Veteran Entrepreneurs ONLY: Grants, Resources, and Legislative Innovation

Presented by National Invest In Veterans Week®

Veterans are uniquely positioned to drive innovation and leadership in business, yet they often face systemic barriers that hinder their entrepreneurial success. National Invest In Veterans Week® is committed to eliminating these obstacles by providing comprehensive resources, actionable insights, and innovative legislative proposals to support veteran entrepreneurs.

This guide combines practical information on small-business grants and financing with a strategic overview of the Invest in Veterans Stimulus Act, a transformative legislative initiative to promote veteran entrepreneurship.

Why Pursue Veteran Business Grants?

Grants are powerful tools for veteran-owned businesses. Unlike loans, they provide free funding, reducing financial strain and allowing entrepreneurs to focus on innovation and growth. These resources are designed to:

• Provide financial relief by covering costs such as equipment, marketing, and hiring.

• Foster economic equity by addressing systemic barriers to funding.

• Catalyze growth and innovation through industry-specific opportunities.

Comprehensive Grant Opportunities for Veterans

Top 15 Small-Business Grants for Veterans

1. The Second Service Foundation

• Mission: Supports veterans and their spouses through the Military Entrepreneur Challenge.

• Tactics: Complete coaching sessions and submit a proposal for audience-voted prizes.

2. Warrior Rising

• Mission: Provides grants to "vetrepreneurs" who complete rigorous training and mentorship programs.

3. Hiring Our Heroes’ Small Business Grant Program

• Funding: $10,000 grants for businesses with 3–20 employees.

• Deadline: February 15, 2025.

4. Farmer Veteran Fellowship Fund

• Target: Veterans in agriculture.

• Membership: Requires Farmer Veteran Coalition enrollment.

• Deadline: February 14, 2025.

5. Feed the Soul Foundation’s Restaurant Program

• Funding: $10,000 grants and six months of expert consultation.

• Application Window: February 1 – April 15, 2025.

6. Texas Woman’s University Veteran Woman Entrepreneur Grant

• Funding: $5,000 for women veterans in Texas.

• Deadline: January 21 – February 21, 2025.

7. Michigan Veteran Entrepreneur-Lab

• Opportunity: Eight-week training ending in a pitch competition with grant awards.

• Cohort Start: March 2025.

8. NASE Growth Grants

• Funding: $4,000 quarterly grants for veteran members.

9. SBIR/STTR Programs

• Focus: Research and commercialization grants for tech-driven businesses.

10. Veteran Shark Tank

• Prize: $50,000 for the best business pitch.

11. Stephen L. Tadlock Veteran Grant

• Funding: $1,000 micro-grants awarded to 25 veteran-owned businesses annually.

12. FedEx Small Business Grant Contest

• Funding: $20,000–$50,000 for businesses with fewer than 99 employees.

13. Venmo Small Business Grant

• Funding: $20,000 for businesses with fewer than 10 employees.

14. eBay Up & Running Grants

• Funding: $10,000 awarded to 50 eBay sellers annually.

15. Grants.gov

• Access: Explore over 1,000 federal grants tailored to small businesses, including veteran-owned entities.

The Invest in Veterans Stimulus Act

Objective: Eliminate systemic barriers faced by veteran entrepreneurs by providing financial incentives, mentorship, and streamlined resources. This Act builds on research from the 2017 and 2018 Jacksonville Vetrepreneur Summits, which identified two primary challenges:

1. Lack of access to capital.

2. Desire for networking and mentorship opportunities.

Key Features of the Act

1. Financial Incentives

   • Startup Tax Credits: $15,000 for businesses in emerging industries.

   • Low-Interest SBA Loans: 2% interest rate reduction for veteran-owned businesses.

   • Hiring Incentives: $6,000 tax breaks per veteran hired.

2. Mentorship and Training

   • Veteran Entrepreneur Mentorship Network: Connects veterans with industry leaders.

   • Boots to Business Expansion: Specialized tracks in AI, renewable energy, and cybersecurity.

3. Public-Private Partnerships

   • Innovation Stimulus Grants: $300 million annually to foster corporate collaboration with veteran businesses.

   • Corporate Engagement Tax Credits: Incentives for corporations supporting veteran-led startups.

4. Streamlined Federal Contracting

   • Priority Access: Reserves 12% of federal contracts for veteran-owned businesses in critical sectors.

5. Digital and Physical Support

   • Veteran Business Development Centers: Hybrid hubs for training and grant support.

   • Virtual Support Platform: A centralized hub for funding, mentorship, and collaboration.

Additional Resources for Veterans

• Veteran Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs): SBA-funded centers providing mentorship, workshops, and counseling.

• Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF): Free business training and mentorship based at Syracuse University.

• VetFran: Discounts on franchise opportunities for veterans.

• Veteran Institute for Procurement (VIP): Free training to help veterans secure government contracts.

Strategic Outcomes by 2030

• 25% Increase in veteran-owned businesses.

• 1.5 Million New Jobs created.

• Economic Equity: Expanded opportunities for underserved veteran groups, including women and minorities.

• Global Competitiveness: Strengthened U.S. leadership in critical industries like AI and green technology.

Final Call to Action

Veterans are vital to the nation’s economic future. Through grants, innovative legislation like the Invest in Veterans Stimulus Act, and tailored mentorship, they can thrive as entrepreneurs and leaders.

Are you ready to deploy your vision? Begin your journey today with resources from National Invest In Veterans Week®.

Kevin D. Shoun and the Vision of Vets 2.0℠: Empowering the Next Generation of Veterans

Transitioning to civilian life poses unique challenges for recently discharged veterans, but Kevin D. Shoun, a retired U.S. Army First Sergeant, is leading the charge to address these needs through Vets 2.0℠. A groundbreaking initiative co-created with visionary Angel Shuford, Vets 2.0℠ is designed to support veterans in navigating their new chapters with resilience, community, and opportunity.

Kevin D. Shoun: Transformational Leadership for Veterans

Kevin D. Shoun is not just a leader but a catalyst for change. With decades of military service and a proven track record in mental health advocacy, community development, and veteran support, he has made it his mission to empower those who have served.

Shoun’s Impactful Contributions:

1. Mental Health Advocacy: Kevin’s tireless work ensures that Vets 2.0℠ addresses the emotional well-being of veterans through accessible counseling and wellness programs.

2. Community Building: By fostering local partnerships and mentorship opportunities, Kevin connects veterans to resources that enable long-term success.

3. Leadership Development: Kevin’s experience as a U.S. Army First Sergeant drives Vets 2.0℠’s focus on transforming veterans into leaders in their communities and industries.

Discover Kevin’s leadership approach:

• Kevin D. Shoun: Transformational Leadership in the Spirit of Jimmy Carter.

Vets 2.0℠: The Future of Veteran Empowerment

Under the co-leadership of Angel Shuford and Kevin Shoun, Vets 2.0℠ is redefining veteran support by providing innovative, tech-driven solutions tailored for today’s veterans.

What Sets Vets 2.0℠ Apart?

• Tailored Career Transition Support: Programs that help veterans translate their military skills into marketable civilian opportunities.

• Community Engagement: Networking events, mentorship programs, and online forums that foster a sense of belonging.

• Resource Accessibility: A centralized mobile app offers veterans instant access to housing, employment, and financial resources.

Core Components of Vets 2.0℠

1. Career Empowerment

• Skill Translation Workshops: Simplify the transition from military roles to civilian careers.

• Entrepreneurship Opportunities: Programs like FeMil℠ and FeMil Lead℠ support veterans, especially women, in starting their own businesses.

• Employment Partnerships: Collaborations with leading companies to connect veterans with roles in industries like technology, logistics, and renewable energy.

2. Mental Health and Wellness

• Comprehensive Support Services: Counseling, peer support groups, and crisis intervention programs tailored for veterans.

• Advocacy for Mental Health Resources: Kevin D. Shoun’s leadership ensures that emotional well-being is a priority at Vets 2.0℠.

3. Leveraging Technology for Change

• Innovative Digital Platforms: Tools like π.directory provide global networking opportunities.

• User-Friendly Mobile App: Centralized access to resources, event notifications, and financial planning tools.

Kevin D. Shoun: Stories of Leadership in Action

Building Bridges Between Veterans and Communities

Kevin’s local food drive initiatives exemplify his commitment to grassroots action, fostering partnerships that directly benefit veterans and their families.

Championing Mental Health

Through his advocacy work, Kevin has established programs that connect veterans to essential mental health resources, ensuring no veteran faces challenges alone.

A Legacy of Leadership

From his military career to his work with Vets 2.0℠, Kevin has consistently demonstrated the values of resilience, empathy, and innovation.

Why Vets 2.0℠ is Essential for Recently Discharged Veterans

Addressing Critical Needs

• Employment: With tailored workshops and job placement services, Vets 2.0℠ ensures veterans can find fulfilling careers.

• Community: By building networks of support, the initiative combats the isolation many veterans experience.

• Mental Health: Accessible counseling and peer support make emotional well-being a cornerstone of the program.

Empowering the Next Generation

Vets 2.0℠ is not just a support system—it’s a movement designed to empower veterans to lead, innovate, and thrive.

Join the Vets 2.0℠ Movement

With Kevin D. Shoun and Angel Shuford at the helm, Vets 2.0℠ is setting a new standard for veteran advocacy. By combining leadership, innovation, and community, the initiative ensures every veteran has the tools to succeed in civilian life.

Get Involved:

• Explore programs like FeMil℠: National Invest in Veterans Week®: Driving Innovation and Empowering Veterans Globally.

• Support mental health advocacy: Kevin D. Shoun’s Leadership in Action.

• Advocate for legislative change: Championing the Complete the Mission Act of 2024.

Together, we can redefine what it means to serve those who served us. Let’s build a future where every veteran has the opportunity to lead with resilience and purpose through Vets 2.0℠.

Empowering Veterans and Seniors Through National Invest in Veterans Week®: A Comprehensive Framework for Financial Freedom

Veterans and seniors face unique financial challenges when transitioning into new phases of life. The conventional advice offered through platforms like ASDV.org, which provides investing tips for service-disabled veterans and seniors, is vital. However, National Invest in Veterans Week® (NIVW) offers a transformative, structured approach to tackling these challenges by focusing on long-term empowerment, innovation, and sustainability.

This article delves into how NIVW supports veterans and seniors by bridging the gap between resources, opportunities, and financial independence, creating a legacy of lasting impact.

Investing in Yourself: The Cornerstone of Financial Success

Educational Empowerment with the GI Bill

Education is one of the most valuable investments veterans and seniors can make in themselves. Through the GI Bill, veterans have access to 36 months of full in-state tuition coverage, allowing them to pursue new careers after military service. For those who’ve already achieved educational goals, these benefits are transferrable to family members, adding further value.

Learn more about leveraging education as a tool for empowerment: National Invest in Veterans Week®.

Understanding Your State’s Financial Advantages

Veterans can capitalize on their unique legal residency benefits, which allow them to maintain a tax-friendly home state despite frequent relocations. Similarly, seniors can benefit by strategically relocating to states with no income tax or lower tax rates to maximize their savings. NIVW emphasizes financial literacy programs and mentorship to help veterans and seniors navigate these benefits effectively.

Explore state-specific opportunities through platforms like FloridaVeterans.com and TennesseeVeterans.com.

Debt Avoidance: Financial Freedom Starts with Control

Veterans often face unique financial stressors, from frequent relocations to adapting to civilian careers. Programs like the Service Member’s Civil Relief Act and the Veteran’s Administration (VA) home loan program offer critical safeguards, such as capped loan interest rates and competitive mortgage terms. NIVW provides workshops and mentorship to educate veterans and seniors on leveraging these benefits responsibly.

For further reading: Driving Innovation and Empowering Veteran Entrepreneurship.

Career Transitioning: Bridging Military and Civilian Success

Veterans often bring unmatched discipline and problem-solving skills to the workforce, making them ideal candidates for industries like healthcare, construction, and technology. NIVW enhances this potential through mentorship programs and platforms like FeMil℠, which empower female veterans with leadership training and business development tools.

Learn more about career pathways: Kevin D. Shoun’s Transformational Leadership.

Investing Wisely: Building a Financial Legacy

Start Early, Start Right

One of NIVW’s key focuses is educating veterans and seniors on the importance of early and strategic investing. By using tools like Investor.gov, participants can plan realistic financial goals and explore low-cost investment options such as Thrift Savings Plans (TSPs) and Roth IRAs.

Explore financial planning tools and resources: Championing the Complete the Mission Act of 2024.

Protecting Against Scams

Scammers often target veterans and seniors, exploiting their desire for financial security. NIVW provides resources and training to identify fraudulent schemes, ensuring participants protect their hard-earned wealth.

Active Investing: House Flipping and Real Estate

For those who prefer hands-on investments, real estate presents a lucrative option. NIVW supports veterans in navigating VA loan programs, connecting them with Military Relocation Professional (MRP) Realtors, and accessing networks like Meetup.com to foster mentorship and community in real estate investing.

Key Tips for Success:

1. Leverage VA loans for primary residences with minimal down payments.

2. Partner with experienced mentors in real estate investing.

3. Focus on properties requiring value-added renovations for maximum returns.

NIVW’s Unique Edge for Veterans and Seniors

Global Outreach

While platforms like ASDV.org offer localized advice, NIVW connects participants across 62 global markets through platforms like SingaporeVeterans.com and GermanyVeterans.com, expanding financial and entrepreneurial opportunities on an international scale.

Tailored Programs for Underserved Groups

Through initiatives like FeMil Lead℠, NIVW supports underserved demographics, including female veterans and seniors, providing tools and networks tailored to their specific needs.

NIVW: A Call to Action for Financial Empowerment

National Invest in Veterans Week® is more than a resource—it’s a movement to redefine financial success for veterans and seniors. By combining practical advice with global opportunities and cutting-edge tools, NIVW empowers individuals to build sustainable, impactful legacies.

Get Started Today:

• Explore investment tools and mentorship programs at National Invest in Veterans Week®.

• Join global platforms like EUVeterans.com to access international resources.

• Advocate for legislative reforms like the Invest in Veterans Stimulus Act to remove systemic barriers.

Together, we can ensure that veterans and seniors not only secure their financial futures but also lead with resilience, innovation, and purpose.