elements of a competitive grant application:

• Clear mission alignment: Connect your business to the grant program’s stated mission. A technology grant to a veteran-owned cybersecurity firm should explicitly connect the veteran’s military technical experience to the innovation being funded.
• Specific use of funds: “General operating expenses” is weak. “Purchase of specific equipment to fulfill a contracted order and hire two employees” is strong. Be specific about exactly how grant funds will be used and what outcomes will result.
• Demonstrated impact: Grants fund impact, not just operations. Quantify the jobs created, revenue generated, community served, or problem solved by your business with grant support.
• Narrative that includes veteran service: Your military service, the skills and values it developed, and how those translate to your business differentiate your application. Tell the story — do not just check the veteran-owned box.
• Strong financial projections: Grant reviewers want to see that funds will be used effectively. Realistic, well-supported financial projections demonstrate business acumen.

Grants vs Loans: When Each Makes Sense

Grants are ideal for startup costs, equipment purchases, and specific project expenses where the use of funds aligns with the grant program’s mission. They are difficult to obtain for general working capital, are highly competitive, and require significant application effort. SBA loans — particularly with Veterans Advantage fee reductions — are more reliable and accessible for ongoing business capital needs. The best-funded veteran businesses typically use grants for specific one-time investments and loans for working capital and growth.

Bottom Line

Veteran business grants exist at federal, state, and private levels — but they require active research, strong applications, and persistent effort to obtain. Start with your nearest Veteran Business Outreach Center, which maintains current knowledge of active programs and provides free application assistance. SBIR/STTR offers the largest individual grant amounts for eligible technology businesses. State programs vary widely and change annually — check your state veterans affairs website each year. The veteran-owned business narrative is a genuine competitive advantage in grant competitions when developed thoughtfully in the application.