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Hiring Our Heroes / Founder's Fund
Veteran-Owned · U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation · Nationwide
The Hiring Our Heroes Founder's Fund is an annual grant program from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation that awards multiple $10,000 grants and a $25,000 grand prize to veteran-owned and military-spouse-owned small businesses nationwide.
The Founder's Fund is a grant program run by Hiring Our Heroes, an initiative of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, supported by corporate sponsors. It is designed to award funding annually to veteran-owned and military-spouse-owned small businesses across the United States.
According to the available information, the program offers multiple $10,000 grants along with a $25,000 grand prize, though applicants should confirm the current award structure directly with the sponsor since amounts can change year to year. The funding is structured as a grant, meaning recipients are not expected to repay the money, which distinguishes it from a business loan.
This program matters to small-business owners because it targets a specific group — veterans and military spouses who own small businesses — providing capital that can be used to grow or stabilize their companies without taking on debt. Because it's run by a well-established foundation with corporate backing, it may also come with visibility, networking opportunities, or recognition beyond the cash award, though those details are not specified in the available facts.
The deadline is described as annual, meaning the program repeats each year, but the exact date should be confirmed at the official source since it may shift from year to year. Eligibility is limited to veteran-owned and military-spouse-owned small businesses; broader eligibility details, application requirements, and documentation needed are not fully specified here and should be verified directly on the Hiring Our Heroes website before applying.
Business owners interested in this opportunity should visit the official site to review current-year details, confirm deadlines, and begin the application process.
Who qualifies
How to apply
Questions people ask
Is this a grant or a loan?
It is a grant, funded through the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation's Hiring Our Heroes program.
Do I have to repay the money?
No, grants generally do not require repayment, though you should confirm terms at the official source.
Who is eligible to apply?
Veteran-owned and military-spouse-owned small businesses are eligible.
How much funding is available?
The program notes multiple $10,000 grants plus a $25,000 grand prize, but current amounts should be confirmed at the source.
What is the deadline to apply?
The program runs annually; the exact current-year deadline should be confirmed at the official site.
Where do I apply?
Applications are handled through the official Hiring Our Heroes website, https://www.hiringourheroes.org/.
Is this available in my state?
Yes, the program is open to eligible businesses in all states.
Who runs this program?
It is run by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation's Hiring Our Heroes initiative, supported by corporate sponsors.
Is the grant money taxable?
This is not specified in the available information; confirm at the official source or with a tax professional.
What category of business does this support?
It supports veteran-owned businesses, specifically those owned by veterans or military spouses.
Is there an application fee?
This is not specified in the available data; confirm at the official source.
Can non-veteran small businesses apply?
No, eligibility is limited to veteran- and military-spouse-owned small businesses based on the given facts.
Opportunity number: not published. Source: curated-2026. GetFundedUSA is independent and not affiliated with U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation; always confirm current deadlines, amounts and eligibility on the sponsor's own page before applying.