FundScoutAISign in
Veteran-owned business guide

Business Grants for Veterans: The Complete 2026 Guide

Federal, state, and private grant programs for veteran-owned and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs) — with amounts, eligibility, and links to apply.

Who qualifies

Most veteran grant programs require honorable or general discharge and majority ownership (51%+) by one or more veterans. Service-disabled veterans unlock additional set-asides — certify at veterans.certify.sba.gov before applying.

Federal programs

SBA Veteran Small Business Certification (VetCert)

U.S. Small Business Administration

Access to set-aside contracts

Eligibility: 51%+ veteran- or service-disabled-veteran-owned

Program details

Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Set-Asides

SBA / Federal agencies

Contract awards (varies)

Eligibility: SDVOSB-certified firms

Program details

Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) Grants

SBA VBOC network

Training + technical assistance

Eligibility: Veterans, service members, and spouses

Program details

VA Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (Chapter 31) Self-Employment Track

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Up to ~$100,000 for equipment/inventory

Eligibility: Service-connected disabled veterans with employment barriers

Program details

Private grants for veterans

Warrior Rising vRnGr Grant

Warrior Rising

$1,000 – $25,000

Eligibility: Veterans & immediate family launching or scaling a business

Program details

Second Service Foundation Military Entrepreneur Challenge

Second Service Foundation

Up to $15,000 per pitch event

Eligibility: Veteran, active-duty, or military-spouse founders

Program details

Hivers & Strivers Investment Grants

Hivers & Strivers

$250K – $1M (equity + grant hybrid)

Eligibility: Service-academy grad-led startups

Program details

StreetShares Foundation Veteran Small Business Award

StreetShares Foundation

$5,000 (1st) / $3,000 (2nd) / $2,000 (3rd)

Eligibility: Veteran- or military-spouse-owned businesses

Program details

How to apply

  1. Get your SBA VetCert or SDVOSB certification finalized — most programs require it.
  2. Register in SAM.gov to unlock federal set-asides and contract vehicles.
  3. Prepare a one-page business summary, use-of-funds breakdown, and DD-214.
  4. Match your business to grants by industry, stage, and disability status.
  5. Submit before deadline and follow up with the program officer within two weeks.

Find your veteran grants automatically

FundScoutAI matches veteran- and SDVOSB-owned businesses to every federal, state, and private grant they qualify for — and drafts the application.

Start free match

Related guides