142 programs across federal certifications, SBA loans, SBIR/STTR cycles, accelerators, foundation grants, and vet-led capital. Filter by path, type, or eligibility.
Time:4-8 hours (application) + ~12 days SBA processing
Admittance:Application + Eligibility-Based
Funding:No Cash Award
Delivery:N/A
Service-disabled veteran (10%+ VA rating) with 51%+ ownership and control of the business. Self-certification for federal subcontracting and goaling ended December 22, 2024 (NDAA FY2024). SBA VetCert is now the only path.
Federal contracting set-aside eligibility. Federal government aims to award at least 5% of all federal prime contracting dollars to SDVOSBs annually (SBA official goal). VA sets aside at least 7% of its contracts specifically for certified VOSBs and SDVOSBs.
PROGRAM DEFUNCT. The Second Service Foundation voluntarily shut down as of 2026 to transition resources into an existing faith-based nonprofit. No longer accepting applications. Historical record retained for reviewers.
N/A, program shut down
N/A, no longer accepting applications · Program closed
Vets, active military, and military spouses with an active business idea. Successor to the former Veterans in Residence and Breaking Barriers in Entrepreneurship community programs.
Vet-founded businesses pitching for capital investment.
$300k+ total annual investment pool
Annual (spring event, apps open in September) · Early applications open around September 2, 2026 (feedback cycle); regular application close January 31, 2027; event April 2027.
Veteran or military spouse CEOs and senior executives, controlling shareholders. Company must gross $1M+ annual revenue OR have raised $5M+ in capital. All industries welcome.
Annual cohort. Applications open June through August. Program runs November through November. · Applications open June-August annually. Fill out interest form at ivmfsyr.formtitan.com.
Time:30-80 hours (Letter of Inquiry + full proposal if invited)
Admittance:Application + Committee Selection
Funding:Non-Dilutive GrantNon-dilutive
Delivery:Remote
Academic:Light
501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving post-9/11 veterans, service members, their families, and caregivers. Programs must address employment, education, mental health, rehabilitation, financial resilience, or peer recovery. Applicants typically have $200K-$5M operating budgets, at least one operating year, and evidence of outcomes.
Grants range from $50,000 to $500,000 depending on initiative. Standing Together and Peer Recovery track grants typically $50K-$300K; special initiatives (Financial Independence, Rebuild Careers, etc.) can go higher. Multi-year commitments possible for proven programs.
Multiple annual cycles + rolling special initiatives · Standing Together cycle: LOI due late Q1; invited proposals due Q2. Special initiatives announced quarterly. Watch bobwoodrufffoundation.org/programs/grants.
Three eligibility tracks: (1) Active-duty service members from all branches, (2) veterans of any era with honorable discharge, (3) military spouses of active-duty or veteran service members. Applicants must be pursuing a graduate degree or completing their final year of undergraduate study on a full-time basis at an accredited US institution. Selection is merit-based, evaluating academic performance, leadership, personal character, and demonstrated service to community.
Renewable scholarship averaging $10,000 per academic year (some cohorts higher). Scholarship is renewable annually while the recipient remains enrolled full-time and in good standing. Beyond the financial award, Tillman Scholars gain lifetime membership in the Tillman Scholar Network, currently 900+ active members including senators, physicians, CEOs, nonprofit executives, and public servants. The network is the strategic asset most alumni cite as the highest-value part of the program.
Annual (application opens in February, typically closes first week of March) · Applications open February 2027. Closes early March 2027. Semi-finalist interviews in April. Selection announced May.
Tuck students, alumni, and the broader PE/VC research community. ETA-relevant case studies, alumni network in lower-middle-market private equity and acquisition entrepreneurship.
Vet-led acquisition firm focused on lower-middle-market deals. Useful for sellers seeking vet-aligned acquirers and for searchers studying vet-led ETA models.
Capital and operational expertise for sellers; reference model for vet ETA founders
Vet-owned or qualified buyer acquiring an existing operating business. Same 7(a) product as the general loan, applied to acquisition. Down payment typically 10-15% with seller note participation.
Up to $5M for acquisition; Veterans Advantage fee reduction for vet-owned buyers on loans $150k+
Veterans and military-affiliated entrepreneurs exploring buying a small business. Free 3-week live online program covering deal sourcing, valuation, financing, and post-close operating.
Free curriculum + alumni network + introduction to ETA capital sources
Multiple cycles · Cohorts run multiple times per year
Post-9/11 U.S. military veterans with honorable discharge (or currently serving within 180 days of separation, or National Guard/Reserve who served post-9/11). Applicants must be in the early start-up phase (within 12-24 months of launching or with a strong concept close to launch).
3-phase program at no cost including travel and lodging: 30-day online course, 9-day in-person residency, 12 months post-program mentorship
Multiple cohorts per year · Cohort schedule on IVMF site
Post-9/11 U.S. military veterans with honorable discharge (or currently serving within 180 days of separation, or National Guard/Reserve who served post-9/11). Applicants must be in the early start-up phase (within 12-24 months of launching or with a strong concept close to launch).
3-phase program at no cost including travel and lodging: 30-day online course, 9-day in-person residency, 12 months post-program mentorship
Multiple cohorts per year · Cohort schedule on IVMF site
Post-9/11 U.S. military veterans with honorable discharge (or currently serving within 180 days of separation, or National Guard/Reserve who served post-9/11). Applicants must be in the early start-up phase (within 12-24 months of launching or with a strong concept close to launch).
3-phase program at no cost including travel and lodging: 30-day online course, 9-day in-person residency, 12 months post-program mentorship
Multiple cohorts per year · Cohort schedule on IVMF site
Post-9/11 U.S. military veterans with honorable discharge (or currently serving within 180 days of separation, or National Guard/Reserve who served post-9/11). Applicants must be in the early start-up phase (within 12-24 months of launching or with a strong concept close to launch).
3-phase program at no cost including travel and lodging: 30-day online course, 9-day in-person residency, 12 months post-program mentorship
Multiple cohorts per year · Cohort schedule on IVMF site
Post-9/11 U.S. military veterans with honorable discharge (or currently serving within 180 days of separation, or National Guard/Reserve who served post-9/11). Applicants must be in the early start-up phase (within 12-24 months of launching or with a strong concept close to launch).
3-phase program at no cost including travel and lodging: 30-day online course, 9-day in-person residency, 12 months post-program mentorship
Multiple cohorts per year · Cohort schedule on IVMF site
Post-9/11 U.S. military veterans with honorable discharge (or currently serving within 180 days of separation, or National Guard/Reserve who served post-9/11). Applicants must be in the early start-up phase (within 12-24 months of launching or with a strong concept close to launch).
3-phase program at no cost including travel and lodging: 30-day online course, 9-day in-person residency, 12 months post-program mentorship
Multiple cohorts per year · Cohort schedule on IVMF site
Post-9/11 U.S. military veterans with honorable discharge (or currently serving within 180 days of separation, or National Guard/Reserve who served post-9/11). Applicants must be in the early start-up phase (within 12-24 months of launching or with a strong concept close to launch).
3-phase program at no cost including travel and lodging: 30-day online course, 9-day in-person residency, 12 months post-program mentorship
Multiple cohorts per year · Cohort schedule on IVMF site
Post-9/11 U.S. military veterans with honorable discharge (or currently serving within 180 days of separation, or National Guard/Reserve who served post-9/11). Applicants must be in the early start-up phase (within 12-24 months of launching or with a strong concept close to launch).
3-phase program at no cost including travel and lodging: 30-day online course, 9-day in-person residency, 12 months post-program mentorship
Multiple cohorts per year · Cohort schedule on IVMF site
IVMF (Syracuse University) + Hillsborough Community College
BLUF
Time:40-80 hours (local delivery)
Admittance:Application + Eligibility-Based
Funding:In-KindNon-dilutive
Delivery:In-person
Academic:Moderate
Veterans with DD-214, active-duty within reach of separation, and eligible dependents (spouses, family with COE/SOB/DD1300). Applicants must have a budding business concept. Requires application, resume, letter of recommendation, and service documentation.
Free local 3-phase entrepreneurship training + community mentor network
Multiple cycles per year · Contact local partner for current cohort dates
IVMF (Syracuse University) + East Tennessee State University
BLUF
Time:40-80 hours (local delivery)
Admittance:Application + Eligibility-Based
Funding:In-KindNon-dilutive
Delivery:In-person
Academic:Moderate
Veterans with DD-214, active-duty within reach of separation, and eligible dependents (spouses, family with COE/SOB/DD1300). Applicants must have a budding business concept. Requires application, resume, letter of recommendation, and service documentation.
Free local 3-phase entrepreneurship training + community mentor network
Multiple cycles per year · Contact local partner for current cohort dates
IVMF (Syracuse University) + Utah Veteran Business Resource Center (VBRC)
BLUF
Time:40-80 hours (local delivery)
Admittance:Application + Eligibility-Based
Funding:In-KindNon-dilutive
Delivery:In-person
Academic:Moderate
Veterans with DD-214, active-duty within reach of separation, and eligible dependents (spouses, family with COE/SOB/DD1300). Applicants must have a budding business concept. Requires application, resume, letter of recommendation, and service documentation.
Free local 3-phase entrepreneurship training + community mentor network
Multiple cycles per year · Contact local partner for current cohort dates
IVMF (Syracuse University) + Kaua'i Community College
BLUF
Time:40-80 hours (local delivery)
Admittance:Application + Eligibility-Based
Funding:In-KindNon-dilutive
Delivery:In-person
Academic:Moderate
Veterans with DD-214, active-duty within reach of separation, and eligible dependents (spouses, family with COE/SOB/DD1300). Applicants must have a budding business concept. Requires application, resume, letter of recommendation, and service documentation.
Free local 3-phase entrepreneurship training + community mentor network
Multiple cycles per year · Contact local partner for current cohort dates
IVMF (Syracuse University) + Pellissippi State Community College
BLUF
Time:40-80 hours (local delivery)
Admittance:Application + Eligibility-Based
Funding:In-KindNon-dilutive
Delivery:In-person
Academic:Moderate
Veterans with DD-214, active-duty within reach of separation, and eligible dependents (spouses, family with COE/SOB/DD1300). Applicants must have a budding business concept. Requires application, resume, letter of recommendation, and service documentation.
Free local 3-phase entrepreneurship training + community mentor network
Multiple cycles per year · Contact local partner for current cohort dates
IVMF (Syracuse University) + Central Oregon Community College
BLUF
Time:40-80 hours (local delivery)
Admittance:Application + Eligibility-Based
Funding:In-KindNon-dilutive
Delivery:In-person
Academic:Moderate
Veterans with DD-214, active-duty within reach of separation, and eligible dependents (spouses, family with COE/SOB/DD1300). Applicants must have a budding business concept. Requires application, resume, letter of recommendation, and service documentation.
Free local 3-phase entrepreneurship training + community mentor network
Multiple cycles per year · Contact local partner for current cohort dates
IVMF (Syracuse University) + Houston Community College
BLUF
Time:40-80 hours (local delivery)
Admittance:Application + Eligibility-Based
Funding:In-KindNon-dilutive
Delivery:In-person
Academic:Moderate
Veterans with DD-214, active-duty within reach of separation, and eligible dependents (spouses, family with COE/SOB/DD1300). Applicants must have a budding business concept. Requires application, resume, letter of recommendation, and service documentation.
Free local 3-phase entrepreneurship training + community mentor network
Multiple cycles per year · Contact local partner for current cohort dates
IVMF (Syracuse University) + Miami Valley Entrepreneurs Center
BLUF
Time:40-80 hours (local delivery)
Admittance:Application + Eligibility-Based
Funding:In-KindNon-dilutive
Delivery:In-person
Academic:Moderate
Veterans with DD-214, active-duty within reach of separation, and eligible dependents (spouses, family with COE/SOB/DD1300). Applicants must have a budding business concept. Requires application, resume, letter of recommendation, and service documentation.
Free local 3-phase entrepreneurship training + community mentor network
Multiple cycles per year · Contact local partner for current cohort dates
IVMF (Syracuse University) + Pima Community College
BLUF
Time:40-80 hours (local delivery)
Admittance:Application + Eligibility-Based
Funding:In-KindNon-dilutive
Delivery:In-person
Academic:Moderate
Veterans with DD-214, active-duty within reach of separation, and eligible dependents (spouses, family with COE/SOB/DD1300). Applicants must have a budding business concept. Requires application, resume, letter of recommendation, and service documentation.
Free local 3-phase entrepreneurship training + community mentor network
Multiple cycles per year · Contact local partner for current cohort dates
IVMF (Syracuse University) + Kennesaw State University
BLUF
Time:40-80 hours (local delivery)
Admittance:Application + Eligibility-Based
Funding:In-KindNon-dilutive
Delivery:In-person
Academic:Moderate
Veterans with DD-214, active-duty within reach of separation, and eligible dependents (spouses, family with COE/SOB/DD1300). Applicants must have a budding business concept. Requires application, resume, letter of recommendation, and service documentation.
Free local 3-phase entrepreneurship training + community mentor network
Multiple cycles per year · Contact local partner for current cohort dates
Veterans, military spouses, and immediate family members with an early-stage startup who have completed Warrior Academy (or equivalent) and are ready for advanced training.
Live expert-led instruction, certificate of completion, and eligibility for Business Showers pitch competition
Quarterly cohorts · Quarterly, check site for next cohort
Veteran and military spouse founders building technology, SaaS, and dual-use solutions. Pre-seed, execution stage.
8-week online pre-seed accelerator. Milestone-driven path to a working MVP, validated customer problem, early traction, and Virginia Tech certificate. Positions grads for pilots, non-dilutive funding, and seed accelerators.
Open to veteran business owners, corporate supplier-diversity teams, and sponsors. Free directory membership for verified vets. Annual conference is paid.
Two-day event with panels, tactical networking, Above & Beyond Awards Banquet. Access to corporate procurement teams (USAA, Robert Half, T-Mobile, Disney, Boston Scientific, Bristol Myers Squibb, etc.)
Annual · Annual November event in San Diego (10th annual TBA, check site)
Military-connected business owners, entrepreneurs, startups, decision-makers, and anyone interested in starting or growing military-connected small businesses. Open to vets, spouses, families, and civilians who support the mission.
3-day conference with panels, expo, networking; access to Small Business of the Year Award; John Maxwell Live2Lead simulcast on Day 3
Annual conference · October 7-9, 2026 (Arlington, TX). Registration open.
Military veteran entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders. Ticketed conference, no application required to attend. Pitch competition slots are competitive.
Access to VCs actively investing in veteran-led startups + pitch competition hosted by PenFed Foundation + Military Veteran Startup Founder & Pioneer Award
Annual conference · February 2027 (watch milvetstartups.com)
Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce Community Foundation (VFPETP grantee)
BLUF
Time:24-40 hours (3-day intensive)
Admittance:Application + Eligibility-Based
Funding:In-KindNon-dilutive
Delivery:In-person
Academic:Strong
Veteran-owned and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses. Three tracks: VIP Start (early-stage vets learning federal contracting), VIP Grow (established vets scaling federal work), VIP International (export & international opportunities).
U.S. Small Business Administration + DoD Transition Assistance Program
BLUF
Time:16 hours (2-day)
Admittance:Eligibility-Based
Funding:No Cash AwardNon-dilutive
Delivery:In-person
Academic:Moderate
Transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses. Delivered as part of the DoD Transition Assistance Program (TAP) on military installations worldwide.
Free 2-day intro to entrepreneurship. Covers business plan basics, feasibility, resources.
U.S. military veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses interested in technology careers and entrepreneurship. Chapter membership is free.
Free VIT Academy tech education (scholarships available), employer network, VIT Pitch Contest for entrepreneurs, 30+ local chapters, annual VIT Gala (Nov), VIT Invasion (April), Vets in Space program
Rolling programs + annual signature events · VIT Gala 2026: Nov 13 | VIT Invasion 2026: Apr 2 (rolling for other programs)
Honorable discharge (or separating) veterans with EITHER a VA/DoD service-connected disability rating OR service-distinguished status based on exemplary conduct. Not open to all veterans. Selective.
Free to selected delegates. 5-week online self-study plus 5-day in-person residency at UF Warrington, then follow-on mentorship.
Annual cohort · Annual, check Warrington Center for Entrepreneurship for current cohort dates
Native peoples, communities of color, women entrepreneurs, and veterans. Focus on culturally-relevant business development. National reach, served 80k+ entrepreneurs across all 50 states since 1991.
Veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses launching or growing a small business. National reach.
Free college-accredited entrepreneurship training program. Also Mentoring Matters, ME Magazine, Alumni network, Kidpreneur Camp. 150% revenue increase reported after 1 year in program.
Multiple cohorts per year · Rolling cohorts, apply at therosienetwork.org/service2ceo-program
Veterans transitioning into agriculture careers. FVC membership required. Suitable for those seeking hands-on farming skills before starting their own operation.
Structured apprenticeship placement with mentor farms plus wage during training period
Rolling · Rolling. Contact FVC for current placements.
Farmer veterans selected via application. FVC membership required.
12-day in-person seminar covering holistic farm business development, personal resilience, and leadership. Travel and lodging support varies by cohort.
Annual cohorts (Alpha, Bravo, Charlie) · Cohort schedule on farmvetco.org (Charlie 2025 ran Sep 21 to Oct 3, 2025 in Bozeman, MT)
Military service members, veterans, and first responders. Foundation runs programming across wellness, business support, and community. Details vary by initiative.
Culinary entrepreneurship training to launch and sustain food businesses (food trucks, catering, small restaurants). Not a general veteran small-business grant. Foundation also runs wellness, meals, and community programs unrelated to entrepreneurship.
Rolling and event-based · Check chefirvinefoundation.org for current initiatives
Veterans, transitioning service members, and eligible family members. Cohort-based selection.
Fully-funded veteran entrepreneurship bootcamp. Immersion format on the UTC campus with mentors and business fundamentals curriculum. Part of the same family as UF Warrington VEP and OK State Riata VEP.
Annual cohort (summer) · 2026 cohort bootcamp ran July 18-25 on campus. Next cohort: summer 2027 (check UTC College of Business).
Inland Empire Center for Entrepreneurship (IECE), CSUSB
BLUF
Time:80-120 hours
Admittance:Application + Eligibility-Based
Funding:In-KindNon-dilutive
Delivery:Hybrid
Academic:Strong
Veterans, active duty service members, and military spouses. Southern California focus but open to broader applicants.
Fully-funded 5-month program: 1 month foundational workshops, followed by 4 months of individualized consulting. Serves veterans, active duty, and military spouses.
Cohort-based (fall) · Fall 2026 related application deadline July 31, 2026.