If you are a veteran with a service-connected disability and want to start or expand a business, one of your biggest challenges may be finding enough money to turn your idea into a viable operation.

Perhaps you need $5,000 to purchase equipment, $20,000 to expand an existing business, or assistance developing a business plan because your disability makes returning to conventional employment difficult.

There are funding opportunities worth investigating, but you need to understand an important distinction before applying: not every program advertised as a veteran business grant actually gives money directly to veteran entrepreneurs.

Some programs offer competitive cash grants. Others provide business equipment, training, government contracting opportunities, franchise discounts, or loans that must be repaid.

There is also a difference between a grant for veterans generally and a program specifically designed for service-disabled veterans.

For example, a grant competition may welcome every qualified veteran business owner without requiring a disability rating.

In contrast, the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Veteran Readiness and Employment Self-Employment track is designed for qualifying veterans and service members whose service-connected disabilities create barriers to suitable employment.

Neither program should be described as guaranteed free startup money.

Another important consideration is timing. Veteran business grant competitions often operate in annual or quarterly cycles.

An organization may have awarded money earlier this year without accepting new applications today.

Below are 12 grant and funding opportunities worth researching, followed by additional government programs that may help you start or grow your business even though they are not conventional cash grants.

Important: Program information was reviewed. Application deadlines, award amounts, eligibility criteria, and funding availability may change.

Some programs listed below have completed their application cycles and are included because they have established funding histories and may offer future opportunities. Always review the latest official program rules before applying.

Veteran Business Grants and Competitions Accepting Applications or Offering Regular Funding Cycles

1. Hiring Our Heroes Small Business Grant Program

Grant amount: $10,000 – $25,000.

Application status: Applications are being accepted for the award cycle, with a deadline of December 15.

Hiring Our Heroes, an initiative of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, operates a Small Business Grant Program supporting qualifying veteran- and military spouse-owned businesses.

The program is supported by the FedEx Founder’s Fund and will provide funding to five selected businesses.

Four winners will receive $10,000 each, while one grand prize winner will receive $25,000.

Unlike some small business contests, this program is not intended exclusively for individuals launching their first business.

It focuses on existing businesses that have employees and can demonstrate an impact on their communities.

Who qualifies?

• Eligible veteran or military spouse business owners.
• Applicants who own at least 51% of the business.
• US-based, for-profit businesses.
• Businesses with 3 to 20 workers, including owners and applicable part-time employees and independent contractors.
• Businesses generating less than $5 million in annual revenue.
• Businesses located in economically vulnerable communities or able to demonstrate qualifying financial hardship.
• Applicants meeting the program’s US residency and other published requirements.

A service-connected disability is not a general requirement for this program, so eligible disabled veterans can apply alongside other qualifying veteran entrepreneurs.

How to apply: Visit the official Hiring Our Heroes Small Business Grant Program application page and complete the eligibility screening and required submission.

Applications for the program must be submitted by December 15 according to the program’s published rules.

What you should consider: If you are still developing a business idea and have not started operating, this is unlikely to be the best opportunity for you.

However, if you have an established business, employees, and a clear expansion plan, it is worth investigating.

2. Warrior Rising Business Showers

Published potential awards: $2,000 – $150,000, depending on the competition.

Application status: Warrior Rising operates an ongoing entrepreneurship development pathway, but its Business Shower grant competitions are selective and invitation-only.

Warrior Rising is a nonprofit organization that helps military-connected entrepreneurs develop and grow businesses.

Its programs include business training, coaching, networking, and opportunities to compete for funding. One of its better-known funding initiatives is called Business Showers.

Selected entrepreneurs pitch their businesses to panels of supporters and decision-makers for an opportunity to receive non-dilutive financial assistance.

Non-dilutive funding means an award does not require the entrepreneur to surrender an ownership stake in exchange for the money.

However, there is no guarantee that completing Warrior Rising’s training programs will result in a grant.

Who qualifies?

• Veterans and other eligible military-connected entrepreneurs.
• Military spouses and qualifying immediate family members.
• Entrepreneurs who complete the relevant Warrior Rising training requirements.
• Applicants selected through the organization’s competitive review process.

Warrior Rising’s programs are open to service-disabled veterans, but the Business Shower competitions are not exclusively disability-based grants.

How to apply: Begin with Warrior Rising’s entrepreneurship training pathway, which includes Warrior Academy and Warrior University.

Graduates who meet the relevant requirements may be considered for Business Shower opportunities.

What you should consider: Warrior Rising is particularly relevant if you want business training and are willing to develop a persuasive pitch before competing for funding.

Do not treat the upper end of its advertised award range as the amount you are likely to receive.

Available prizes and selection requirements depend on the particular event.

3. National Association for the Self-Employed Growth Grants

Grant amount: Up to $4,000.

Application status: Ongoing program with quarterly application reviews.

The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) offers Growth Grants to qualifying members who need financial assistance for specific business improvements.

This program is not exclusive to veterans, but NASE provides a veteran membership category, and eligible veteran entrepreneurs can participate.

The grants are intended to help existing businesses carry out identifiable growth activities.

For example, you might request funding to purchase software, acquire equipment, develop marketing materials, or obtain advanced business training.

Who qualifies?

• Eligible NASE members in good standing.
• Business owners with a specific, documented funding need.
• Applicants able to explain how the proposed expenditure will improve their business.

Annual, veteran, and gold members can apply immediately under the current membership rules. Monthly members generally become eligible after 90 days.

Grant money cannot be used to pay existing debt or ordinary rent and mortgage obligations.

How to apply: Join NASE under a qualifying membership category, complete the grant application, and explain the business need and intended use of funds.

Applications are reviewed quarterly.

What you should consider: NASE membership involves a cost, so do not join solely because you assume you will win a grant.

Evaluate the membership benefits independently and prepare a specific spending plan before applying.

4. VETCON Business Plan Competition

Cash prizes: $3,000 for first place, $2,000 for second place, and $1,000 for third place.

Application status: The competition is accepting entries through November 20.

The Veterans in Economic Transition Conference, commonly known as VETCON, organizes a business plan competition for aspiring and early-stage veteran entrepreneurs.

The competition gives selected participants an opportunity to present their business plans to judges and compete for cash awards.

Unlike programs requiring an established company with several employees, this competition allows certain pre-startup businesses to participate.

Who qualifies?

• Veteran entrepreneurs with a business idea or recently established business.
• Businesses in the pre-startup stage or operating for three years or less.
• Teams with meaningful veteran ownership and control.
• Applicants able to participate in the required competition presentation.

How to apply: Prepare the required executive summary describing your business idea, target market, competitive advantage, growth plan, and financial projections.

The organizer also requests information documenting military service and ownership. Submissions must be received by November 20.

What you should consider: VETCON is connected with a New York-based business conference, so investigate travel, attendance, and presentation arrangements before applying.

A service-connected disability is not required for the general business plan competition.

Recurring Veteran Grants With Completed Application Cycles

5. Farmer Veteran Coalition Fellowship Fund

Award amount: $1,000 – $5,000 in qualifying equipment or supplies.

Application status: The cycle has concluded. Monitor the next announced application period.

The Farmer Veteran Coalition offers a Fellowship Fund designed to help military veterans establish and grow agricultural businesses.

This program is particularly useful if you want to start or expand a farm, ranch, beekeeping operation, or another eligible agricultural enterprise.

Unlike a conventional cash grant, the Fellowship Fund generally pays approved third-party vendors for items selected by the recipient.

Examples of supported purchases include fencing, livestock, agricultural tools, feed, and other equipment used in farm operations.

Who qualifies?

• Eligible veterans and currently serving military personnel.
• Members of the Farmer Veteran Coalition.
• Applicants operating a qualifying agricultural business.
• Entrepreneurs able to provide a business plan and supporting information.
• Applicants meeting the organization’s military service documentation requirements.

The program primarily supports eligible for-profit agricultural businesses. Review the current rules regarding discharge characterizations, previous award recipients, and any additional restrictions.

How to apply: Join the Farmer Veteran Coalition, prepare your agricultural business plan, identify equipment or supplies that would improve your operation, and submit an application during the published period.

The awards will be announced in May following an application period that run from January to February.

What you should consider: This is one of the more relevant grant programs for veterans interested in agriculture, but it is not intended to provide unrestricted startup cash.

You should be prepared to explain why a specific purchase would improve the operation’s productivity, revenue, or long-term sustainability.

6. Founders First Kenneth B. and Stephen L. Tadlock Veteran Business Grant

Published award: $1,000 micro-grants and business development program access.

Application status: The application period closes on October 22.

Founders First CDC operates a grant initiative recognizing the contributions of military veterans and military spouse entrepreneurs.

The Kenneth B. and Stephen L. Tadlock Veteran Business Grant combines small cash awards with business development resources.

Its program offered $1,000 micro-grants and access to selected entrepreneurial education programs for finalists.

Who qualifies?

• Eligible US military veterans or military spouses.
• Owners, chief executives, or presidents of active US businesses.
• Businesses operating for at least one year.
• Businesses employing 2 to 100 people.
• Businesses with annual revenue not exceeding $5 million.

How to apply: Review the program’s official eligibility requirements and submit the required application when a new round is announced.

What you should consider: This program is more suitable for an operating business than an untested idea.

The round is already closed, and no future grant cycle should be assumed until Founders First announces one.

7. Veteran Shark Tank

Cash prize: $50,000 for the selected winner.

Application status: Applications for the competition will soon be closed.

Veteran Shark Tank is a business pitch competition in which selected veteran entrepreneurs present their businesses to a panel of judges.

The program is designed to recognize promising veteran-owned businesses and provide the winning entrepreneur with funding to support business growth.

Five finalists typically compete in a live pitch event.

The 2026 event is scheduled for December 7 in Philadelphia.

Who qualifies?

Eligibility depends on the current competition rules, including qualifying military service, veteran ownership, business stage, and submission requirements.

Applicants should review the official rules rather than assume that every veteran-owned company is eligible.

How to apply: Review Veteran Shark Tank’s application page for the next competition cycle and prepare a business pitch, financial information, and supporting documents.

What you should consider: The competition can provide substantial non-dilutive funding to one winning business, but the selection process is highly competitive.

It is not a general grant program that provides $50,000 to every qualified veteran applicant.

8. VetsinTech Startup Pitch Competition

Published first-place prize: Up to $25,000; the event advertised a $40,000 total prize pool.

Application status: The competition will be held in August. Watch for a future round.

VetsinTech supports military-connected entrepreneurs building technology businesses.

Its entrepreneurship programs include startup training, mentoring, investor introductions, networking, and an annual pitch competition.

The competition focuses on technology startups rather than conventional small businesses such as retail stores or local cleaning companies.

Who qualifies?

• Eligible veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs.
• Early-stage technology startups.
• Businesses meeting the competition’s ownership and other eligibility requirements.
• Founders able to demonstrate a market opportunity and present their startup to judges.

How to apply: Follow VetsinTech’s entrepreneurship announcements and prepare a startup pitch, business model, and evidence of market demand before the next application cycle.

What you should consider: If your business involves software, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, or another technology-related product, this competition may be worth monitoring.

However, it is not designed to finance every type of veteran-owned business.

9. Women Veterans Giving Small Business Award

Award amount: Up to $5,000.

Application status: The application period closes on July 31.

The Women Veterans Giving Small Business Award supports women veterans who have founded a business or nonprofit organization.

Its purpose is to help recognize and support women veteran entrepreneurs while creating opportunities for networking and business development.

The program is different from grants that require an existing employer business with a minimum number of employees.

Its published information included opportunities for women veterans developing or growing organizations at different stages.

Who qualifies?

• Women veterans meeting the award’s service and eligibility requirements.
• Founders of qualifying businesses or nonprofit organizations.
• Applicants meeting the current application and selection rules.

How to apply: Monitor announcements from Women Veterans Giving and prepare the required information about your organization and intended use of the award.

What you should consider: This is a specialized opportunity for women veteran founders, not a general grant for every disabled veteran.

The round will soon be concluded, so verify whether another cycle is announced before preparing an application.

Federal Grants That Eligible Veteran-Owned Businesses Can Compete For

The following opportunities are not reserved exclusively for veterans with disabilities.

However, qualifying veteran-owned businesses can apply when their projects meet the funding requirements.

10. USDA Value-Added Producer Grants

2026 maximum awards: Up to $50,000 for planning projects and $200,000 for working capital projects.

Application status: The fiscal year application window closed on April 22. Monitor future USDA funding notices.

The US Department of Agriculture’s Value-Added Producer Grant program helps qualifying agricultural producers increase the value of the products they grow or raise.

For example, a producer might seek assistance to develop a business plan, conduct a feasibility study, improve marketing, or establish an eligible value-added product operation.

Veteran farmers and ranchers can receive priority consideration under the program’s applicable rules.

However, veteran status alone does not make an applicant eligible for funding.

Who qualifies?

• Eligible agricultural producers.
• Qualifying farmer and rancher cooperatives.
• Eligible producer groups and producer-controlled ventures.
• Applicants proposing approved value-added agricultural activities.
• Businesses able to satisfy the funding and matching requirements.

For the next round, the program required a 1:1 match, meaning an applicant generally needed eligible matching contributions equal to the grant amount.

How to apply: Review the next USDA Value-Added Producer Grant notice and prepare the business, financial, and supporting documents required for your project.

What you should consider: This is a strong opportunity to investigate if you already operate an agricultural business and want to expand into qualifying value-added products.

It is not a general-purpose grant for purchasing a farm or starting any type of small business.

11. Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program

Funding amount: Varies by agency, research phase, and funding announcement.

Program status: Reauthorized in April through September 30. Individual funding opportunities have their own application dates.

The Small Business Innovation Research program provides competitive federal funding for eligible small businesses carrying out research and development.

It is particularly relevant to entrepreneurs developing technologies that address specific scientific, engineering, healthcare, defense, agricultural, energy, or other federal research priorities.

For example, a veteran-owned technology startup developing a qualifying medical device or industrial innovation might investigate whether a relevant federal agency is accepting proposals.

The program typically operates through phases. Phase I generally supports early technical feasibility research, while Phase II provides funding for further research and development.

Who qualifies?

• Eligible US for-profit small businesses.
• Companies meeting applicable ownership, control, and size requirements.
• Applicants proposing research that matches an agency’s published funding topic.
• Businesses able to meet the technical and administrative requirements of the specific announcement.

A veteran or service-connected disability designation does not automatically provide eligibility or a grant preference.

How to apply: Identify an appropriate federal agency and a current SBIR funding announcement, then prepare a research proposal, technical plan, budget, and commercialization strategy.

The SBIR and STTR programs were reauthorized on April 13 following an interruption in authority that began in October.

However, reauthorization does not mean every federal agency has an open solicitation at the same time.

What you should consider: SBIR funding is not intended for routine business expenses such as opening a general retail store or purchasing ordinary office furniture.

Your proposal must address an eligible research and development objective.

12. Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Program

Funding amount: Varies by federal agency, project phase, and solicitation.

Program status: Reauthorized through September 30, with individual opportunities published by participating federal agencies.

The Small Business Technology Transfer program is another federal research funding opportunity available to qualifying small businesses.

It has similarities to SBIR but places greater emphasis on collaboration between businesses and eligible research institutions.

For example, a veteran-owned medical technology company might collaborate with a university research team to develop a product that addresses an eligible federal research topic.

Who qualifies?

• Eligible US small businesses meeting the program’s size and ownership requirements.
• Businesses collaborating with a qualifying nonprofit research institution.
• Applicants proposing eligible research and development activities.
• Organizations meeting the specific work-sharing and research requirements of the relevant announcement.

How to apply: Identify a participating federal agency with a suitable STTR opportunity, develop the required research partnership, and submit the proposal through the applicable application process.

What you should consider: STTR is particularly relevant when your business idea depends on scientific or technical research that benefits from collaboration with an established research institution.

It is not a general startup grant for every veteran entrepreneur.

Disabled Veteran Business Grant Comparison Table

The following table summarizes the 12 funding opportunities, eligibility considerations, and application status as of November 5, 2026.

Important: The amounts shown are maximums, prize ranges, or program-specific figures, not guaranteed payments.

Most funding is highly competitive, and a program’s continued existence does not mean applications are currently open.

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Service-Disabled Veteran Business Owners

Some of the most useful resources for veterans with disabilities do not operate as conventional cash grant programs.

They can still help you establish a business, qualify for government contracts, obtain training, or reduce your startup costs.

VA Veteran Readiness and Employment Self-Employment Track

If you have a service-connected disability that makes it difficult to prepare for, obtain, or maintain suitable employment, the VA’s Veteran Readiness and Employment program may be particularly relevant.

The VR&E Self-Employment track helps qualifying veterans and service members investigate business ownership as an employment option.

Support may include:

• Assistance developing a proposed business plan.
• Evaluation of a business concept.
• Training in business management, marketing, and financial operations.
• Guidance identifying resources needed to implement the approved business plan.
• Other assistance authorized under an individual’s approved rehabilitation plan.

Who qualifies? Applicants generally must have a qualifying service-connected disability, an employment barrier, and eligibility for VR&E services.

They must also work with a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, who assesses whether self-employment is a suitable rehabilitation goal.

How to apply: Apply for VA VR&E benefits, complete the eligibility and evaluation process, and discuss the Self-Employment track with your assigned counselor.

Be prepared to present a business concept, explain how your disability affects your employment options, and participate in the business planning process.

Important: This is not a program where every veteran with a disability rating automatically receives money to start a business.

The type and level of support depend on individual eligibility, the approved rehabilitation plan, and applicable VA requirements.

SBA Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Program

The Small Business Administration administers the Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business program, commonly abbreviated SDVOSB.

This program is designed to help eligible service-disabled veteran-owned businesses compete for certain federal contracting opportunities.

It is particularly relevant to companies providing products or services purchased by federal agencies.

The federal government has a goal of awarding at least 5% of federal contracting dollars to service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses.

However, the program does not automatically award contracts, and certification is not a grant.

Basic eligibility considerations include:

• The company must meet the applicable small business size standard.
• At least 51% of the business must be owned and controlled by qualifying service-disabled veterans.
• The business must satisfy the applicable SBA ownership, control, and eligibility requirements.
• The company must complete the required SBA certification process to pursue the relevant set-aside opportunities.

SBA’s VetCert program is responsible for federal veteran-owned small business certification.

The certification function was transferred from the Department of Veterans Affairs to SBA in January 2023.

How to apply: Prepare the required business ownership documents, confirm eligibility, and complete the SBA VetCert certification process.

After certification, investigate relevant federal procurement opportunities and develop the capabilities needed to compete successfully.

SBA Veterans Business Outreach Centers

Veterans Business Outreach Centers, or VBOCs, help military-connected entrepreneurs start and grow small businesses.

These centers offer training, counseling, business planning assistance, and referrals to other resources.

For example, a veteran developing a cleaning company may receive help evaluating startup expenses, preparing financial projections, and understanding financing options.

However, the center itself is not a general cash grant program for individual business owners.

How to apply: Contact the Veterans Business Outreach Center serving your area and request assistance with your business plan and financing strategy.

Ask whether the center is aware of relevant state, local, nonprofit, or private grant competitions.

Boots to Business and Service-Disabled Veteran Entrepreneurship Training

Boots to Business is an entrepreneurial training initiative offered through SBA and its partners.

The program helps eligible participants understand business ownership, market research, business planning, financing, and startup procedures.

SBA also supports specialized entrepreneurship training organizations serving service-disabled veterans.

These resources may help you prepare for a grant application or determine whether business ownership is financially practical.

However, funding awarded by SBA to organizations delivering these programs should not be confused with a direct cash grant to every veteran attending the training.

VetFran Franchise Discounts

VetFran is an International Franchise Association initiative encouraging participating franchisors to provide benefits to eligible military veterans.

Participating brands offer qualifying veterans discounts on initial franchise fees and may provide other incentives. However, a franchise discount is not the same as receiving a cash grant.

For example, if a franchisor offers a reduced initial franchise fee, you still need to finance the remaining startup investment, equipment, leasehold improvements, and working capital.

Before purchasing any franchise, review the current Franchise Disclosure Document and investigate its costs and operating requirements.

Which Funding Option Should You Investigate First?

Rather than applying randomly to every opportunity, narrow your search according to your disability-related needs, business stage, and industry.

How to Apply for a Small Business Grant as a Disabled Veteran

A strong application starts with selecting a program whose eligibility rules actually match your circumstances.

1. Determine Whether the Program Requires a Disability Rating

Some opportunities are open to qualifying veterans generally, regardless of whether they have a service-connected disability.

Others, such as VA VR&E support, have specific disability and employment-related eligibility requirements.

Do not assume that disability status automatically improves your chances in every veteran business grant competition.

2. Prepare Your Military Service Documentation

A grant application may request documentation establishing military service or veteran status.

Depending on the program, this may include a DD Form 214 or another accepted form of service verification.

If a program specifically requires a service-connected disability, you may also need appropriate VA documentation.

Submit sensitive personal records only through legitimate and secure channels identified by the program administrator.

3. Develop a Practical Business Plan

Grant reviewers need to understand the business you intend to operate and how the requested funding would improve it.

Your plan should explain the products or services you sell, target customers, competition, operating expenses, and expected revenue.

For an existing business, include information about performance and the specific improvements you intend to make.

If you need help preparing the document, review this guide on how to write a business plan.

4. Explain Exactly How You Will Use the Money

Generic statements such as “I need money to grow my business” are rarely as persuasive as a detailed budget.

For example, a small business requesting $4,000 could present an illustrative spending plan like this:

• $1,800 for a necessary piece of equipment.
• $900 for eligible software or technology.
• $800 for an approved marketing project.
• $500 for relevant employee training.

These amounts are only an example. Your proposed expenses must match the grant’s permitted uses and should be supported by reasonable cost estimates.

5. Demonstrate the Commercial Benefit

Explain how the funding will help your business solve a problem or pursue a realistic opportunity.

For example, purchasing equipment might allow you to complete more customer orders, improve product quality, or reduce a measurable operating expense.

Providing a clear business reason for each expense is usually stronger than relying entirely on a personal narrative.

6. Submit Before the Deadline

Grant programs may have strict deadlines, required attachments, ownership rules, and specific application procedures.

Review the instructions before beginning and allow enough time to prepare the necessary documents.

Do not assume that an organization will accept incomplete applications or extend its deadline.

7. Monitor the Application Through Official Channels

After submitting, retain your confirmation details and monitor the official application portal or email account used for the submission.

If the program publishes an application review timeline, use that information to determine when follow-up may be appropriate.

Avoid sending sensitive documents to unverified contacts who claim they can influence the selection process.

How to Avoid Veteran Business Grant Scams

Veterans seeking startup funding can encounter misleading advertisements that promise guaranteed government grants.

Be cautious when an organization claims that you are automatically entitled to money simply because you served in the military or have a VA disability rating.

Watch for the following warning signs:

• Promises of guaranteed grant approval.
• Requests for large upfront payments to release an award.
• Pressure to provide sensitive personal or financial information through unverified websites.
• Advertisements describing ordinary business loans as free government grants.
• Claims that you must hire a particular consultant to access a public grant.
• Requests to pay taxes or administrative charges through gift cards, cryptocurrency, or personal payment accounts.
• Programs with no identifiable administrator, published rules, or recent award history.

Some legitimate grant programs may involve association membership fees or ordinary competition expenses. For example, NASE requires qualifying membership.

However, payment should never be treated as proof that a grant will be awarded.

Always verify the administrator, eligibility requirements, and payment procedures before applying.