The Hiring Our Heroes Small Business Grant Program, sponsored by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation with support from FedEx through the FedEx Founder’s Fund, is now accepting applications for its 2026 grant cycle. This competitive program will award five veteran- and military spouse-owned small businesses with one-time grants of $10,000 or $25,000 to support business growth, improve financial stability, and recognize the economic contributions of the military community.
Applications must be submitted online by December 15, 2025, at 11:59 PM EDT.
About the Hiring Our Heroes Small Business Grant Program
Hiring Our Heroes (HOH) is a national initiative of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation aimed at connecting the military community with meaningful economic opportunities. Through the Small Business Grant Program, HOH highlights the important role of veteran- and military spouse-owned businesses in strengthening local economies, creating jobs, and contributing to community development.
The 2026 program will award:
- Four (4) grants of $10,000
- One (1) grand prize grant of $25,000
The program is funded through the FedEx Founder’s Fund, part of the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis, demonstrating a commitment to advancing the success of small businesses created and led by military families.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply, businesses and owners must meet all eligibility requirements outlined below.
1. Residency Requirements
Applicants must be:
- A legal resident of, and currently living in, the 48 contiguous U.S. states, Alaska, or Hawaii.
2. Ownership Requirements
The applicant must:
- Be a 51% or more owner of a for-profit small business.
- Be a veteran, honorably discharged service member, current National Guard or Reserve member, or a military spouse, defined as:
- Anyone who previously served in active duty, National Guard, or Reserve components of the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, or Coast Guard and received an honorable discharge.
- Anyone currently serving in National Guard or Reserve units of these military branches.
- Anyone married to a current service member in any of the above branches.
3. Business Requirements
To qualify, the business must:
- Have 3 to 20 total workers, including the owner, all employees (full-time, part-time), and independent (1099) contractors.
- Generate less than $5 million in annual revenue.
- Be located in an economically vulnerable community, defined as a ZIP Code with a Distressed Communities Index “stress score” of 40 or greater, or be able to demonstrate financial hardship beyond the owner’s control.
4. Ineligible Applicants
The program does NOT accept applications from businesses that fall into the following categories:
- Franchise brands with >25 corporate-owned stores or >50 total stores
- Not-for-profit organizations
- Government agencies, political organizations, NGOs, or public administration bodies
- Businesses operating illegally or engaged in prohibited industries, including gambling, cannabis, diet aids, firearms, tobacco, adult/sexual content, or weapons manufacturing
- Gas stations or businesses on gas station premises
- Direct sellers
- Religious instruction or indoctrination-focused businesses
- Private clubs limiting membership beyond capacity
- Applicants or businesses associated with U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation employees, Supporting Organization employees, their families, or household members
- Entities on the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Sanctions List
- Any business that could “reasonably be expected to offend a significant portion” of Supporting Organizations’ audiences or stakeholders
All applicants must agree to the Official Rules and may be required to participate in a public grant announcement event if selected as a winner.
Program Details
Number of Awards
- 5 total grant recipients
- 4 businesses receive $10,000 each
- 1 grand prize winner receives $25,000
Purpose of Funding
The cash grant must be used to:
- Support or grow the existing business
- Expand capacity, access new markets, or improve operational sustainability
Competition Structure
The selection process includes two rounds:
Round 1: HOH Senior Leader Review
Up to 20 semi-finalists will be chosen based on:
- Leadership & community impact (33.3%)
- Contributions to economic growth (job creation, services, tax contributions) (33.3%)
- Clear path to long-term business success (33.3%)
Round 2: Panel Review
A judging panel consisting of:
- Hiring Our Heroes employees
- Business and industry experts
- Veteran and military small business leaders
- Non-profit leaders
This panel will select the five final Grant Winners.
Odds of Winning
The likelihood of selection depends on the number of eligible applications received before the deadline.
Winner Requirements
Grant Winners must:
- Provide verification of veteran or spouse status
- Submit business photos and a headshot of the owner
- Attend a public award event in spring 2026 (date announced in March 2026)
Winners are responsible for all state, local, and federal tax obligations related to the prize.
How to Apply
Application Method
Applications must be submitted online only through the official Hiring Our Heroes portal:
Application Form:
Click for form
Applications submitted by any method other than the online form will not be accepted.
Steps to Apply
- Visit the official grant page
- Review the full program rules
- Complete the online entry form
- Ensure all contact information is accurate
- Submit before the deadline: December 15, 2025
Once submitted, applications cannot be withdrawn or amended after January 1, 2026.
Additional Conditions
- Providing false or misleading information results in immediate disqualification.
- Sponsor reserves the right to terminate, modify, or suspend the program.
- Applicants grant the Sponsor limited rights to use submitted materials for publicity.
Important Dates
|
Milestone |
Date |
|
Application Deadline |
December 15, 2025 (11:59 PM EDT) |
|
Amend/Withdraw Deadline |
January 1, 2026 |
|
Winner Notification |
On or before March 29, 2026 |
|
Public Announcement Event |
Spring 2026 (date announced in March 2026) |
|
Winner List Available |
After May 30, 2026 |
For a physical copy of the winner list, applicants may send a Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope to the address provided in the Official Rules.
Official Links
- Grant Program Page:
Page available here - Application Portal:
Find here
A Major Opportunity for Veteran and Military Spouse Entrepreneurs
The Hiring Our Heroes Small Business Grant Program 2026 offers a powerful funding opportunity for small businesses owned by veterans and military spouses. With grants of $10,000 to $25,000, a transparent selection process, and strong support from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and FedEx, this program highlights the essential role of military-connected entrepreneurs in strengthening local economies.
Eligible applicants are encouraged to submit their entries before December 15, 2025 to be considered for this nationally recognized small business award.
