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Grants for Veteran-Owned Businesses
As a veteran entrepreneur, you've already demonstrated exceptional leadership, discipline, and adaptability through your military service. Now, as you start or grow your business, American Funding Group is here to support your transition from service member to successful business owner. We understand the unique challenges and opportunities that veteran entrepreneurs face, and we're committed to helping you access the funding you need to turn your business dreams into reality.
Why Grants Matter for Veteran Entrepreneurs
The term "vetpreneur" refers to an entrepreneur who is a veteran or active member of the military. Vetpreneurs leverage their unique experiences and skills gained from military service to start and run their businesses. Whether you consider yourself a vetrepreneur or are just starting to explore entrepreneurship after your military service, American Funding Group is here to support your business journey.
Grants offer several key advantages for veteran-owned businesses:
No Repayment Required: Unlike loans, grants provide capital that doesn't need to be repaid, allowing you to invest fully in your business without the burden of debt.
Validation of Your Business Idea: Winning a grant demonstrates that experts believe in your business concept, which can boost your confidence and credibility.
Access to Networks: Many grant programs offer networking opportunities, mentorship, and additional resources beyond just funding.
Honoring Your Service: Veteran-specific grants recognize and reward your military service while supporting your entrepreneurial endeavors.
Veteran-Owned Businesses Statistics
According to the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy, Veterans own more than 1.9 million businesses and employ almost 5.5 million Americans.
Despite facing challenges in accessing capital and other areas, 80% of veteran entrepreneurs consider their businesses to be successful.
According to the SBA, veterans are 45% more likely to start their own business than the general population.
According to the 2022 National Survey of Military-Affiliated Entrepreneurs, veteran business owners expressed facing financial barriers: Lack of access to capital (37%), lack of financing (34%), current economic situation (27%), and irregular income (22%).
The industry with the largest share of veteran-owned firms is finance and insurance (13.2 percent), followed by transportation and warehousing (12.1 percent), and construction (11.4 percent).
Most veteran-owned employer firms are small: 54.5 percent of all veteran-owned employer firms have one to four employees; 71.3 percent have from one to nine employees; 80.6 percent have from one to nineteen; 9.0 percent have twenty or more; and 3.2 percent have more than fifty.
How To Find Business Grants for Veterans
Finding grants for veterans can be a key step in securing funding. It can also be a major undertaking for you or your team. Here are some effective strategies to help you locate potential grant opportunities:
Government Programs: The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers various resources specifically designed for veteran entrepreneurs, including training programs and funding opportunities. Veterans can also access support through Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs), which provide guidance on business planning and grant applications.
Nonprofit Organizations: Several nonprofit organizations focus on supporting veteran-owned businesses by offering grants and training programs.
State-Specific Programs: Many states have specific grants available for veterans looking to start or grow their businesses.
Private Company Grants: Private companies often provide grants to support veteran entrepreneurs.
Venture Capital: Venture capital firms like Hivers and Strivers focus on investing in veteran-led businesses.
Networking and Training Programs: Participating in networking and training programs can significantly benefit veteran entrepreneurs and a good way to find business grants.
Join American Funding Group, where we are dedicated to supporting veterans by providing comprehensive grant funding solutions. By obtaining a grant through American Funding Group, veterans can access essential capital, drive meaningful change, grow their businesses, and create opportunities for their communities.
At American Funding Group, our mission is to empower veteran-owned businesses to achieve their full potential through flexible funding solutions and dedicated support. We understand the unique skills and experiences veterans bring to entrepreneurship, and we're committed to providing the financial resources and guidance needed to help vetpreneurs succeed. Whether you're just starting out or looking to expand an established business, our team is here to support your journey with tailored funding options, expert advice, and a deep appreciation for your service and sacrifice. We believe in the power of veteran entrepreneurship to drive innovation, create jobs, and strengthen communities across America.
Top Grant Opportunities for Veteran Entrepreneurs
With a multitude of funding sources available—from government grants to private foundations—veterans can access the financial support they need to expand their programs and enhance their impact. Discover some of the top business grant opportunities available to veterans:
Second Service Foundation Military Entrepreneur Challenge: This annual competition offers coaching and substantial monetary awards to veteran, military spouse, and Gold Star family entrepreneurs. Past winners have received between $4,000 and $15,000 to fuel their business growth.
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Program: Created by the Small Business Administration (SBA), this program sets aside 5% of federal contracting dollars for businesses owned by service-disabled veterans. To be eligible, you must be certified with the SBA.
FedEx Veteran Small Business Grant Contest: In collaboration with Hello Alice and the Global Entrepreneurship Network, FedEx awards $300,000 in grants annually to 30 military-connected entrepreneurs. Each awardee receives $10,000 along with valuable educational resources.
Stephen L. Tadlock Veteran Grant: Offered by Founders First, this grant provides $1,000 to 25 veteran-owned small businesses each year. Winners also gain access to webinars, training, and networking opportunities to support their business growth.
Michigan Veteran Entrepreneur-Lab (MVE-Lab): Grand Valley State University’s MVE-Lab is a free, three-month entrepreneurship accelerator designed for veterans and their spouses. The program ends with a pitch competition, and winners are awarded small business grants.
Farmer Veteran Fellowship Fund: For veterans pursuing opportunities in agriculture, the Farmer Veteran Coalition offers grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,0001. This program is designed to assist veterans in the early stages of their farming businesses.
Requirements for Veteran-Owned Businesses Looking For Grants
If you search “How to qualify for a nonprofit grant,” you may find that the requirements range widely. At American Funding Group, we have streamlined the requirements to create a straightforward application process for you:
» You must be a business owner in the United States
» You must have an active LLC, S-Corp, or S-Corp and an Employer Identification Number (EIN)
» You will be able to fill out one form with American Funding Group and answer 30+ questions to be paired with our best grant.
How American Funding Group Helps Businesses Owners Obtain Grants
Navigating the world of grant applications can be complicated, especially for busy business owners who juggle multiple roles and responsibilities. At American Funding Group, we specialize in helping businesses identify and secure the grants they need. Here's how we support businesses through the process:
✓ You fill out a single application form on our website.
✓ Our system searches 7,000 grants
✓ Auto-apply for grants every month with our portal
✓ Grants are provided and distributed by private and federally-funded institutions listed on:
https://a4cb.org/services/grants
https://www.decaturedc.com/b2b
✓ The average approval rate for obtaining a grant is 30% to 40%.
✓ Once your grant is approved, it may take the grantor who approved it 30 to 90 days to distribute the funds to you.
Apply For Grant Funding Today
Grants provide mission-driven veterans with a vital opportunity to secure the funding needed to amplify their impact and fulfill their core purpose. Whether you're establishing a new nonprofit or expanding an existing one, numerous grant programs are available to support your organization's mission and help you achieve your goals. At American Funding Group, we simplify the grant application process for you, to help you secure funding and drive your organization forward. Unlock your nonprofit's potential and further your cause with American Funding Group by taking the first step to apply for an organizational grant today.
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