Military Entrepreneur Challenge: $15,000 Business Grant for Veterans, Military Spouses, and Gold Star Families

Unlock Capital & Coaching to Transform Your Military-Connected Business

Donor: Second Service Foundation, Holland & Knight LLP, Sam Adams: Brewing the American Dream Program

About: The Military Entrepreneur Challenge represents one of the most comprehensive funding and development opportunities available specifically for military-connected entrepreneurs. This multifaceted program delivers both immediate capital and long-term business development support through a unique three-phase structure.

As a signature initiative of the Second Service Foundation, the MEC exemplifies their mission to inspire, educate, and support veteran and military spouse business ownership across America. The organization has built an impressive track record since 2016, distributing over $400,000 in start-up capital to deserving military-connected entrepreneurs while facilitating millions in additional pro-bono services and resources.

The competition structure follows a progressive format that both educates and evaluates participants. Regional events select nine semi-finalists who each receive minimum $1,000 grants, with the first-place winner receiving an additional $1,000. At the prestigious national finale held annually at the Military Influencer Conference, stakes increase significantly with a $15,000 first-place grant, $6,000 second-place grant, and $4,000 third-place grant. Even more valuable are the complementary legal services awarded by Holland & Knight LLP, with national winners receiving between $25,000-$50,000 in pro-bono legal consultation.

The Military Entrepreneur Challenge (MEC) is an innovative nationwide grant program designed specifically for the military community’s entrepreneurial talent. This three-part experience combines expert coaching, networking opportunities, and competitive pitch sessions to empower veteran, military spouse, and Gold Star Family entrepreneurs with the capital and connections needed to scale their small businesses.

What sets this grant apart is its comprehensive approach to entrepreneurial development. Unlike traditional funding opportunities, the MEC delivers a complete support ecosystem through its unique format: participants begin with specialized speed coaching from industry experts, followed by a private pitch session to a panel of distinguished judges, culminating in a live pitch competition where finalists present their business vision to win substantial capital grants and in-kind services.

The Second Service Foundation, formerly known as StreetShares Foundation, leads this initiative with crucial support from key partners including the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Community Navigator Pilot Program, D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families, Holland & Knight LLP, and Sam Adams’ Brewing the American Dream Program. This coalition of military-focused organizations ensures participants receive both funding and specialized guidance tailored to the unique challenges faced by military-connected entrepreneurs.

Since its inception, the program has distributed over $400,000 in start-up capital, with Holland & Knight LLP providing more than $175,000 annually in pro-bono legal services at the national competition alone. Previous regional grant recipients represent a diverse cross-section of the military community, with 59% being veterans (33% disabled veterans), 48% military spouses, and 51% women entrepreneurs.

The impact extends far beyond financial support. Past winners have leveraged their grants to address critical community needs like mental health services, military PCS transitions, community building, and food security initiatives. Many recipients maintain lasting connections with the Second Service Foundation network, returning to mentor new participants and creating what many describe as a “family” rather than just a funding program.

Looking to accelerate your military-connected business growth? The structured application process begins with submitting your business one-pager and a brief video pitch. If selected, you’ll join an elite group of entrepreneurs at the event, culminating in potential grant awards ranging from $1,000 to $15,000, plus valuable in-kind legal services worth up to $50,000. With Grantaura’s specialized grant research and application services, we can help you perfect your business plan, financial projections, and application materials to maximize your chances of securing this transformative funding opportunity.

Grantaura’s specialized grant management services can help you navigate each phase of this process—from perfecting your business one-pager to crafting a compelling two-minute pitch that addresses all judging criteria. Our team of experienced grant professionals can help conduct thorough research, develop persuasive application materials, and even assist with pitch preparation to maximize your chances of securing these transformative funds for your business.

Focus: Business development, entrepreneurship, military community impact, capital grants, expert coaching, pitch competition, veterans, military spouses, Gold Star families

Region: United States

Eligibility:
-Must be at least 21 years of age at time of application
-Must be a veteran, Reservist, National Guardsman, transitioning active-duty Military Member of any U.S. Armed Forces branch, military spouse, or Gold Star Family member
-Must own at least 51% of the business entity described in the application
-Business must be legally operating and registered in the United States
-Applicants must be low-income and demonstrate financial need to grow their early-stage business
-Must attend the mandatory speed coaching session before being eligible to pitch
-Business entities include sole proprietorships, LLCs, S-Corps, C-Corps, or formal partnerships
-Nonprofit applicants must be the organization’s senior executive director or equivalent
-Franchise businesses are not eligible

Benefits:
-National Competition: First place ($15,000 capital grant + $50,000 in-kind legal services), Second place ($6,000 capital grant + $25,000 in-kind legal services), Third place ($4,000 capital grant + $25,000 in-kind legal services)
-Regional Competitions: All Semi-Finalists receive $1,000 grants, First place receives additional $1,000 (total $2,000)
-Professional development through speed coaching sessions with industry experts
-Networking opportunities with military-connected entrepreneurs and business professionals
-Exposure for your business through the competition platform
-Ongoing access to Second Service Foundation resources and support network

Deadline: Varies by event, check website for upcoming competitions and application deadlines

Terms:
-MonetaryGrant: The financial award given to winners of the Military Entrepreneur Challenge, ranging from $1,000 to $15,000 depending on placement and competition level
-Speed Coaching: Mandatory educational component where entrepreneurs receive guidance from subject matter experts in various business disciplines
-Business One-Pager: Required application document that summarizes your business concept, market opportunity, and growth strategy
-Semi-Finalist: One of nine entrepreneurs selected to receive the base grant amount and pitch to judges
-Finalist: One of three top-scoring Semi-Finalists who advance to pitch live to the audience for additional funding
-Pro Bono Legal Services: Free legal consultation provided by Holland & Knight LLP to competition winners
-Military Influencer Conference (MIC): Annual event hosting the National MEC finale with increased prize amounts
-Second Service Foundation: 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports military entrepreneurs through coaching, resources, and capital