Apply for the Hire Heroes USA Ripple Grant

Veteran-owned businesses are a powerful force in the U.S. economy, driving innovation, creating jobs, and strengthening communities. Now, a new national opportunity is helping take that impact even further.

Through Hire Heroes USA, the Ripple Effect: Certified Veteran Employer Grants Program is offering funding and resources designed specifically to help Veteran- and military spouse-owned businesses grow, and hire more Veterans.

What’s the Opportunity?

Backed by a major philanthropic investment from Ripple, this program will award:

• 25 grants of $10,000 each
• Employer training to build Veteran-ready workplaces
• Access to 20,000+ military-connected job seekers
• Opportunities for career fairs and national visibility
• Pathway to recognition as a Certified Veteran Employer

This initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen Veteran employment and expand economic opportunity nationwide.

Why It Matters

There are more than 1.6 million Veteran-owned businesses employing nearly 3.2 million workers across the country, but many still face challenges accessing capital and scaling their workforce.

This program is designed to close that gap, providing not just funding, but the tools and connections needed to build sustainable, Veteran-inclusive businesses.

The impact goes beyond individual companies. When Veteran-owned businesses grow and hire, they create a ripple effect, strengthening families, communities and local economies.

Who Should Apply?

Eligible businesses must:

• Be at least 51% Veteran- or military spouse-owned
• Be legally registered in the U.S.
• Be in good standing with no compliance issues
• Demonstrate a commitment to hiring Veterans or military spouses within the next 12–18 months

Businesses of various sizes are encouraged to apply, particularly those looking to scale their teams and increase Veteran hiring.

Key Deadline

• Application Deadline: May 1, 2026

Selected businesses are expected to be notified in early June.

How to Prepare

Applicants should be ready to provide:

• A business overview and ownership details
• A Veteran hiring plan
• A line-item budget for how funds will be used
• Proof of business registration and Veteran status

Apply for the HIRE Vets Medallion Award

In addition to funding opportunities like the Ripple Grant, Veteran-Owned Businesses should also consider applying for the HIRE Vets Medallion Program, the only federal-level award recognizing employers for excellence in recruiting, hiring and retaining Veterans.

Administered by the U.S. Department of Labor, the program highlights organizations that demonstrate a strong, measurable commitment to Veteran employment and professional development. The application deadline is April 30, 2026.

Why NaVOBA is Sharing This

At NaVOBA, our mission is to create corporate contracting opportunities for Veteran-Owned Businesses and amplify pathways for growth. Programs like this align directly with that mission, providing real capital, real connections and real opportunity.

If you are a Veteran-Owned Business looking to expand your workforce and deepen your impact, this is a program worth exploring.

Take Action

To learn more and apply for the Hire Heroes USA Ripple Grant Application, visit: hireheroesusa.org/ripple-grant-application

To apply for the HIRE Vets Medallion Award, visit: hirevets.gov

To certify your Veteran-Owned Business, visit: NaVOBA.org/certification