Statewide & Federal
Veteran Small Business Grants
Two real, national grant opportunities for veteran-owned businesses - useful if your farm operates as a small business beyond the Fellowship Fund.
What They Offer
- Stephen L. Tadlock Veteran Grant (Founders First) - $1,000 microgrants awarded to 20-25 veteran-owned small businesses each year, open to businesses with 2-100 employees and revenue under $5 million. Winners also join a business accelerator program at no cost.
- Second Service Foundation Military Entrepreneur Challenge (MEC) - a nationwide three-part competition (speed coaching, a private judged pitch, and a live audience pitch) open to veterans, military spouses, and Gold Star family members. Past winners have received $4,000-$15,000.
- Both are general small-business grants, not agriculture-specific - useful if your farm operates as a registered business beyond what the Farmer Veteran Fellowship Fund covers.
How to Get Started
- Tadlock Grant: pre-register on the Founders First website now - the full application opens September 2026.
- MEC: check the Second Service Foundation site for their next regional event, since locations and dates change annually.
- Both require you to already have (or be actively starting) a registered business - have your basic business details ready before applying.
Source: foundersfirstcdc.org and secondservicefoundation.org. Grant amounts, timing, and eligibility can change year to year - check each program’s site directly for current details.
