Grants, discounts and free programs for veteran-owned businesses
Verified grants, franchise discounts and free accelerators for veteran and military-spouse business owners, with requirements and application steps.
Updated October 16, 2026 · 9 programs you can use now
Veteran entrepreneurs have more free help available than almost any other group, but it's spread across grant contests, franchise incentives and free accelerators. The Hiring Our Heroes Small Business Grant Program, supported by FedEx, awards $10,000 and $25,000 grants to veteran- and military-spouse-owned businesses, and franchisors such as The UPS Store and 7-Eleven cut their franchise fees for veterans.
Free programs such as the PenFed Foundation Veteran Entrepreneur Program and DAV Patriot Boot Camp add training, mentoring and the chance to pitch for funding. We checked every program below on its own website.
Cash grants and founder funds
Money you do not pay back. Some come with credits, coaching or marketing on top.
Open now · closes December 15, 2026Cash grantVeteran-ownedLow-income communities
Hiring Our Heroes Small Business Grant Program (2027)
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation (Hiring Our Heroes), supported by FedExFor businessesNationwide
Hiring Our Heroes, a U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation program supported by FedEx, awards five one-time cash grants to small businesses owned by veterans or military spouses: four $10,000 grants and one $25,000 grand prize. Businesses need 3 to 20 employees, under $5 million in annual revenue, and must be in an economically vulnerable community or show financial need from hardship. Applications for the 2027 program are due by 11:59 p.m. EDT on December 15, 2026.
What you get
$10,000 (four grants) or $25,000 (one grand prize)
Who qualifies
Legal resident of, and currently residing in, the contiguous 48 states, Alaska and/or Hawaii
51% or more owner of a for-profit business owned by an honorably discharged veteran, a current Guard/Reserve member, or a current military spouse
3 to 20 employees, including the owner, full- or part-time employees and 1099 contractors
Less than $5 million in annual revenue
Located in an economically vulnerable community (Distressed Communities Index stress score of 40+) or able to show financial need from hardship beyond the owner's control
Excludes nonprofits, government agencies, gas stations, large franchises and other listed business types
How to apply
Review the official program rules and eligibility requirements
Answer the eligibility questions at the start of the online application (all must be "yes" to continue)
Submit the online application, with business details and short written answers (about 250 words each), by 11:59 p.m. EDT on December 15, 2026
Up to 20 semi-finalists go to a judging panel; the five winners are notified by March 29, 2027 and must provide proof of military service
Checked against U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation (Hiring Our Heroes), supported by FedEx's own page on October 16, 2026.
Free services and programs
Training, accelerators and other support with real value but no cash award.
Open now · closes December 31, 2026Free or discounted softwareVeteran-owned
The UPS Store Franchise Incentives for Veterans (VetFran and Mission: Veteran Entrepreneurship)
The UPS StoreFor businesses and individualsNationwide
The UPS Store cuts the initial franchise fee for a veteran's first center from $39,950 to $19,950 under the VetFran program. Under its 2026 Mission: Veteran Entrepreneurship incentive, it waives the initial franchise fee entirely for the first 10 veterans who commit to develop a new Traditional Center, with applications accepted through December 31, 2026. Veterans must be first-time purchasers and majority owners.
What you get
$20,000 off the initial franchise fee ($39,950 to $19,950), or the full fee waived for the first 10 veterans in 2026 (discount, not cash; $8,000 application fee applies, half refundable)
Who qualifies
Veteran with an honorable discharge (DD214)
First-time purchaser of a The UPS Store Center franchise; veteran must be the majority owner
Not available for buying an existing center or renewals; can't be combined with other incentives
Full waiver: first 10 veterans who commit to develop a new Traditional Center and meet financial qualifications and booking deadlines
How to apply
Click "Apply Now" on The UPS Store franchise page
Submit a complete application packet: Letter of Intent, personal financial statement, financial verification documents and your DD214
Pay the $8,000 Initial Application Fee (half refundable) by December 31, 2026 to be considered for the 2026 full fee waiver
Checked against The UPS Store's own page on October 16, 2026.
Apply any timeFree or discounted softwareVeteran-owned
7-Eleven Franchises for Veterans Program
7-ElevenFor businesses and individualsNationwide
7-Eleven offers qualified U.S. veterans interested in franchising up to 20% off the initial franchise fee (savings of up to $50,000), special financing options and up to 65% financing through 7-Eleven. The offer is ongoing with no deadline stated.
What you get
Up to 20% off the initial franchise fee (maximum savings $50,000) plus special financing (discount, not cash)
Who qualifies
Qualified U.S. veteran interested in franchising a 7-Eleven store
How to apply
Apply through the program page: https://franchise.7-eleven.com/franchise/franchises-for-veterans-program
Checked against 7-Eleven's own page on October 16, 2026.
Apply any timeFree credits or servicesVeteran-owned
DAV Patriot Boot Camp
DAV (Disabled American Veterans)For businessesNationwide
DAV Patriot Boot Camp gives founders from the veteran and military community, including spouses, free entrepreneurship education, mentorship and resources at in-person cohorts. DAV covers programming, meals and local transportation (participants pay their own travel and hotel), and selected entrepreneurs from each cohort compete in DAV Patriots Pitch for thousands of dollars in non-dilutive capital. Registration for the Winter '27 cohort is open on a first-come, first-served basis.
What you get
Free program (programming, meals and local transportation covered) plus a chance to pitch for thousands of dollars in non-dilutive capital (in-kind; no fixed amount stated)
Who qualifies
Member of the veteran or military-connected community (includes spouses)
Owner or founder of a for-profit business (not franchisees); nonprofits not eligible
Company is scalable and looking to grow
Preferred but not required: EIN and website, and revenue or capital raised in the last year
How to apply
Click "Apply Now" on the program page and register for the Winter '27 cohort (first come, first served)
Wait to be notified of your registration status
If accepted, book your own travel and a room at the partner hotel
Checked against DAV (Disabled American Veterans)'s own page on October 16, 2026.
Apply any timeFree credits or servicesVeteran-owned
PenFed Foundation Veteran Entrepreneur Program (Accelerator and Incubator)
PenFed Foundation (funded by PenFed Credit Union)For businessesNationwide
The PenFed Foundation, whose personnel and most operating costs are funded by PenFed Credit Union, runs a free, zero-equity Accelerator and Incubator for veteran and military spouse founders. The Accelerator (national, for businesses with an MVP and early traction) covers flights, hotels and meals for a 4-day intensive plus 6 weeks of mentorship, with a chance to compete in an annual pitch competition for non-dilutive funding; the local Incubator serves founders with ideas but no product, with seed funding for select founders. Applications for 2027 cohorts are being accepted and reviewed monthly.
What you get
Free program with travel, hotel and meals covered (Accelerator) and a chance at non-dilutive pitch funding; seed funding for select Incubator founders (in-kind; no dollar amounts stated)
Who qualifies
Veteran or military spouse who is the majority owner of the business
Accelerator: validated or launched product/service (MVP) with early traction and potential to grow regionally or nationally; accepts companies from anywhere in the United States
Incubator: founders with an idea but no product or revenue; must live in or commute to the cohort area
Up to two founders per company; industry agnostic, with priority for national security and defense businesses
How to apply
Choose the track: Incubator if you have an idea but no MVP or customers, Accelerator if you have an MVP and early customers
Submit the online application from the Accelerator or Incubator page ("Apply now")
The selection committee reviews applications monthly; shortlisted founders are invited to an interview
The committee makes final selections and program staff contact every applicant
Checked against PenFed Foundation (funded by PenFed Credit Union)'s own page on October 16, 2026.
Apply any timeFree or discounted softwareVeteran-owned
Snap-on Tools Franchise Incentives for Veterans
Snap-onFor businesses and individualsNationwide
Snap-on offers veterans who buy a Snap-on Tools franchise $25,000 off their initial tool inventory. If the franchise is financed through Snap-on Credit, the veterans discount may be counted as equity to reduce the down payment. The offer is ongoing with no deadline stated.
What you get
$25,000 off the initial tool inventory (discount, not cash)
Who qualifies
Veteran buying a Snap-on Tools franchise (details in Snap-on's Franchise Disclosure Document)
How to apply
Take the interactive online tour of the franchise opportunity with a Snap-on Franchise Manager
Receive and review Snap-on's Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD)
Do a "Ride Along" with a current Snap-on Tools franchisee as part of the Discovery process
Checked against Snap-on's own page on October 16, 2026.
Opens in roundsFree credits or servicesVeteran-owned
Farmer Veteran Fellowship Fund
Farmer Veteran Coalition (supporters include Tractor Supply Co. and Kubota)For businesses and individualsNationwide
The Farmer Veteran Fellowship Fund gives veterans in their beginning years of farming or ranching awards of $1,000 to $5,000, paid directly to approved third-party vendors for items that help launch their farm business. Supporters shown on the page include Tractor Supply Co. and the Tractor Supply Foundation, and applicants can also apply for equipment through Kubota's Geared To Give program in the same application. The application opens once a year for at least four weeks; the 2026 cycle is complete and awardees were announced May 1, 2026.
What you get
$1,000 to $5,000, paid to approved vendors for farm purchases (in-kind, not cash to the veteran)
Who qualifies
Veteran in the beginning years of farming or ranching, with an 'Honorable' characterization of service (others case by case); currently serving members need a commanding officer's letter
Member of Farmer Veteran Coalition
Agricultural business in operation and a business plan
For-profit agricultural businesses only; nonprofits not eligible
Past recipients may reapply only if previously awarded $1,000 or less
How to apply
Join Farmer Veteran Coalition (membership is required)
Complete the application during the once-a-year window (open for at least four weeks), including your business plan; Kubota's Geared To Give equipment application is built in
If selected, choose third-party vendors approved by the Fellowship Fund manager, who pays them on your behalf within 6 months
Program page checked on October 16, 2026. The amount or dates aren't published, so confirm them on the program page.
Opens in roundsFree credits or servicesVeteran-owned
Progressive Keys to Progress: Business Auto Vehicles for Veteran-Owned Businesses
ProgressiveFor businesses and nonprofitsNationwide
Progressive's Keys to Progress program gives five business vehicles a year to leaders of veteran-owned small businesses and veteran nonprofits, each with a gift pack, a 12-month powertrain protection plan and a 6-month insurance policy; a separate track awards one Class-8 semi-truck. Applications must be submitted by a qualified sponsor during the annual entry period. The 2026 Business Auto entry period ran April 3 to August 7, 2026 and is closed; Progressive says to check back for 2027 timelines.
What you get
A business vehicle plus gift pack, 12-month powertrain protection plan and 6-month insurance policy (in-kind; five recipients; no dollar value stated)
Who qualifies
Military veteran (DD214), active-duty E-4 or lower, spouse of an overseas active-duty E-4 or lower, or Gold Star status
Holds a leadership position (President, Founder, CEO, etc.) in the eligible business or nonprofit
Valid Class C commercial driver's license (Class A for the Class-8 truck) and clean driving/DOT record; must pass a background check
Business income tax filing (or Form 990) for the current year; doesn't own a commercial vehicle, has a hardship with the current one, or shows a business impact from adding to the fleet
Legal resident of the 50 states or DC (not U.S. territories); 18+ (19 in AL and NE)
Application must be submitted by a qualified Applicant Sponsor
How to apply
Find a qualified Applicant Sponsor (a nonprofit/veteran-related organization or individual who knows you professionally)
During the entry period, request an application by emailing KeysToProgress@progressive.com (2026 period: April 3 to August 7)
Complete the application and collect the supporting documents (DD214 or LES, CDL, business tax filing)
Your sponsor emails the full application to KeysToProgress@progressive.com before the period ends; finalists face a background check and possibly an interview
Program page checked on October 16, 2026. The amount or dates aren't published, so confirm them on the program page.
Programs for specific states
These are only open to organizations in (or serving) the states listed. Open your state to see them.
Massachusetts1 program
Apply any timeFree credits or servicesWomen-ownedMinority-ownedBlack-ownedNative / Indigenous-ownedAsian American-ownedLGBTQ+-ownedDisability-ownedVeteran-owned
MVYRADIO Business Diversity Initiative
MVYRADIO (Martha's Vineyard, MA)For businesses and nonprofitsLocal programs in Massachusetts, Rhode Island
MVYRADIO gives a bank of free 15-second underwriting messages to businesses in its broadcast area owned by women, BIPOC, immigrants, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, LGBTQIA people, people with disabilities and veterans. Applications are reviewed quarterly by the station's Diversity Committee, which picks three applicants each round. Businesses apply through an online form linked from the program page.
What you get
A bank of free 15-second underwriting messages on MVYRADIO (in-kind, not cash); value not stated
Who qualifies
Businesses owned by women, Black, Indigenous or people of color, immigrants, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, LGBTQIA people, people with disabilities, or veterans
Located in MVYRADIO's broadcast area (Martha's Vineyard, Cape Cod, Southeastern Massachusetts and Newport, RI)
Not already an active MVYRADIO client; priority to newer businesses without resources for paid advertising, and to registered businesses over nonprofits
Messages must follow FCC underwriting rules; some categories (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, firearms, gambling, political) are excluded
How to apply
Read the program information and underwriting guidelines on the MVYRADIO diversity page
Submit the online application form linked from the page
The Diversity Committee reviews applications quarterly and selects three applicants each round
Checked against MVYRADIO (Martha's Vineyard, MA)'s own page on October 16, 2026.
Rhode Island1 program
Apply any timeFree credits or servicesWomen-ownedMinority-ownedBlack-ownedNative / Indigenous-ownedAsian American-ownedLGBTQ+-ownedDisability-ownedVeteran-owned
MVYRADIO Business Diversity Initiative
MVYRADIO (Martha's Vineyard, MA)For businesses and nonprofitsLocal programs in Massachusetts, Rhode Island
MVYRADIO gives a bank of free 15-second underwriting messages to businesses in its broadcast area owned by women, BIPOC, immigrants, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, LGBTQIA people, people with disabilities and veterans. Applications are reviewed quarterly by the station's Diversity Committee, which picks three applicants each round. Businesses apply through an online form linked from the program page.
What you get
A bank of free 15-second underwriting messages on MVYRADIO (in-kind, not cash); value not stated
Who qualifies
Businesses owned by women, Black, Indigenous or people of color, immigrants, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, LGBTQIA people, people with disabilities, or veterans
Located in MVYRADIO's broadcast area (Martha's Vineyard, Cape Cod, Southeastern Massachusetts and Newport, RI)
Not already an active MVYRADIO client; priority to newer businesses without resources for paid advertising, and to registered businesses over nonprofits
Messages must follow FCC underwriting rules; some categories (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, firearms, gambling, political) are excluded
How to apply
Read the program information and underwriting guidelines on the MVYRADIO diversity page
Submit the online application form linked from the page
The Diversity Committee reviews applications quarterly and selects three applicants each round
Checked against MVYRADIO (Martha's Vineyard, MA)'s own page on October 16, 2026.
Common questions
Can military spouses apply?
For several programs, yes. Hiring Our Heroes and the PenFed Foundation program both accept military-spouse-owned businesses. Each card says who qualifies.
Do I need a service-connected disability?
No. Most programs here are open to any honorably discharged veteran, and Hiring Our Heroes also accepts current Guard and Reserve members.
Programs that have ended
Still widely listed elsewhere, so here for the record. Don't apply to these.
Military Entrepreneur Challenge (Second Service Foundation)
Every program here was checked against the provider's own website on the date shown on its card. Offers change, so confirm the details on the program page before you apply. GrantFinder isn't affiliated with these companies.