grants for veteran business owners.
December 2025 marks a crucial planning and funding period for veteran-owned small businesses (VOSBs). Recognizing the unique skills, discipline, and leadership that veterans bring to the business world, foundations, non-profits, and private companies have created dedicated grant programs to boost their ventures.
If you are a veteran or military spouse searching for grants for veteran owned small businesses 2026 or military spouse entrepreneur grants, this list provides highly targeted, actionable funding opportunities. Many of these programs are not widely advertised and have final deadlines approaching quickly as the year draws to a close. Do not let your service-disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) miss out on this capital.
1. Hiring Our Heroes Small Business Grant Program
Deadline: December 15, 2025
This is one of the most significant and immediate opportunities available this month. Hiring Our Heroes (HOH), an initiative of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, offers substantial cash grants to veteran and military spouse owned businesses.
The program aims to support businesses that are poised for growth and need capital for expansion, equipment, or hiring. Awards typically include four grants of $10,000 each, plus a substantial $25,000 grand prize. This is a competition with a clear deadline and a large prize pool.
Application Strategy: The grant prioritizes businesses that can demonstrate financial need and a clear plan for job creation within the military community. If you plan to hire other veterans or spouses, make that the centerpiece of your application.
2. The Military Entrepreneur Challenge (MEC)
Deadline: Rolling (Monthly Speed Coaching Sessions)
Hosted by the Second Service Foundation (formerly StreetShares Foundation), the Military Entrepreneur Challenge is a recurring grant program that leverages a pitch contest format.
The process involves attending a mandatory “speed coaching” session, which gives you direct feedback on your business plan. Finalists are invited to deliver a live pitch, with prize money determined by the event. While the final award amount varies, the value of the coaching and mentorship far exceeds the cash prize. This is perfect for businesses that have a clear, exciting vision but need refinement.
Application Strategy: Focus on your “military transferrable skills.” Did your time in the service teach you logistics? Disaster management? Project leadership? Translate those skills directly into how you run your business. The judges are fellow veterans who understand that unique resume.
3. Warrior Rising Veteran Grant Program
Deadline: Rolling (Four-Step Program Entry)
Warrior Rising is a full-service non-profit focused on creating “vetrepreneurs.” Unlike grants that are just cash prizes, Warrior Rising provides a comprehensive four-step business development program that includes training, coaching, and mentoring.
Veterans who successfully complete the program’s early stages are given the opportunity to compete for a startup business grant. The structure is designed to filter out casual applicants, meaning those who reach the funding stage face significantly less competition. It is a long-term investment, not a quick application.
Application Strategy: Do not apply just for the money. Apply for the training. Your essay should emphasize that you want to learn, grow, and be held accountable by their team.
4. The Farmer Veteran Fellowship Fund
Deadline: Opens January 2026 (Prepare Now)
While the application portal for the Farmer Veteran Coalition’s Fellowship Fund typically opens in January, the next few weeks are critical for preparation. This grant is designed to support veterans in the early stages of farming or ranching businesses.
The awards can be used for things like purchasing livestock, seeds, equipment, or repairing infrastructure. The mission is to connect a new generation of veterans to agriculture.
Application Strategy: Membership in the Farmer Veteran Coalition is typically required. Use December to become a member and finalize your business plan and budget. Farming grants are extremely detail-oriented; they want to know exactly how many acres you will plant or how many head of cattle you will purchase.
5. NASE Growth Grants (for Veteran Members)
Deadline: Applications reviewed Quarterly (January, April, July, October)
The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) offers Growth Grants of up to $4,000 to its members. While this is not exclusively for veterans, the NASE strongly supports entrepreneurial training for military communities.
The crucial deadline here is the January review cycle. You must have your application completed and submitted before the New Year to be considered in the first quarter of 2026. The funds can be used for almost any business growth need: marketing, new equipment, or training.
Application Strategy: Since the grant is only $4,000, ask for a specific, measurable item. For example, “We need exactly $3,800 to purchase the new industrial 3D printer that will allow us to prototype 50% faster.”
6. Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Procurement Program
Deadline: Ongoing (Certification Required)
This is not a traditional grant, but it is far more lucrative. The federal government aims to award at least 3% of all federal contracting dollars to SDVOSBs. This means that if you are a certified SDVOSB, you have exclusive access to billions of dollars in contracts.
The grant is the access itself. The money comes from contracts that are specifically set aside for businesses like yours. Your goal should be to get certified by the Small Business Administration (SBA).
Application Strategy: Focus on the certification process now. This requires extensive documentation related to service-disability and business control. Once certified, your business instantly becomes eligible for federal contracts that your non-veteran competitors cannot touch.
The Power of the Veteran Narrative
When applying for these programs, your narrative is your greatest asset.
Highlight the “Mission” Mindset.
Corporate and non-profit judges are deeply impressed by the dedication of veterans. Frame your business not just as a way to make money, but as a mission to solve a specific problem in your industry.
Show Your Discipline.
Grants often require detailed financial projections and structured plans. Use your military experience to show that you are uniquely capable of adhering to a strict schedule and managing complex projects.
Utilize the Support System.
The SBA has Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs) nationwide. These centers are funded by the grants listed above to help you write your business plan and apply for funding. Utilize this free resource to maximize your chances of securing capital before 2026. https://job.gterahub.com/corporate-grants/