Celebrating National Veterans Small Business Week
The 13th Annual National Veterans Small Business Week, held November 9-13, 2026, celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit, innovation, and economic impact of America’s roughly 2.5 million veteran-owned small businesses. Organized by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the observance highlights the achievements of veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs while connecting them with resources that can help their businesses thrive.
Veteran-owned small businesses represent a growing segment of the U.S. economy, generating approximately $1.3 trillion in annual economic output, supporting around 5.8 million positions nationwide, and making up 13.7% of American small businesses. According to SBA, veterans are 45% more likely to become entrepreneurs than non-veterans, underscoring their drive, resilience, and leadership honed during military service.
Programs that provide funding, mentorship, and visibility can play a critical role in helping these businesses launch, grow, and strengthen their communities.
Resources for Military-Connected Entrepreneurs
In an effort to expand economic opportunity for the military-connected community, Hiring Our Heroes (HOH) supports veteran- and military spouse-owned small businesses through the Small Business Grant Program.
Made possible through the generosity of the FedEx Founder’s Fund, the program celebrates the impact these businesses have on their communities and the broader economy. Each year, five small businesses are selected to receive one-time cash grants to help grow and sustain their operations. This year, one exceptional small business will be awarded $25,000 alongside four $10,000 grants.
“Supporting veterans and veteran-owned businesses matters for a simple reason: investing in those who have served is an investment in our nation’s future,” said Samantha Smith Atkinson, Staff Director of Global Public Policy at FedEx. “Veteran-owned businesses create jobs, strengthen local economies, and reflect the values that define our country — perseverance, innovation, and service.”
“Veteran-owned businesses create jobs, strengthen local economies, and reflect the values that define our country – perseverance, innovation, and service.”
– Samantha Smith Atkinson, Staff Director of Global Public Policy at FedEx
Veteran Entrepreneurs Harness Military Skills to Uplift Communities
For many veterans, entrepreneurship provides a meaningful opportunity to continue serving others after military service. Past grant recipients exemplify how the military-connected community translates leadership, resilience, and dedication into lasting local impact.
2025 grant recipient and U.S. Marine Corps veteran Roger Kuns embodies this commitment through his company Kuns Northcoast Security. Since purchasing the Fremont, Ohio-based lock shop in 2010, he has leaned on his military training to grow the shop into a full-service security company. He credits his military service with preparing him for the responsibilities of business ownership and reinforcing a commitment to serving something larger than himself. Today, he continues that mission by protecting customers, empowering employees, and strengthening his hometown.
“I measure success by whether customers trust us to stand behind our work, whether our employees have room to grow, and whether we’re making a difference in our community,” Roger shared. That dedication to giving back is visible in his hometown, where his company supports OpFOB.org and the Ronald McDonald House, and where he recently helped raise more than $6 million for a downtown amphitheater and Rotary Lodge as Rotary president.
Similarly, 2026 grant winner and U.S. Army veteran Hyacinth Tucker showcases that drive to give back through her company, The Laundry Basket. Founded in 2022 with a vision to help busy families reclaim their time through convenient laundry pickup and delivery, the company has since evolved into a vital community ecosystem. Through her franchise brand NextFold, her job training program The Laundry Basket Institute, and her community support initiative Loads of Love, Hyacinth is creating local jobs, driving workforce development, mentoring new entrepreneurs, and giving back to families in need.
“The HOH Small Business Grant reinforced that our service to our country may have ended, but our ability to lead, innovate, and make a difference in our communities certainly has not,” Hyacinth said.
Inspired by entrepreneurs like Roger and Hyacinth, HOH is now accepting applications from the next generation of veteran and military spouse business owners looking to grow their impact.
How to Apply
Veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs can apply for 2027 grants now through December 15, 2026.
Eligibility
- Location: Applicants must be legal residents of and currently reside in the contiguous 48 states, Alaska, or Hawaii.
- Business Structure: Businesses must be for-profit, veteran or military spouse-owned (51% or more ownership), and employ 3-20 individuals, including owners, full-time or part-time employees, and independent (1099) contractors.
- Revenue & Need: Annual revenue must not exceed $5 million, and businesses should be located in economically vulnerable communities or otherwise demonstrate financial need.
