VA small business grants to help veterans start a business as they return to civilian life 

Small business grants are designed to help business owners with their customer outreach programs, buy stocks, and pay salaries. Almost all VA small business grants are for existing businesses that are innovative, or that contribute to a social cause. Grants.gov has the most comprehensive database of all federal grants, but you can look for specific VA small business grant programs at Small Business Development Centers (SBDC), Regional Small Business Administration (SBA) offices, and local incubators. Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) is a long-standing funding program for research-based businesses. Small Business Technology Transfer Program (STTR) is more restrictive by the industry, and is available to those businesses based at formal research institutions.   

StreetShare is a veteran-run 501(c)3 nonprofit that distributes VA small business grants of up to $15,000 to veteran entrepreneurs. Founded on Veterans Day in the year 2016, the foundation has so far helped more than 5000 veteran small business owners to get started and boost their existing business. Hivers and Strivers is a group of angel investors that provides VA small business grants from $250,000 to $1,000,000 to startups owned by U.S. Military Academy graduates. VetFran helps veterans and their spouses become involved in franchising opportunities by providing them VA small business grants.      

Helping you connect with clients and investors   

The Second Service Foundation offers VA small business grants of different amounts, wherein the first-place winner receives $15,000, the second-place winner gets $6,000, and third place winner gets $4,000. The National Association for the Self Employed (NASE) offers grants of up to $4,000 to members who want to grow their self-employment business. Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E) program aims a helping veterans with service-connected disabilities, and find a job as they return to civilian life. Warriors Rising offers VA small business grants to veterans and their immediate family members, and also helps them connect with clients and investors.   

Grants by the US Chamber of Commerce   

SBA operates outreach centers through which it helps businesses with planning and research, and connects veteran business owners with community partners. SBA also runs Boots to Business training programs wherein it gives basic information and skills to veterans to start a business. Veteran Ventures Capital invests in veteran-affiliated businesses with high growth. The US Chamber of Commerce Dram Big Award provides VA small business grants to businesses that have been in operation for one year, and with gross revenue of at least $20 million for each of the past two years. Texas Women’s University offers Veteran Women Entrepreneur Grant to women veterans who are starting or own a business.   

Alternative funding options   

Some alternatives to VA small business grants do exist, which you can explore if you are unable to get a grant. These include small business loans, business lines of credit, and business credit cards. However, with GovernmentGrants.us membership, and availing their professional grant writing service, you are guaranteed to win a VA small business grant. They will refund your monthly membership of $29.95, in case your grant application is rejected. To receive the refund, you will have to send the rejection letter to GovernmentGrants.us within 90 days. Additionally, you can find many more grant opportunities at GovernmentGrants.us, such as minority grants, childcare grants, housing grants, training & research grants, and more.