Veteran Business Grant Programs Overview
The US has more dedicated support infrastructure for veteran entrepreneurs than almost any other demographic group. Federal programs through the SBA and VA, private foundations funded by large corporations, and state-level veteran business offices all run active programs. The challenge is knowing which ones are accepting applications and which ones you meet the eligibility requirements for.
Most veteran business programs define eligibility as honorably discharged veterans, active duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and their spouses or surviving spouses. SDVOSB (Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business) programs add an additional layer for veterans with service-connected disabilities.
Federal Programs for Veteran-Owned Businesses
SBA Boots to Business
The SBA's Boots to Business program provides entrepreneurship training and a direct pathway into SBA resources for transitioning service members and veterans. While it's primarily an education program, participants get priority access to SBA microloan programs, SBDC business advisors, and connections to veteran-specific grant opportunities. The program is offered on military installations and online — free for veterans and their spouses.
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Program
SDVOSB certification through the VA gives service-disabled veteran business owners access to federal sole-source contracting set-asides — contracts awarded without competitive bidding up to $4.5M for services. This is one of the most valuable programs available to veteran entrepreneurs. Certification is free through the VA's Vendor Information Pages (VIP) system. Veterans with any service-connected disability rating qualify.
Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) Federal Contracting
Even without a service-connected disability, veteran-owned businesses can pursue VOSB set-aside contracts through the VA. VOSB certification is also free through the VA and provides access to a substantial pool of federal contracts reserved specifically for veteran entrepreneurs. Both VOSB and SDVOSB work best for businesses that can serve government agencies — construction, IT, professional services, logistics, and healthcare.
Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs)
The SBA funds 22 Veterans Business Outreach Centers across the US that provide free business training, mentoring, and direct referrals to grant programs for veteran entrepreneurs. VBOCs are the fastest way to find active veteran-specific grant programs in your state — they track program calendars and can tell you exactly what's open right now. Find your nearest VBOC at sba.gov/vboc.
Private and Corporate Grant Programs
Hivers and Strivers
Hivers and Strivers is an angel investment group focused exclusively on businesses founded by graduates of US military academies. They invest in early-stage companies and have provided over $20M to veteran-founded businesses. If you're a service academy graduate with a scalable business, this is one of the strongest veteran-focused funding sources available.
StreetShares Foundation Veteran Small Business Award
The StreetShares Foundation awards grants to veteran and military family small business owners. Their annual grant competition has awarded over $1M to veteran entrepreneurs. Awards typically range from $4,000 to $15,000. The application is straightforward and open to all honorably discharged veterans and active military members with a business.
V-WISE — Veteran Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship
V-WISE is an SBA-funded program run through Syracuse University specifically for women veterans and women military spouses. It includes a 3-day conference, 15 weeks of online training, and mentoring. Graduates get priority access to grant programs and an active alumni network. If you're a woman veteran or military spouse, V-WISE is one of the highest-value programs available.
Bunker Labs
Bunker Labs is a national nonprofit that supports veteran entrepreneurs through its CEOcircle mentorship program, Launch Lab Online, and connections to capital including grants. Their national network connects veteran founders to investors, corporate partners, and grant programs. Free to join and actively manages relationships with grant-funding corporate partners.
State-Level Veteran Business Programs
Every state has some form of veteran business support. The strongest programs include:
- Texas Veterans Commission — Business loans and some grant programs specifically for Texas veteran business owners
- California Department of Veterans Affairs — CalVet provides business development resources and grant referrals for California veterans
- New York State Division of Veterans Services — Active grant matching and MWBE-equivalent certification for veteran-owned businesses
- Florida Department of Veterans Affairs — Business development programs and connections to state contracting opportunities
- Illinois Veterans Business Program — State contracting preferences and access to state-administered federal grant passthrough programs
Contact your state's Veterans Affairs office directly — most have a dedicated small business or entrepreneurship coordinator who tracks active grant programs and can advise on state-specific certification requirements.
Getting the Most From Veteran Business Certifications
The certifications that open the most doors for veteran entrepreneurs are:
- VOSB — VA certification, free, opens federal VA contracting set-asides
- SDVOSB — VA certification for service-disabled veterans, free, highest-priority federal contracting access
- NaVOBA CVE — Private-sector veteran business certification through the National Veteran-Owned Business Association, accepted by major corporations
- State veteran business certification — Varies by state, often required for state contracting preferences and some grant programs
Need Capital Before a Grant Comes Through?
Most veteran grant programs run on annual or quarterly cycles with review periods of weeks to months. If your business needs capital now for equipment, inventory, hiring, or growth, working capital financing can bridge the gap while you pursue grants in parallel.
Revenue-based financing qualifies based on your monthly business revenue, not your credit score or military status, and can fund in 24–72 hours. Many veteran business owners use it as a bridge while pursuing longer-timeline grant programs. Our free assessment takes 2 minutes and shows you what you qualify for based on your actual business profile.
See What Funding You Qualify For