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®.

House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast: Promoting Investment in Veterans

On March 6, 2024, during National Invest in Veterans Week®, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast shared a compelling blog post titled "Invest in America, Invest in Veterans." His message underscored the deep commitment our nation owes to its veterans and the crucial need to invest in their futures. Mast’s advocacy highlighted how veterans’ sacrifices on the battlefield translate into a call for us to create opportunities for them to thrive in civilian life, particularly in entrepreneurship.

A National Call to Action

Chairman Mast’s blog post reflected the spirit of National Invest in Veterans Week®, emphasizing the bond between our nation and the veterans who have dedicated their lives to its safety and security. He stated:

“Serving our nation is an investment that men and women in uniform make not only for their own future but for the well-being of our country as well.”

This powerful statement highlighted the shared responsibility we all have to ensure that veterans have access to resources, opportunities, and support systems as they transition to civilian life.

Promoting Legislation That Empowers Veterans

A key focus of Chairman Mast’s post was the unanimous passage of the Service-Disabled Veteran Opportunities in Small Business Act in the House of Representatives. This transformative legislation provides federal guidance to help service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses succeed, empowering veterans to contribute to their communities and the economy.

Mast passionately remarked:

“This significant legislation mandates that the federal government issue guidance aimed at helping service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses. By doing so, this bill will help create opportunities for veterans to establish and grow new businesses – once again giving back to their communities and our country.”

This act aligns perfectly with the mission of National Invest in Veterans Week®, demonstrating how federal initiatives can create tangible benefits for veterans pursuing entrepreneurship.

The Legacy of the Jacksonville Vetrepreneur Summit

Chairman Mast’s advocacy resonates strongly with the groundbreaking work of Jeff Shuford, co-founder of National Invest in Veterans Week®, who established the Jacksonville Vetrepreneur Summit in 2017. This summit, now in its ninth year, has become a cornerstone for supporting veterans in their entrepreneurial endeavors, connecting them with resources, mentorship, and funding opportunities.

Though Shuford’s direct involvement ended after the first two summits, his influence continues to shape the event’s impact. The summit embodies Mast’s vision of providing veterans with the tools they need to lead successful businesses, transforming their military expertise into entrepreneurial innovation.

Learn More About the Jacksonville Vetrepreneur Summit

Jeff Shuford: Championing Vetrepreneurs

Jeff Shuford’s work parallels Chairman Mast’s call to action, reinforcing the importance of empowering veterans. As a nationally recognized leader in veteran entrepreneurship, Shuford has made significant contributions through initiatives like Tech From Vets and the creation of π Domains, which provide digital tools for veteran-owned businesses.

Shuford’s philosophy is rooted in a deep belief in veterans’ potential:

“Veterans have already proven their leadership on the battlefield. Now it’s time to prove their innovation.”

Programs like FeMil℠, designed to support female veteran entrepreneurs, further demonstrate Shuford’s commitment to ensuring all veterans have access to resources tailored to their unique needs.

Mast’s Commitment to Veterans

Chairman Mast’s blog post was more than a reflection; it was a rallying cry. He emphasized the importance of continuing to advocate for veterans, stating:

“Just as these veterans invest in us and our safety, we must likewise invest in the veterans who have sacrificed so much for the greater good.”

This message aligns seamlessly with the ongoing efforts of National Invest in Veterans Week®, which continues to expand its reach across the nation and beyond, promoting initiatives that uplift veterans and their families.

Promoting the Future of Veteran Entrepreneurship

Chairman Mast’s dedication to veterans mirrors the broader goals of National Invest in Veterans Week® and events like the Jacksonville Vetrepreneur Summit. Together, these initiatives create an ecosystem where veterans can thrive, leveraging their military skills to succeed in business and community leadership.

For more information on how you can support these efforts, visit:

• National Invest in Veterans Week®

• Jacksonville Vetrepreneur Summit

• Congressman Brian Mast’s Blog Post

Chairman Mast’s leadership and vision continue to promote the investment in veterans that our nation so critically needs, inspiring a legacy of empowerment, innovation, and success for generations to come.

Championing Veteran Entrepreneurs: From Military Service to Business Success

My dedication to empowering veterans as they transition from military to civilian life, especially within the entrepreneurial ecosystem, has been a deeply personal and professional mission.

My collaboration with Drayton Florence has been foundational in launching initiatives like National Invest In Veterans Week and the Vets 22 app—endeavors that stem from a profound understanding of the multifaceted challenges veterans face and a firm belief in their invaluable contributions to society, particularly in the realm of entrepreneurship.

The entrepreneurial spirit is deeply embedded in the fabric of America, and it resonates strongly with those who have served in the military. This spirit, nurtured through the discipline, resilience, and teamwork inherent in military service, positions veterans uniquely for success in the business world. Recognizing this, the development of the Vets 22 app aimed to offer not just resources but also a community for veterans, addressing their immediate needs while fostering a supportive environment.

Highlighting the significance of veteran entrepreneurs has been a crucial aspect of my advocacy. Despite their undeniable potential and unique skill set, veterans often encounter barriers that hinder their full participation in the entrepreneurial landscape. Initiatives like National Invest In Veterans Week have been instrumental in breaking down these barriers, rallying support from government, businesses, and the public to create a more welcoming ecosystem for veteran-owned businesses.

Securing official recognition for this week marked a significant milestone in our journey to elevate the profile of veteran entrepreneurs nationally.Our efforts have gained visibility and momentum through features on platforms like the NFL Network and participation in high-profile events such as SXSW. These platforms have not only expanded our reach but have also underscored the critical nature of our mission to a broader audience, highlighting the entrepreneurial prowess and the unique challenges faced by veterans.

In 2017, my contributions were recognized with a prestigious high-tech award, affirming the impact of leveraging technology to support veterans. This acknowledgment served as a milestone, reflecting our commitment to innovative solutions that facilitate the successful reintegration and entrepreneurial endeavors of veterans.Reflecting on our journey since then, the strides we have made are a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and unwavering commitment to our nation's heroes. The challenges remain significant, but the opportunities to make a meaningful difference in the lives of veterans are boundless.

Looking forward, I am energized by the prospect of building on our achievements. The path ahead will undoubtedly present new challenges, but with continued collaboration and a steadfast commitment to innovation, we can create a brighter future for all veterans. Supporting their transition and fostering their entrepreneurial success is not just a duty but an honor, one that I embrace wholeheartedly.

National Invest In Veterans Week® is an annual holiday dedicated to supporting and honoring veterans by creating a hub for connection, collaboration, and community. The week is observed each year from March 1 through March 7. The congressionally honored mission of this week is to bring together individuals, organizations, and businesses to foster a stronger sense of community and to better serve our veterans. It encourages more people to patronize established and upcoming businesses set up by veterans.