Veterans & Military Spouses Small Business Grants

Details

Hiring Our Heroes’ Small Business Grant Program will award five veteran- and military-spouse-owned small businesses with one-time cash grants to grow and support their operations. Four winners will receive $10,000 and one winner will receive $25,000, made possible by the FedEx Founder’s Fund, the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis, and USAA Small Business Insurance.

Here’s how it works:

• Applicants must be a legal resident of and currently reside in the contiguous 48 states, Alaska, and/or Hawaii
• Business must be for-profit and at least 51% owned by a veteran or military spouse
• Owner must be an honorably discharged veteran, current National Guard/Reserve member, or a military spouse
• Business must have 3 to 20 employees, including the owner(s), full/part-time staff, and independent contractors
• Business must generate no more than $5 million in annual revenue
• Business must be located in an economically vulnerable community or be able to demonstrate financial need due to circumstances beyond the owner's control
• Business must not be a nonprofit organization
• Franchises with more than 25 corporate-owned stores or more than 50 total stores are ineligible
• Businesses in restricted industries (e.g., cannabis, gambling, firearms, tobacco, adult content, religious instruction, political organizations, gas stations, direct sellers) are not eligible
• Businesses owned by employees or affiliates of the program sponsors are ineligible
• Applicants must agree to the program rules and be willing to provide verification of military service if selected
• Applications close on December 15, 2025.