Top Grants for Veteran-Owned Businesses in 2026

Veteran entrepreneurs bring discipline, leadership, and operational experience to their businesses — qualities that grant reviewers recognize. In 2026, there are more funding programs specifically for veteran-owned businesses than at any point in the past decade. Here's where to focus.

SBA Boots to Business

Boots to Business is an SBA entrepreneurship education program offered through military installations worldwide. It doesn't provide direct grant funding, but it's the gateway to the SBA's full suite of resources — including connections to lenders, local Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), and grant programs specific to your state and industry.

Completing Boots to Business also makes you eligible for ongoing SBA programming and connects you with veteran business advisors who can help identify grant opportunities suited to your specific business model.

Hivers and Strivers Angel Investment

Hivers and Strivers is an angel investment group focused exclusively on veteran-founded startups. While structured as investment rather than a grant, they provide non-dilutive funding alongside equity investment for qualifying companies. Investments typically range from $250,000 to $1 million per company.

To qualify, at least one founder must be a graduate of a U.S. military academy or have served as a military officer. The fund focuses on technology and product companies with scalable business models.

StreetShares Foundation Veteran Small Business Award

The StreetShares Foundation awards grants to veteran-owned small businesses through an annual competition. Awards have historically ranged from $4,000 to $15,000. The application process is straightforward — a business description, financial summary, and explanation of how the funds will be used.

The program also provides winners with business mentoring and access to the StreetShares network of veteran entrepreneurs and advisors.

VA Veterans Entrepreneurship Program

The Department of Veterans Affairs funds several programs that support veteran entrepreneurs, including the Veteran Entrepreneur Portal — a clearinghouse for federal contracting opportunities, certification programs, and grant listings. The VA's Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) program can also fund business startup costs for veterans with service-connected disabilities who meet the program's criteria.

Veterans with service-connected disabilities should also explore the Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) certification, which qualifies businesses for federal contracting set-asides worth billions annually — not a grant, but a significant source of revenue that many veteran entrepreneurs overlook.

State-Level Veteran Business Grants

Many states have established dedicated grant programs for veteran-owned businesses through their economic development agencies. Examples include:

• Texas Veteran's Commission — Fund for Veterans' Assistance: grants for programs that serve veterans, including business development initiatives
• California MVETS Program: technical assistance and funding connections for veteran entrepreneurs
• New York Entrepreneurship Assistance Program: includes veteran-specific training and grant connections

Search your state's department of veterans affairs or economic development agency for programs specific to your location. Browse available grants on GrantLocate and filter to your state to see currently open opportunities.

Tips for Veteran Grant Applications

• Obtain your DD-214 — most veteran-specific programs require proof of honorable discharge.
• Get VOSB or SDVOSB certified through the SBA's certification portal — it unlocks both contracting and grant opportunities.
• Connect with your nearest SBDC or SCORE chapter; many have veteran-specific advisors at no cost.
• Apply to multiple programs simultaneously — grant cycles are slow, and a diversified pipeline increases your odds.

The most successful veteran entrepreneurs treat grant funding as one part of a broader capital strategy, combining grants with SBA-backed loans, federal contracts, and private investment where appropriate.