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Business
Free help for Veterans of every era, people still serving, and military spouses. Free advisors, free classes, loans with lower fees for Veterans, and a fair shot at government contracts. You may qualify for more than you think.
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Before you pay anyone
There's no general federal grant for Veteran businesses. SAM.gov and SBA VetCert are free. Never pay a fee to get a grant.
Read the scam warningsThese classes are free. Some are for everyone who served; a few are only for certain people, and each card says who.
Served before 9/11, or a spouse?
Start with Boots to Business Reboot, SCORE mentors, your local SBDC and your VBOC. They are open to Veterans of any era. EBV (Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans) is only for post-9/11 Veterans, and it has separate versions for families.
For people still serving
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
A free two-day class on military bases that teaches the basics of starting your own business. You may qualify if you are leaving the military, in the Guard or Reserve, or a military spouse.
Cost: Free at participating bases. An optional online follow-up course is also offered.
Check details on the official siteLast checked October 24, 2026.
Veterans of any era can apply
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
A free class, usually over two days, that teaches the basics of starting a business, held online or in your community. You may qualify if you are a veteran of any era, in the Guard or Reserve, or a military spouse.
Cost: Free. You sign up for a class date online.
Check details on the official siteLast checked October 24, 2026.
Veterans of any era can apply
DAV (Disabled American Veterans)
A free multi-day business training event with mentors for veterans, service members, and spouses who already own a growing business. You apply for a seat at each event.
Cost: Training, meals, and local transportation are free. You pay your own travel and hotel.
Check details on the official siteLast checked October 24, 2026.
Veterans of any era can apply
Goldman Sachs (with Babson College and community college partners)
A free business growth program for owners of established small businesses, taught online or at a local community college. You may qualify if you own a business that is at least 2 years old, made $75,000 or more in a recent year, and has at least 2 workers counting you.
Cost: Free. Paid for by the Goldman Sachs Foundation.
Check details on the official siteLast checked October 25, 2026.
Service-connected disability required
Warrior Rising
A free 4-hour online class for people with a new business idea or a new product. You may qualify if you are a service-disabled veteran or a family member of one.
Cost: Free.
Check details on the official siteLast checked October 24, 2026.
Veterans of any era can apply
Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF), Syracuse University
A free 10-week online program with live sessions for people building a young business. You may qualify if you are a veteran, service member, or military spouse or caregiver, and your business is at least six months old.
Cost: Free. Plan on about 5 to 8 hours a week.
Check details on the official siteLast checked October 24, 2026.
Veterans of any era can apply
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Gary W. Rollins College of Business
A free program to help veterans start or grow a young business: five weeks online, an 8-day bootcamp in Chattanooga, Tennessee, then five months of advice. Travel, lodging, and meals for the bootcamp are covered. You may qualify if you were honorably discharged.
Cost: Free for selected veterans. Bootcamp travel, lodging, and meals are fully covered.
Check details on the official siteLast checked October 24, 2026.
Service-connected disability required
U.S. Small Business Administration
Free small business training for veterans with a service-connected disability who own or want to start a business. Programs include the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities, which also covers travel and lodging.
Cost: Free. EBV covers travel, lodging and meals for those accepted. Rules vary by program.
Check details on the official siteLast checked October 24, 2026.
Veterans of any era can apply
D'Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF), Syracuse University
Free weekly small business classes at a partner college near you, after a short online kickoff. You may qualify if you are a veteran, service member, or military spouse with a new business idea.
Cost: Free. You may need to travel to the local partner school each week.
Check details on the official siteLast checked October 24, 2026.
Veterans of any era can apply
PenFed Foundation (nonprofit)
Free business programs with mentors and workshops, for owners at the idea stage (Incubator) or with a growing business (Accelerator). You may qualify if you are a veteran or military spouse who owns most of the business.
Cost: Free. Accelerator covers economy flights, hotel, and meals. Incubator covers meals.
Check details on the official siteLast checked October 24, 2026.
Veterans of any era can apply
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
Local centers that give free business classes, one-on-one advice, and help writing a business plan. You may qualify if you are a veteran, service member, Guard or Reserve member, or military spouse.
Cost: No cost, per SBA.
Check details on the official siteLast checked October 24, 2026.
Veterans of any era can apply
Next class not announced yet. Check back.
University of Florida Warrington College of Business, Entrepreneurship & Innovation Center
A free business training program with five weeks of online study and a five-day bootcamp in Gainesville, Florida. You may qualify if you were honorably discharged and have a service-connected disability or a record of distinguished service.
Cost: Free for selected veterans (paid for by sponsors and the SBA).
Check details on the official siteLast checked October 25, 2026.
Veterans of any era can apply
Oklahoma State University, Riata Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
A free business training program for veterans with online classes, an 8-day bootcamp in Stillwater, Oklahoma, and months of follow-up advice. You may qualify if you were honorably discharged; veterans with a service-connected disability may get priority.
Cost: Free. The program pays for travel and lodging for the on-campus week.
Check details on the official siteLast checked October 25, 2026.
Veterans of any era can apply
VETRN Inc. (Veteran Entrepreneurial Training and Resource Network)
A free online business growth program for veterans who already own a business, with a personal mentor. You may qualify if your business is at least a year old and makes $125,000 or more a year.
Cost: Free tuition. Business must earn at least $125,000 a year.
Check details on the official siteLast checked October 24, 2026.
Veterans of any era can apply
Veteran Institute for Procurement (VIP)
A 3-day class for veteran-owned companies that already do some government contract work and want to win more. You may qualify if your company is at least 2 years old and has 3 or more full-time workers.
Cost: No charge for the training. You must attend every session. There is a $1,000 fee if you cancel late or drop out, so read the terms first.
Check details on the official siteLast checked October 25, 2026.
Veterans of any era can apply
Veteran Institute for Procurement (VIP)
A free three-day class that helps veteran-owned businesses get ready to sell to the federal government. You may qualify if your business is at least a year old, has income, and is registered on SAM.gov.
Cost: Free. A $1,000 charge applies if you cancel after the deadline in your acceptance email or don't show up.
Check details on the official siteLast checked October 25, 2026.
Veterans of any era can apply
Next class not announced yet. Check back.
Veteran Loan Fund
A free 8-week program that helps veteran and military spouse business owners grow, followed by years of free one-on-one coaching. You may also get a chance at a small grant or a business loan.
Cost: Free to join. Loans offered through the program must be repaid.
Check details on the official siteLast checked October 25, 2026.
For women
Next class not announced yet. Check back.
D'Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF), Syracuse University
A business-startup program for women: a 4-week online business course, then a 3-day in-person conference. You may qualify if you are a woman veteran, a woman serving now, or a military spouse or partner.
Cost: $75 registration fee. It covers the online course, two nights of hotel, and most meals at the conference. You pay your own travel.
Check details on the official siteLast checked October 25, 2026.
For women
U.S. Small Business Administration
Small business training for women veterans, women in uniform and military spouses or partners. The best-known program, V-WISE, is a four-week online course followed by a three-day in-person conference.
Cost: V-WISE costs $75, which covers the course, two nights of hotel and most meals. You pay your own travel.
Check details on the official siteLast checked October 24, 2026.
Post-9/11 service required. Service-connected disability required
Dog Tag Inc., with Georgetown University School of Continuing Studies
A five-month paid business and leadership fellowship with a Georgetown University certificate, mostly online with three required weeks in Washington, DC. You may qualify if you are a post-9/11 veteran with a service-connected disability, or a post-9/11 military spouse or caregiver.
Cost: Free, with a monthly stipend. Travel to DC is on you, but a travel stipend and flight help are offered.
Check details on the official siteLast checked October 24, 2026.
Post-9/11 service required
Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF), Syracuse University, with the EBV university consortium
A free business startup bootcamp for veterans: about four weeks of online classes, then a one-week stay at a university with travel, lodging, and meals paid. You may qualify if you are a post-9/11 veteran or Guard/Reserve member planning to start a business soon.
Cost: Free. Travel, lodging, meals, and materials for the in-person week are covered.
Check details on the official siteLast checked October 24, 2026.
Want general skills like bookkeeping or online marketing? See all free training
These advisors are paid for by the government or by donors. They don't charge you, and they don't sell anything.
VBOCs are SBA-funded centers just for Veterans, service members and military spouses. Free counseling, classes and help writing a business plan.
America's SBDC, funded in part by SBA
Free one-on-one business advice and low-cost classes at nearly 1,000 locations, often at a college near you. Good for plans, money, marketing and loans.
Checked October 26, 2026 on the official source.
SCORE, an SBA resource partner
A free volunteer mentor, often a retired business owner, for as long as you run your business. Meet in person or online. SCORE has a page just for Veterans.
Checked October 26, 2026 on the official source.
SBA resource partner network
Free or low-cost counseling and training focused on women. A good fit for women Veterans and military spouses. Many centers help any business owner, so call yours.
Checked October 26, 2026 on the official source.
U.S. Department of Defense, Office of Small Business Programs
Free help selling to federal, state and local government: SAM.gov registration, finding bids, writing proposals and certifications. There are 90+ centers. They used to be called PTACs.
Checked October 26, 2026 on the official source.
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
SBA's free guide walks you through a simple plan: what you sell, who buys it, what it costs and how you'll get paid. Your VBOC, SBDC or SCORE mentor will review it with you for free.
Checked October 26, 2026 on the official source.
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
Sole proprietor, LLC or corporation changes your taxes and what you could lose if things go wrong. SBA explains each one and how to get the licenses and permits you need. Ask a free advisor before you file.
Checked October 26, 2026 on the official source.
We track 61 state programs for Veteran-owned businesses. Pick your state to see yours.
Free money and advice come first. Borrow only what you can pay back. Investors are only for fast-growing startups, and they take part of your company.
Real grants for Veteran businesses are small and competitive. Most need you to finish a class or win a pitch. Never pay to apply.
Deadline: December 15, 2026
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation
Five grants for the 2027 round: four of $10,000 and one of $25,000. Apply by December 15, 2026.
Checked October 26, 2026 on the official source.
Warrior Rising
Pitch events where finalists can win grants from $2,000 to $150,000. You must first finish Warrior Rising's free Warrior University training.
Checked October 26, 2026 on the official source.
Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF), Syracuse University
Up to $10,000 in grant money. You can't apply directly: IVMF nominates 10 people a year from its own business programs.
Checked October 26, 2026 on the official source.
Hello Alice
A free website that lists small business grants paid for by sponsors. Grants come and go. We found no Veteran-only grant open in 2026, so check for current openings.
Checked October 26, 2026 on the official source.
Since 2026, SBA-backed loans (7(a), 504 and Microloans) need every owner to be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national living in the U.S. Green card holders no longer qualify. Ask your lender for the latest.
Kiva
Crowdfunded loans of $1,000 to $15,000 with 0% interest and no fees. You first invite friends and family to lend, then the public joins in.
Checked October 26, 2026 on the official source.
U.S. Small Business Administration, through nonprofit lenders
Loans up to $50,000 from local nonprofit lenders, often with free coaching. The average is about $13,000.
Checked October 26, 2026 on the official source.
$0 upfront SBA fee for Veterans
U.S. Small Business Administration, through banks and lenders
Loans up to $500,000 with a faster answer. If your business is owned and controlled by a Veteran or a Veteran's spouse, SBA charges no upfront guaranty fee. That's the law, and it's in SBA's fee notice for the year that started October 1, 2026. Lenders may still charge their own fees.
Checked October 26, 2026 on the official source.
U.S. Small Business Administration, through banks and lenders
SBA's main loan, up to $5 million, for starting, buying or growing a business, including buying a franchise or an existing business. The SBA upfront fee runs from 0% to 3.75% of the part SBA backs, depending on size.
Checked October 26, 2026 on the official source.
U.S. Small Business Administration
Up to $2 million at 4% or less if an essential employee, owner or not, is called to active duty as a Guard or Reserve member and the business can't pay its bills. Apply from the call-up notice until 1 year after they come home.
Checked October 26, 2026 on the official source.
U.S. Treasury CDFI Fund
Community Development Financial Institutions are lenders whose mission is to help people banks often turn down. Treasury keeps the official list of certified CDFIs. Accion Opportunity Fund, one national CDFI, lends up to $250,000 to businesses with 2+ years and $300,000+ in yearly sales.
Checked October 26, 2026 on the official source.
Investors buy part of your company. They fit tech or high-growth startups, not most local businesses. Talk to a free advisor first.
Angel investor group
Invests only in Veteran-led startups, from early stage up to Series B. First checks are usually in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Checked October 26, 2026 on the official source.
Venture capital firm (McLean, Virginia)
Invests in Veteran-led technology companies in defense, aerospace, space, robotics and cyber. Its second fund closed at $60 million in 2025.
Checked October 26, 2026 on the official source.
Before you pay anyone
There's no general federal grant for Veteran businesses. SAM.gov and SBA VetCert are free. Never pay a fee to get a grant.
Read the scam warningsBuying a franchise or an existing business can be faster than starting from zero, and many Veterans over 50 go this route. It still takes money and hard work, and some franchises fail.
VetFran is a program of the International Franchise Association Foundation. Brands in VetFran give Veterans a discount on the first franchise fee: at least 10%, and 15% to 20% at higher-rated brands.
International Franchise Association Foundation
A free list of Veteran-friendly franchise brands and the discounts they offer, plus training on how franchising works.
Checked October 26, 2026 on the official source.
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
The FTC's free guide to the disclosure document, the questions to ask, and the warning signs.
Checked October 26, 2026 on the official source.
U.S. Small Business Administration
The federal certification you need for Veteran set-aside contracts. Your business must be at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more Veterans. For SDVOSB, the Veteran needs a service-connected disability from VA, and SBA's rule sets no minimum rating. Certification lasts 3 years. Apply in MySBA Certifications.
Call 866-722-4357
Apply at MySBA CertificationsChecked October 26, 2026 on the official source.
California Department of General Services (DGS)
California's certification for state contracts. The state aims to give 3% of contract dollars to DVBEs. The Veteran needs a service-connected disability of at least 10% and must live in California; disabled Veterans must own at least 51%.
Checked October 26, 2026 on the official source.
Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
Texas's HUB program is now VetHUB and certifies businesses at least 51% owned, managed and run by Texas service-disabled Veterans with a 20% or higher rating. Certification is free and lasts up to 4 years.
Checked October 26, 2026 on the official source.
We track 61 state programs for Veteran-owned businesses. Pick your state to see yours.
U.S. General Services Administration (GSA)
The official, free place to register to do business with the federal government. GSA's checklist tells you what to have ready.
Checked October 26, 2026 on the official source.
Montgomery County Chamber Community Foundation, with an SBA grant
Three-day classes near Washington, D.C. START is for Veteran-owned businesses new to federal contracts. GROW is for those already doing some. Upcoming: GROW November 3-5, 2026; START January 26-28, March 2-4 and June 8-10, 2027.
Checked October 26, 2026 on the official source.
Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF), Syracuse University
A free 10-week online program for young businesses. It replaced the old Bunker Labs programs.
Checked October 26, 2026 on the official source.
IVMF, Syracuse University
Veteran EDGE is a yearly conference for owners with 1+ year in business and $100,000+ in sales (next: Dallas, March 10-12, 2027). CEOcircle is a free peer group for owners with $1 million+ in sales or $5 million+ raised.
Checked October 26, 2026 on the official source.
DAV (Disabled American Veterans)
A free multi-day event with mentors and pitch practice for founders growing a for-profit business. Winter 2027 applications are open.
Checked October 26, 2026 on the official source.
Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E, Chapter 31) has a self-employment track. If your service-connected disability makes regular work hard, VA may help you build a business plan and may pay for training, required licenses and fees, and tools and supplies.
You may qualify with a VA rating of 10% or more (or a 20% memorandum rating if you're still serving). You apply on VA Form 28-1900. A counselor checks whether the business can work before VA approves a plan, and bigger plans ($25,000 or more) need approval from VA's national VR&E office.
On TDIU (Individual Unemployability)? Talk to a free VSO first
Being in VR&E doesn't by itself end an IU rating. But if your business earns more than the federal poverty line for one person and you keep it up for 12 months in a row, VA can reduce your IU. An accredited Veterans Service Officer can help you plan for free.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
VA's page on what the self-employment track offers and who it's for.
Checked October 26, 2026 on the official source.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Apply online. A VR&E counselor will meet with you.
Official siteChecked October 26, 2026 on the official source.
There's no general federal grant to start a Veteran business
Federal help comes as free advice, SBA loans, contract set-asides and VR&E. No government agency will call you and ask you to pay to get a grant. Don't pay a fee, and never pay with a gift card or wire transfer.
FTC: government grant scams (checked October 26, 2026)SAM.gov and VetCert are free
Some websites charge hundreds of dollars to "register" you in SAM.gov or "certify" you as Veteran-owned. You can do both yourself for free, and an APEX Accelerator will help at no cost. SBA email comes only from @sba.gov. To check, call SBA at 866-722-4357 (866-SBA-HELP).
GSA: registering your business is free (checked October 26, 2026)Be careful with fast cash offers (merchant cash advances)
A merchant cash advance pays you now and takes money from your sales every day or week. The FTC says the payback is often the advance plus 20% to 50%, which can cost far more than a loan. Compare it with an SBA loan or a CDFI first, and read every page.
FTC: small business financing warning (checked October 26, 2026)Report SBA fraud
If someone pretends to be SBA, asks for your Social Security or bank numbers, or promises guaranteed funding for a fee, report it to SBA's Inspector General online.
SBA Inspector General complaint form (checked October 26, 2026)Our free directory lists more than 42,000 businesses certified by SBA as Veteran-owned or service-disabled Veteran-owned. Search by what you need and how close it is. If you own a certified business, you're already in it.
Search Veteran-owned businessesNo. There is no general federal grant to start a Veteran business. Federal help comes as free advisors, SBA loans, contract set-asides and, for some Veterans with a service-connected disability, VA's VR&E self-employment track. A few private groups offer small, competitive grants. Anyone asking for a fee to get you a government grant is running a scam.
No. By law, SBA charges no upfront guaranty fee on SBA Express loans (up to $500,000) to businesses owned and controlled by a Veteran or a Veteran's spouse. SBA's fee notice for the year that started October 1, 2026 confirms it. Interest and lender fees still apply.
Yes. Boots to Business Reboot, SCORE mentors, Small Business Development Centers and Veterans Business Outreach Centers are open to Veterans of any era. A few programs, like the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans (EBV), are only for post-9/11 Veterans.
Apply through SBA's VetCert program in MySBA Certifications. SBA does not charge to apply. Your business must be at least 51% owned and controlled by Veterans, and for SDVOSB the Veteran needs a VA service-connected disability. Certification lasts 3 years.
Maybe. VA's Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program has a self-employment track for Veterans whose service-connected disability makes regular work hard. It may pay for training, required licenses and tools. If you get TDIU, talk to a free accredited VSO first, because steady business income can affect it.
Yes. Registering in SAM.gov is free. Websites that charge to register you are not the government. A free APEX Accelerator can help you register.
We list free and official programs only. Helping The Brave is not paid by any program on this page. Page reviewed October 26, 2026.
