THESE 5 VETERAN BUSINESS GRANTS BRING ENTREPRENEURSHIP DREAMS TO LIFE
After serving in the military, many Veterans may aspire to become entrepreneurs and build their own businesses as a means to start the next chapter of their lives. Continue reading to learn more about the different Veteran business grants that make it possible for these Veterans to achieve their new dreams. Suggested read:Veterans Growing America Helps Veteran Entrepreneurs
5 Great Veteran Business Grants
Small Veteran-owned business grants are perfect for starting and developing a small business to get off the ground. Below are five grants to look into if you’re thinking about becoming your own boss and starting a business.
1. Grants.gov
Grants.gov provides funding opportunities from non-profit organizations and government agencies to provide training and development in technical and financial skills to Veterans who own small businesses. They also have more than $500 billion in grants for small business owners. However, the grants are not only eligible for Veterans but also for other general small business owners.
2. Grant Watch
Grant Watch is a website that offers more than 28,000 grants for small businesses, including Veteran-owned business grants. There’s a directory anyone can look through in order to find one that matches the eligibility and requirements of their business. In order to help with the process, Veterans should filter their search to “small business,” type in their location, and change the category to “Veterans.” You must have an active membership in order to look through the directory, which costs $18 a week and $199 a year.
3. Warrior Rising Small Business Grants
Warrior Rising is a non-profit organization that helps Veterans start their own businesses by providing monetary assistance, especially in helping with equipment, tools, and supplies costs. They also provide a six-step mentorship program in order to help teach Veterans business ideas and concepts that involve coaching, training, and networking. This process helps the Veteran to identify any issues or additional opportunities in their business. You can apply by filling out the online application available on their website. Veterans should keep in mind that they may apply for the grant at any point in the development of their business.
4. Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Program
The Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Program is just one of the disabled Veteran business grants for Veterans who are disabled as a result of their time in the military. This program helps eligible Veterans get government contracts where they can be awarded at least 3% of federal contract dollars a year. Their disability will be determined by the Department of Veteran Affairs, and the disabled Veteran must own at least 51% of the business.
5. Hivers and Strivers
Hivers and Strivers is an investment group that only invests in companies started by Veterans. They aim to help Veterans finance the early stages of their businesses and have so far invested in 14 Veteran-led businesses. Beyond providing funding, they also bring their personal expertise in helping with the planning and execution of operations. Additionally, they provide opportunities for networking and help bring in potential partners and customers.
Applying for Veteran Grants for Businesses
When applying for a Veteran business grant, it’s important to remember that each grant has a unique application process and different eligibility requirements. The timeline for grants also differs. Some grants are long-term and don’t have an application deadline, meaning you can apply at any time while building your business. Other grants have set deadlines and are short-term. For example, Budweiser has teamed up with Chef Andre Rush, an Army Veteran and former chef of the White House, for a Veterans Project where they provide funding for 16 Veterans’ businesses up until Veterans Day, November 11, 2022. [embed]https://twitter.com/budweiserusa/status/1589644433405972481?cxt=HHwWgsC4xZPMxo8sAAAA[/embed] In order to apply, Veterans must comment on Budweiser’s Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram post about what branch they served in, along with an explanation of how the funding will assist with the development of their business. The Joy in Veteran Grants for Small Businesses Grants are the perfect way to start a business, as this money does not have to be paid back. Veteran business grants allow Veterans to challenge themselves after their time in the military. There are always different grants, as well as loans and funding options available. Despite the sometimes long and competitive process, the time and effort it takes is worth it. If you or someone you know is interested in applying for Veteran small business grants, consider one of the resources above. Read next:Small Business Loans for Veterans: What They Are and How to Get Them!
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