Following their exit from military service, veterans often find it difficult to adjust back to civilian life, particularly if their military service was of longer duration. It can be even more difficult to adjust for disabled veterans, who may find that they are not able to perform the physical requirements associated with some jobs.

Fortunately, there are non-profit organizations and government agencies around the country which recognize this problem, and offer funding and grants to help veterans acquire the resources needed to start their own small businesses. This article will survey some of the best known funding opportunities available to ex-military personnel wishing to startup their own businesses.

Small Business Grants

The federal government makes grant funding available every year, in different amounts, to each state. These funds are intended for small business owners and startups, with special preference now being given to three primary groupings: native Americans, veterans, and disabled veterans. Additional preference is given to individuals who intend to locate their businesses where there is an existing need in the community, as opposed to a New York City setting, where there might already be a wealth of similar companies, and far less community need. The great thing about this funding source is that it is not a loan in any sense of the word – it is a gift which does not require repayment. It can be just the kind of kickstart a veteran needs to transition into a new career and a new life.

StreetShares

StreetShares is an organization which provides small business loans for veterans to help companies which have survived the crucial one-year startup phase, and are in need of funding for continued growth. StreetShares is committed to making low-cost loans available to veterans or families of veterans, in amounts ranging between $5,000 and $100,000, which can be repaid within three years.

StreetShares also has a unique cash award program which they offer monthly to veteran businessmen. To qualify, it is only necessary to apply online with your own idea for business, background data on your business, how you intend to use the funds, and how your business idea will then affect the community you live in. Applicants are profiled monthly on the StreetShares website so that visitors can vote for the most appealing submissions. Each month, the top three finishers are awarded free-and-clear grants of $5,000, $3,000, and $2,000.

VetFran

VetFran helps veterans and their spouses become involved in franchising opportunities all around the country, with more than 650 different franchise brand possibilities. You can apply at the VetFran website, and you will be contacted and interviewed to determine whether franchising might be a good fit for you. If so, you will be advised about which kinds of franchising opportunities are available, to see if any of them interest you. Discounts, mentoring, training, and other resources are provided to veterans who fit the franchising profile.

SBA Veterans Advantage Loans

This initiative is linked to the government’s Express Loans program, which can expedite loans backed by the federal government of up to $350,000. If you qualify – and a credit score of 680 or better will probably be necessary – you’ll have a response to your application within three days, and you can quickly invest in your small business.

Hivers and Strivers

This is an angel investment group which caters to veteran businesses in their early phases of development, and which are owned/operated by graduates from the Military Academies. Typical first-round investment offerings range between $250,000 and $1 million, with larger sums potentially available from the network of investors involved with the firm.

Services Offered

Business Grants

Business Grants

  • Small Business Funding / Management
  • Start-up / Expansion Business Capital
  • Home Business Assistance
  • Women-Owned Business Funding
  • Small Business Loans
  • Minority-Owned Business Funding
  • Private Money / Venture Capital

Personal Assistance

Personal Assistance

  • Home Repair
  • Rent Assistance
  • Child Care
  • Food and Nutrition
  • Medical Bills Assistance
  • Utility Bills Assistance
  • Education Assistance

Housing Grants

Housing Grants

  • 1st Time Home Buyer
  • Mobile Homes / Parks
  • Rental Housing Projects
  • Commerical Property
  • Apartment Buildings
  • Land Development
  • RV Parks
  • New Construction

Education/Tuition

Education/Tuition

  • Federal Pell Grants
  • Scholarships
  • Student Financial Aid
  • Training Grants
  • Tuition Assistance
  • Grants For Research
  • Stafford Loans
  • Grants for Universities

Common Text for all pages

To help provide you with the research help you need to apply, we have a small fee to cover the marketing and research costs associated with locating our database of thousands of applications. The fee is $39.95 for the first month of access. We also provide you with our GUARANTEE. If you apply to one of the sources on our site and get turned down, we will issue you a refund. All we ask is that you provide us with a copy of your denial letter. You will have 90 days from the date you register to submit your refund along with a copy of your denial letter. You have absolutely nothing to lose! We have the tools and resources to help you in your quest for funding!