Hiring Our Heroes Small Business Grant: $10,000 Grant for Small Businesses
- June 22, 2026
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Understanding Hiring Our Heroes Small Business Grant
Every year, thousands of veteran-owned small businesses and military spouse entrepreneurs struggle to access the capital they need to grow. Despite veterans being 45% more likely to start a business than the general population, and 1.6 million veteran-owned businesses generating over $1 trillion in annual sales, funding gaps remain a serious obstacle. The Hiring Our Heroes Small Business Grant exists to close that gap.
The Hiring Our Heroes Grant is a nationally recognized small business grant program that awards $10,000 grants (and a $25,000 grand prize) to veteran- and military spouse-owned businesses with demonstrated community impact and financial need. If you’re a veteran entrepreneur or military spouse business owner looking for non-dilutive funding, this $10,000 small business grant is one of the most competitive opportunities available today.
This guide covers everything you need to know about hiring our heroes small business grant:
- What is the Hiring Our Heroes Small Business Grant program?
- Grant Amount and Program Overview
- Who Is Eligible?
- How to Apply for the Hiring Our Heroes Small Business Grant
- Documents You May Need
- How Winners Are Selected
- How Grant Funds Can Be Used
- Is the Hiring Our Heroes Grant Legit?
- Tips to Improve Your Chances of Winning
- Hiring Our Heroes Grant vs. Other Veteran Business Grants
- How a Grant Writing Expert Can Help You Secure the Hiring Our Heroes Grant
- Need Help Applying for the Hiring Our Heroes Small Business Grant?
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Hiring Our Heroes Small Business Grant program?
The Hiring Our Heroes Small Business Grant is a competitive grant program administered by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes initiative, in partnership with the FedEx Founder’s Fund. It awards one-time cash grants of $10,000 to qualifying veteran-owned and military spouse-owned small businesses, plus a $25,000 grand prize. The HOH Small Business Grant supports community impact, economic growth, and business development.
Now in its third year as of 2026, this small business grant program has awarded more than $160,000 to 15 military-connected businesses. Corporate partners including the FedEx Founder’s Fund, Visa, and USAA Small Business Insurance make the program possible.
Grant Amount and Program Overview
The 2026 program awarded five recipients across two funding tiers:
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Award
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Amount
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Notes
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|---|---|---|
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Recipient Grants (4)
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$10,000 each
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One-time cash grant
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Grand Prize (1)
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$25,000
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One-time cash grant
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Total Annual Awards
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$65,000
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2026 cycle
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Cumulative Awarded
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$160,000+
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Across all 3 program years
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Funding Type
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One-Time Cash Grant
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No repayment required
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Over 1,240 applicants competed in the 2026 cycle, with just five recipients selected. The one-time grant funding requires no equity exchange or loan repayment, making it true non-dilutive funding for businesses.
Who Is Eligible?
Hiring Our Heroes grant eligibility is specific. Review this checklist before applying:
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Eligibility Requirement
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Details
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|---|---|
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Legal Resident of the U.S.
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Business must be located in the contiguous 48 states, Alaska, or Hawaii
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For-Profit Business
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Nonprofits, government agencies, and political organizations are excluded
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51% or More Veteran or Military Spouse Ownership
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Honorably discharged veteran OR current military spouse must own majority stake
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3 to 20 Employees
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Includes owner, full-time and part-time staff, and independent contractors
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Under $5 Million Maximum Annual Revenue
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Businesses exceeding $5M revenue are ineligible
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Economically Vulnerable Community or Financial Need
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Must be in a distressed zip code OR demonstrate financial hardship beyond owner's control
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Not a Prior Grant Recipient
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Previous HOH grant winners may be ineligible in subsequent cycles
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Military spouse-owned businesses qualify if the spouse is presently married to an active-duty service member, National Guard member, or Reservist. Veteran-owned small businesses must provide proof of honorable discharge.
How to Apply for the Hiring Our Heroes Small Business Grant
The Hiring Our Heroes Small Business Grant application is submitted entirely online. Here’s the step-by-step process:
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Review all requirements above. Confirm your military status, ownership percentage, employee count, and revenue before investing time in the application.
Step 2: Gather Documentation:
Collect your DD-214 (or military spouse ID), business registration documents, financial statements, and tax returns. See the Documents section below.
Step 3: Complete the Application
Apply for the Hiring Our Heroes grant online at hiringourheroes.org/small-business-award. Include a compelling community impact statement, business narrative, and growth plan. Grant Proposal Writing Services can be helpful when developing a clear, well-structured application that effectively communicates your business goals and community impact.
Step 4: Submit Before the Application Deadline
Complete and submit your application before the official deadline announced for the program cycle. Grant Submission Support can help you review your application materials and confirm that all required components have been submitted before the deadline.
Step 5: Wait for the Selection Committee Review
The grant review process consists of two rounds. Semi-finalists are contacted during the selection process, and winners are notified and recognized at an award ceremony in Washington, D.C.
How a Grant Writing Expert Can Help You Secure the Hiring Our Heroes Grant
The Hiring Our Heroes Small Business Grant application is highly competitive, with a selection rate under 1%. Professional grant writing service can be the difference between a compelling, winning application and one that gets overlooked.
Grant Writing Company can help you:
- Identify and clearly articulate your community impact in the language reviewers respond to
- Frame your financial need accurately and compellingly without overstating or understating your situation
- Craft a business narrative that authentically connects your military service to your entrepreneurial mission
- Develop measurable growth projections and a realistic, persuasive plan for fund use
- Assemble and organize all required documentation to avoid disqualification
- Review your draft application for common grant application mistakes before submission
Need Help Applying for the Hiring Our Heroes Small Business Grant?
Our grant writing team specializes in veteran entrepreneur grants and helps military-connected businesses:
- Find veteran funding opportunities and 2026 small business grant programs
- Verify eligibility and gather required documentation
- Prepare winning grant applications with a compelling community impact narrative
- Develop authentic business narratives that increase chances of grant approval
- Improve approval odds through expert application tips and grant writing advice
Documents You May Need
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Document Category
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Specific Items Required
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|---|---|
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Proof of Military Service
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DD214 (veterans) / Military Spouse ID + DEERS records (spouses) / Active military ID (Guard/Reserve)
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Business Registration Requirements
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Certificate of incorporation, LLC registration, DBA filing, EIN
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Financial Documents for Grants
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Profit & loss statements, balance sheets, 2 years of tax returns
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Revenue Documentation
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Bank statements confirming annual revenue under $5M
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Business Plan
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Business model, growth plan, and intended use of grant funds
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Employee Verification
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Payroll records showing 3–20 employees (including 1099 contractors)
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Community Impact Evidence
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Testimonials, photos, media mentions, community partnerships
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Looking for a complete breakdown of eligibility rules, application criteria, and supporting documentation? Check out our Grant Requirements guide to understand everything you need before applying for business, nonprofit, or veteran-focused grants.
How Winners Are Selected
The grant selection process uses a two-round review. The selection committee evaluates applications on three equally weighted criteria (33.3% each):
- Community Impact (33.3%): Demonstrated leadership and positive impact in local communities, strengthening local communities, providing access to services, and creating community value.
- Economic Growth (33.3%): Contributions to local economies through job creation, workforce development, skill building, and increased tax base.
- Business Acumen (33.3%): A viable, well-articulated path to business success, clear use of funds, realistic growth plan, and evidence of overcoming economic hardships.
Note: The selection criteria above are based on our real-world experience reviewing and supporting grant applications. However, final funding decisions are made solely by the official grant reviewers. While aligning your application with these criteria may improve your competitiveness, meeting all of them does not guarantee grant approval or funding.
How Grant Funds Can Be Used
Past recipients have used their one-time cash grant for a wide range of business growth investments. Eligible grant funding uses include:
- Expand operations: Add capacity, open new locations, or grow to new markets
- Purchase equipment: Production machinery, technology systems, tools
- Hiring and training: Recruit veterans and military spouses, fund onboarding
- Staff training: Expand employee skill sets and specialization
- Invest in team development: Leadership programs, certifications
- Community outreach: Events, charitable initiatives, paid internships for military-connected young professionals
- Marketing and branding: Website redesign, signage, proposal materials
Is the Hiring Our Heroes Grant Legit?
Yes. The Hiring Our Heroes Small Business Grant is a fully legitimate program backed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, one of the most credible nonprofit organizations in the country.
Eric Eversole, President of Hiring Our Heroes, leads the program with a clear mission: to expand economic opportunity for the military-connected business community. Corporate partners include the FedEx Founder’s Fund (the primary funder), Visa, and USAA Small Business Insurance.
Past recipients include real, operating businesses:
2025 Hiring Our Heroes Small Business Grant Recipients
- Caffé Crema (Atlanta, TX)
- The Chopping Block (Pottsville, PA)
- Indian Creek Meats (Poplar Bluff, MO)
- Kuns Northcoast Security (Fremont, OH)
- Rt 66 Auctions (Albuquerque, NM)
The HOH Small Business Grant reviews show consistent, transparent selection, with winners announced at National Veterans Small Business Week (NVSBW) events and recognized in SBA and VA channels.
Our Experience Working with the Veteran Business Grants
Community Impact Often Becomes the Deciding Factor
In our experience, many applicants focus heavily on their products, services, or growth goals, while successful applications place significant emphasis on measurable community impact. The strongest submissions clearly demonstrate how the business creates jobs, supports veterans or military families, serves underserved populations, or contributes to local economic development. Quantifiable outcomes tend to resonate more strongly than general statements about helping the community.
A Clear Military-to-Entrepreneur Story Matters
Reviewers are often looking for more than proof of military service. Strong applications explain how military experiences, leadership skills, and values influenced the decision to start and grow the business. Creating a clear connection between service and entrepreneurship helps applicants stand out in a highly competitive field.
Detailed Use-of-Funds Plans Strengthen Applications
One common characteristic among competitive applications is a specific and realistic plan for how grant funds will be used. Rather than broadly stating that the money will support business growth, successful applicants often explain exactly what will be purchased, how the investment will improve operations, and what measurable outcomes are expected.
Financial Need Should Be Demonstrated Strategically
Financial need is an important consideration, but the strongest applications do more than describe hardship. They explain how a particular challenge is limiting growth and how grant funding can help overcome that barrier. Reviewers generally respond well to applicants who present both the problem and a practical solution.
Consistency Across the Application Is Critical
A common issue we encounter is inconsistency between the business narrative, financial documents, and growth projections. Competitive applications present a cohesive story supported by accurate documentation. When every part of the application reinforces the same message, it builds credibility and strengthens the overall submission.
Tips to Improve Your Chances of Winning
With over 1,240 applicants for five awards, every element of your application matters. Here’s how to stand out:
- Demonstrate community impact with specifics
- Show financial need clearly
- Highlight military service
- Explain your growth plans with measurable outcomes
- Submit complete documentation
- Demonstrate commitment to giving back
Hiring Our Heroes Grant vs. Other Veteran Business Grants
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Program
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Award Amount
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Who Qualifies
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Funded By
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|---|---|---|---|
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Hiring Our Heroes Small Business Grant
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$10,000–$25,000
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Veterans & military spouses
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FedEx Founder's Fund, Visa, USAA
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|
FedEx Founder's Fund
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Up to $50,000
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Small business owners broadly
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FedEx Corporation
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|
StreetShares Foundation
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Up to $4,000
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Veteran business owners
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StreetShares Foundation donors
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|
SBA Veteran Resources
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N/A (loans, not grants)
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Veteran-owned businesses
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U.S. Small Business Administration
|
For the best veteran business grants in 2026, the Hiring Our Heroes grant remains one of the few programs offering true cash grants (not loans) at $10,000+ specifically for veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs.
If you’re exploring more funding opportunities, you may also want to read our guide on Disabled Veteran Business Start-Up Grants to discover additional programs designed specifically for veteran entrepreneurs starting or scaling a business.
Final Thoughts
The Hiring Our Heroes Small Business Grant is one of the most impactful veteran entrepreneur grants available today. With $10,000 grants and a $25,000 grand prize awarded annually, this program provides meaningful small business funding opportunities for veteran-owned and military spouse-owned businesses committed to community impact and economic growth.
Veteran entrepreneur grants like this one recognize what the military community already knows: that service members and military spouses bring exceptional leadership, resilience, and commitment to giving back, qualities that make great entrepreneurs and great community builders.
Whether you are looking to expand operations, invest in team development, or strengthen your presence in your local economy, the Hiring Our Heroes Grant offers the capital and national recognition to accelerate your growth.
Review the eligibility requirements, prepare your documentation carefully, and apply today. Support for veteran entrepreneurs has never been stronger, and your next opportunity starts with a well-crafted application.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Hiring Our Heroes Small Business Grant program?
The Hiring Our Heroes Small Business Grant is a competitive grant program awarding one-time cash grants of $10,000 (and a $25,000 grand prize) to veteran-owned and military spouse-owned small businesses with strong community impact and demonstrated financial need. It is administered by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation in partnership with the FedEx Founder’s Fund.
How much money can businesses receive?
Four recipients receive a $10,000 grant each. One standout business receives the $25,000 grand prize. All awards are one-time cash grants with no repayment required.
Is the grant only for veterans?
No. The program supports both veteran-owned businesses and military spouse-owned businesses. Active-duty National Guard and Reserve members who own a qualifying business may also apply.
What documents are required?
Applicants typically need their DD214 or military ID, business registration documents, financial statements, tax returns, revenue documentation under $5 million, and a business plan with growth projections.
When is the application deadline?
The 2026 application deadline was December 15, 2025. Monitor hiringourheroes.org for the 2027 cycle opening and application deadline.
Is repayment required?
No. The Hiring Our Heroes grant is a one-time cash grant, not a loan. There is no repayment obligation. However, grant funds are considered taxable income.
How competitive is the program?
Extremely competitive. The 2026 program received over 1,240 applicants for five awards, a selection rate under 0.5%. A strong community impact narrative and complete documentation are essential.
Is the Hiring Our Heroes grant legit?
Yes. It is sponsored by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and the FedEx Founder’s Fund, both highly credible organizations. The program has awarded over $160,000 to 15 military-connected businesses across three cycles.
Can I apply if my business revenue is over $5 million?
No. A $5 million maximum annual revenue is a hard eligibility cap. Businesses exceeding this threshold are not eligible for the 2026 small business grant or future cycles.
Can military spouses apply?
Yes. Military spouse-owned businesses are a core part of the program. A qualifying military spouse must be presently married to an active-duty, Guard, or Reserve service member and own 51% or more of a for-profit business.
Note: This guide is for informational purposes only. Grant details, eligibility requirements, deadlines, and funding availability may change at any time. Always verify the most current program information through official sources before making any business or funding decisions.
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