Veteran Entrepreneurs ONLY: Grants, Resources, and Legislative Innovation

Presented by National Invest In Veterans Week®

Veterans are uniquely positioned to drive innovation and leadership in business, yet they often face systemic barriers that hinder their entrepreneurial success. National Invest In Veterans Week® is committed to eliminating these obstacles by providing comprehensive resources, actionable insights, and innovative legislative proposals to support veteran entrepreneurs.

This guide combines practical information on small-business grants and financing with a strategic overview of the Invest in Veterans Stimulus Act, a transformative legislative initiative to promote veteran entrepreneurship.

Why Pursue Veteran Business Grants?

Grants are powerful tools for veteran-owned businesses. Unlike loans, they provide free funding, reducing financial strain and allowing entrepreneurs to focus on innovation and growth. These resources are designed to:

• Provide financial relief by covering costs such as equipment, marketing, and hiring.

• Foster economic equity by addressing systemic barriers to funding.

• Catalyze growth and innovation through industry-specific opportunities.

Comprehensive Grant Opportunities for Veterans

Top 15 Small-Business Grants for Veterans

1. The Second Service Foundation

• Mission: Supports veterans and their spouses through the Military Entrepreneur Challenge.

• Tactics: Complete coaching sessions and submit a proposal for audience-voted prizes.

2. Warrior Rising

• Mission: Provides grants to "vetrepreneurs" who complete rigorous training and mentorship programs.

3. Hiring Our Heroes’ Small Business Grant Program

• Funding: $10,000 grants for businesses with 3–20 employees.

• Deadline: February 15, 2025.

4. Farmer Veteran Fellowship Fund

• Target: Veterans in agriculture.

• Membership: Requires Farmer Veteran Coalition enrollment.

• Deadline: February 14, 2025.

5. Feed the Soul Foundation’s Restaurant Program

• Funding: $10,000 grants and six months of expert consultation.

• Application Window: February 1 – April 15, 2025.

6. Texas Woman’s University Veteran Woman Entrepreneur Grant

• Funding: $5,000 for women veterans in Texas.

• Deadline: January 21 – February 21, 2025.

7. Michigan Veteran Entrepreneur-Lab

• Opportunity: Eight-week training ending in a pitch competition with grant awards.

• Cohort Start: March 2025.

8. NASE Growth Grants

• Funding: $4,000 quarterly grants for veteran members.

9. SBIR/STTR Programs

• Focus: Research and commercialization grants for tech-driven businesses.

10. Veteran Shark Tank

• Prize: $50,000 for the best business pitch.

11. Stephen L. Tadlock Veteran Grant

• Funding: $1,000 micro-grants awarded to 25 veteran-owned businesses annually.

12. FedEx Small Business Grant Contest

• Funding: $20,000–$50,000 for businesses with fewer than 99 employees.

13. Venmo Small Business Grant

• Funding: $20,000 for businesses with fewer than 10 employees.

14. eBay Up & Running Grants

• Funding: $10,000 awarded to 50 eBay sellers annually.

15. Grants.gov

• Access: Explore over 1,000 federal grants tailored to small businesses, including veteran-owned entities.

The Invest in Veterans Stimulus Act

Objective: Eliminate systemic barriers faced by veteran entrepreneurs by providing financial incentives, mentorship, and streamlined resources. This Act builds on research from the 2017 and 2018 Jacksonville Vetrepreneur Summits, which identified two primary challenges:

1. Lack of access to capital.

2. Desire for networking and mentorship opportunities.

Key Features of the Act

1. Financial Incentives

   • Startup Tax Credits: $15,000 for businesses in emerging industries.

   • Low-Interest SBA Loans: 2% interest rate reduction for veteran-owned businesses.

   • Hiring Incentives: $6,000 tax breaks per veteran hired.

2. Mentorship and Training

   • Veteran Entrepreneur Mentorship Network: Connects veterans with industry leaders.

   • Boots to Business Expansion: Specialized tracks in AI, renewable energy, and cybersecurity.

3. Public-Private Partnerships

   • Innovation Stimulus Grants: $300 million annually to foster corporate collaboration with veteran businesses.

   • Corporate Engagement Tax Credits: Incentives for corporations supporting veteran-led startups.

4. Streamlined Federal Contracting

   • Priority Access: Reserves 12% of federal contracts for veteran-owned businesses in critical sectors.

5. Digital and Physical Support

   • Veteran Business Development Centers: Hybrid hubs for training and grant support.

   • Virtual Support Platform: A centralized hub for funding, mentorship, and collaboration.

Additional Resources for Veterans

• Veteran Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs): SBA-funded centers providing mentorship, workshops, and counseling.

• Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF): Free business training and mentorship based at Syracuse University.

• VetFran: Discounts on franchise opportunities for veterans.

• Veteran Institute for Procurement (VIP): Free training to help veterans secure government contracts.

Strategic Outcomes by 2030

• 25% Increase in veteran-owned businesses.

• 1.5 Million New Jobs created.

• Economic Equity: Expanded opportunities for underserved veteran groups, including women and minorities.

• Global Competitiveness: Strengthened U.S. leadership in critical industries like AI and green technology.

Final Call to Action

Veterans are vital to the nation’s economic future. Through grants, innovative legislation like the Invest in Veterans Stimulus Act, and tailored mentorship, they can thrive as entrepreneurs and leaders.

Are you ready to deploy your vision? Begin your journey today with resources from National Invest In Veterans Week®.

Dr. Brian Babin’s Endorsement Powers National Invest In Veterans Week and Aviation’s Role in Empowering Heroes

“This week is National Invest in Veterans Week, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every veteran who has fought for our country. 🇺🇸” – These profound words from Dr. Brian Babin, Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics, delivered in 2020, remain a powerful reminder of the importance of honoring our nation’s veterans. His statement stands as both a tribute to their sacrifices and a challenge to create meaningful opportunities that amplify their potential as leaders and innovators.

Dr. Babin’s Endorsement: A Call to Action

Dr. Babin’s heartfelt acknowledgment of National Invest In Veterans Week underscores the vital role veterans play in shaping our nation’s future. His message inspires action to elevate their contributions, particularly in industries such as aviation and aerospace, where their skills, discipline, and leadership can address critical workforce gaps and drive innovation.

Elevating National Invest In Veterans Week Through Aviation

This year, National Invest In Veterans Week is proudly featured on the Future Aviation/Aerospace Workforce News Calendar, amplifying its mission to connect veterans with transformative opportunities. With workforce shortages across aviation and aerospace, veterans are uniquely positioned to thrive in roles such as air traffic control, aviation maintenance, unmanned systems, and commercial space exploration.

Veterans like Angel Shuford, a decorated Air Traffic Controller and remote pilot, and Kevin D. Shoun, a retired First Sergeant with extensive aviation expertise, exemplify the seamless transition from military service to impactful civilian careers. Their leadership within National Invest In Veterans Week ensures transitioning service members are equipped with the tools, training, and networks they need to succeed in these high-demand fields.

Dr. Babin’s Vision in Action

Dr. Babin’s 2020 endorsement was not just a message of gratitude—it was a vision for a nation that invests in its heroes. His support of National Invest In Veterans Week reflects the importance of initiatives that foster real change, bridging the gap between military service and civilian success. With its inclusion in the Aviation/Aerospace Workforce Calendar, the week is now a cornerstone of efforts to empower veterans through careers in aviation, aerospace, and beyond.

Join the Movement

Dr. Babin’s timeless words and leadership serve as a rallying cry for continued support of veteran empowerment. Through aviation, innovation, and community-driven initiatives, we can honor our veterans while building a brighter future for all.

Explore how you can participate:

• Aviation Events and Initiatives: Future Aviation/Aerospace Workforce News Calendar

• From the Desk of Angel Shuford: Honoring Growth and Innovation

Dr. Babin’s 2020 statement reminds us that supporting veterans is a responsibility we all share. Together, through bold action and initiatives like National Invest In Veterans Week, we can ensure every veteran finds a path to success while continuing to lead with strength, vision, and innovation.