Hiring Our Heroes Announces 2025 Small Business Award Recipients
Hiring Our Heroes, an initiative of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, recently announced the recipients of its 2025 Small Business Awards at a ceremony held on April 29 in Washington, D.C. Supported by the FedEx Founder’s Fund and USAA Small Business Insurance, five veteran- and military spouse-owned businesses each received a $10,000 grant to support their growth and contributions to their communities.
The annual event drew attendance from business leaders throughout the D.C. area and from across the country and featured remarks from representatives from the Small Business Administration, FedEx, and USAA, who highlighted their organizations’ commitment to empowering veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs.
“At FedEx, we are deeply committed to supporting military veterans and their families,” said Samantha Smith Atkinson, Staff Director of Global Public Policy at FedEx. “Through the FedEx Founder’s Fund and our partnership with Hiring Our Heroes, we’ve seen the Small Business Grant Program for Veterans and Military Spouses come to life and we look forward to its continued growth in the years ahead. Congratulations to the five outstanding small businesses recognized this year.”
“Supporting veteran and military spouse business owners is personal for us at USAA,” said Nate Kraynak, Head of Small Business Insurance at USAA. “These entrepreneurs carry the same determination and purpose into their businesses as they did in service, and we’re proud to stand with them as they grow and give back to their communities.”
Overview of the Hiring Our Heroes Small Business Grant Program
Through the generosity of the FedEx Founder’s Fund and USAA Small Business Insurance, the Hiring Our Heroes Small Business Grant Program awards five veteran or military spouse entrepreneurs with a one-time $10,000 grant to grow and support their business. This program honors the leadership, resilience, and dedication that veterans and military spouses bring to business. This year, a selection committee reviewed over 1,250 applications, selecting five awardees for their impact and contributions to local communities and America’s economic growth.
Meet the 2025 Small Business Award Grant Recipients
From a coffee shop transformed into a mission-driven community hub to an auction house that has raised $2 million for charity, the 2025 Small Business Awardees demonstrate the positive impact veteran- and military spouse-owned enterprises have on their communities beyond profitability. Each recipient’s inspiring story showcases how lessons from military service translate into entrepreneurial success and a steadfast commitment to serving others.
Caffé Crema – Atlanta, TX
Caffé Crema, founded by military spouse Tanya Beers in 2021, is more than a coffee house. It is a mission-driven space built on community, connection, and quality. What began as a small, family-run venture has grown into a local hub that offers room rentals and hosts community events. With the grant, Caffé Crema plans to launch a line of packaged products, invest in team development, and expand community engagement efforts through events like their annual Trail Grinder Race, which supports research and awareness for rare diseases.
The Chopping Block – Pottsville, PA
Founded in 2024 by U.S. Marine Corps veteran Jon Marsh and Alex Chivinski, The Chopping Block is an axe-throwing venue that has quickly become a local favorite. Their success prompted an expansion to the second floor of their facility, a space they have meticulously renovated. Community involvement is central to the company’s mission, and they support multiple nonprofits and local events. The Chopping Block plans to use their grant to finalize their expansion with new equipment and furnishings, further contributing to the city’s revitalization and fostering more opportunities for local engagement.
Indian Creek Meats – Poplar Bluff, MO
U.S. Air Force Veteran Michael Haga continues to have big plans for his business, Indian Creek Meats. Established in 2020 in Poplar Bluff, MO, with his wife, Sandy, the couple has grown the business fourfold in capacity and now employs eight full-time staff. Michael attributes his leadership skills and ability to manage stressful situations to his military service, which has been instrumental in his entrepreneurial journey. His favorite aspect of being a business owner is collaborating with people and contributing to his clients’ success. The company plans to further grow the business by using the grant funding to purchase a packaging machine.
Kuns Northcoast Security – Fremont, OH
Founded in 2010, Kuns Northcoast Security has evolved from a sleepy lock shop to a full-service security company with 15 employees, serving clients in more than 30 states. Owner Roger Kuns, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, finds it rewarding to see the company’s broad impact, whether it’s delivering peace of mind to customers, creating career opportunities for veterans, or supporting community initiatives. The company plans to use the grant to enhance their training lab with AI-driven technologies and advanced tools to boost workforce development and expand veteran recruitment and mentoring.
Rt 66 Auctions – Albuquerque, NM
In 2018, U.S. Air Force Veteran Gary Peterson founded Rt 66 Auctions to manage car auctions for local charities. Leveraging the discipline, teamwork, and entrepreneurial mindset honed during his military service, Rt 66 Auctions quickly expanded to offer estate and car auctions across New Mexico, securing multiple government contracts with city, county, and state offices. Peterson defines success at the company by his ability to support his family and ensure his employees can do the same. Rt 66 Auctions plans to use grant funding towards elevating its brand with additional signage, a website redesign, and improvements to its proposal template.
“It’s so fulfilling to be able to do what I love and to feel like we’re making a significant difference in our community.”
Gary Peterson, Founder, Rt 66 Auctions
Highlights from the 2025 Awards Ceremony
The 2025 Hiring Our Heroes Small Business Award ceremony was a vibrant gathering of business leaders, community advocates, and military supporters, united in their commitment to the empowerment of veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs.
In his remarks, Eric Eversole, president of Hiring Our Heroes, praised this year’s honorees as exemplary entrepreneurs who strengthen their communities through service, perseverance, and innovation. “For many members of the military community, the pathway to economic opportunity leads to small business ownership,” said Eversole. “Veterans and military spouses make great entrepreneurs because they understand what it means to serve their communities and what it takes to be successful.
In concluding the awards ceremony, Eversole praised this year’s honorees as exemplary entrepreneurs who strengthen their communities. “To all our awardees, thank you for your continued service and positive impact across the country.”
