Funding, Loans and Free Mentoring for Veteran Business Owners

Last verified: October 11, 2026

⚠ Watch out for "free grant" scams. According to the SBA, SBA does not provide grants for starting or expanding a business. Its grants go to nonprofits, resource partners, and schools. SBA only emails from addresses ending in @sba.gov.

Loans

SBA 7(a) and 504 loans

SBA backs loans made by approved lenders. 7(a) is SBA's main long-term loan program; 504 loans offer long-term, fixed-rate financing for growth. SBA loans

Microloans

Loans of $50,000 or less, made through intermediary lenders. SBA microloans

Lender Match

SBA's free tool that matches you with SBA-approved lenders. Lender Match

Free mentoring and training

Veterans Business Outreach Centers

Counseling, workshops, and business plan help for veterans and military spouses.

SCORE mentors

Free volunteer business mentors, part of SBA's partner network. SCORE.org

Small Business Development Centers

Free advising on planning, money, and growth. Find an SBDC

VA programs

VR&E self-employment

Eligible veterans in VA's Veteran Readiness and Employment program can get help with a business plan and guidance. You apply for VR&E first. VA self-employment track

Selling to the VA

Vets First contracting for certified veteran-owned businesses.

Boots to Business

SBA's free entrepreneurship course for service members and spouses.

This guide isn't legal or tax advice. Always confirm the current rules on the official pages linked above.