The Best Business Loans for Veterans in 2025

Veterans bring unique leadership skills to the business world. But even the most driven entrepreneurs face challenges securing capital—especially those with newer businesses or imperfect credit. Fortunately, 2025 continues to offer dedicated funding options designed to empower veteran-owned businesses.

Key Features of Veteran-Friendly Business Loans

• Competitive interest rates
• Lenient credit score requirements
• Faster approval times via online lenders
• SBA-backed guarantees for reduced risk

Veteran Loan Types You Should Know

Veterans can explore these five loan options for their businesses:

1. SBA Loan: Government-backed with low rates. Great for established businesses.
2. Working Capital Loans: Includes term loans or credit lines for day-to-day expenses.
3. Short-Term Loans: Great for quick cash needs (typically under 24 months).
4. Startup Loans: Designed for businesses younger than six months.
5. Lines of Credit: Flexible, reusable funding for ongoing expenses.

Top 6 Business Loans for Veterans in Detail

Here's a snapshot of the top choices for veteran business loans to apply for:

1. SmartBiz

• Loan Type: Online SBA loans
• Best For: Veterans seeking SBA 7(a) loans without going through banks
• Loan Amount: Up to $350,000
• APR: 10.75%–11.75%
• Credit Score Requirement: 650+

2. OnDeck

• Loan Type: Short-term loans and credit lines
• Best For: Fast funding with minimal paperwork
• Loan Amount: Up to $250,000
• APR: From 29.9%
• Credit Score Requirement: 625

3. BusinessLoans.com

• Loan Type: Lending marketplace
• Best For: Veterans comparing multiple offers
• Loan Amount: Up to $3 million
• Credit Score: Varies by lender

4. Credibly

• Loan Type: Short-term loans and merchant cash advances
• Best For: Veterans with bad credit
• Loan Amount: Up to $400,000
• Factor Rate: From 1.11
• Credit Score Requirement: 500+

5. Fundbox

• Loan Type: Revolving line of credit
• Best For: Startups with limited credit history
• Loan Amount: Up to $150,000
• APR: From 4.66%
• Credit Score Requirement: 600

6. Bluevine

• Loan Type: Credit line
• Best For: Fast, flexible funding
• Loan Amount: Up to $250,000
• APR: 15%–78%
• Credit Score Requirement: 625

The Top Business Loans for Veterans in a Nutshell

• SmartBiz: Best for veteran-run businesses needing SBA loans. Loan cap: $350,000. Minimum FICO: 650.
• OnDeck: Best for veterans seeking short-term loans. Loan cap: $250,000. Minimum FICO: 625.
• BusinessLoans.com: Ideal for established veteran businesses. Loan cap: $3 million. FICO: Not specified.
• Credibly: Suitable for veterans with credit challenges. Loan cap: $400,000. Minimum FICO: 500.
• Fundbox: Top pick for startups led by veterans. Loan cap: $150,000. Minimum FICO: 600.
• Bluevine: Perfect for veterans needing quick loans. Loan cap: $250,000. Minimum FICO: 625.

Tip: Get Certified! Becoming a certified veteran-owned business (VOSB) can give you access to federal contracts, special loan programs, and investor interest. You can certify through the SBA’s VetCert portal.

Veteran Entrepreneurs & the Trump Administration

In 2025, veteran business owners operate in a changing policy climate shaped by the return of the Trump administration. With a focus on deregulation and economic acceleration, certain shifts may open doors for veteran entrepreneurs—but others warrant a closer look.

What’s Working in Veterans’ Favor:

• Streamlined access to SBA-backed loans and certifications
• Continued investment in Boots to Business and federal contracting opportunities
• A pro-growth, low-regulation approach that benefits many small businesses

What’s Raising Concerns:

• Proposed cuts or restructures in broader VA services and benefits
• Increased privatization efforts that some argue weaken long-term veteran support
• Mixed signals on how deeply veteran-owned businesses remain prioritized in funding policy

Beyond traditional loans, veterans can access a variety of grants and programs tailored to support their entrepreneurial ventures. Here are the most valuable options to explore:

1. Second Service Foundation Military Entrepreneur Challenge

An annual pitch event awarding $4,000–$15,000 to veterans, military spouses, and Gold Star families, plus coaching and exposure to investors.

2. Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Program

This SBA-administered initiative sets aside federal contracts specifically for certified businesses owned by service-disabled veterans.

3. FedEx Entrepreneur Fund

In partnership with Hello Alice, FedEx provides $10,000 grants to 30 military-connected small business owners annually—plus access to entrepreneurial education.

4. StreetShares Foundation

Offers grants through its own Military Entrepreneur Challenge, along with business development tools tailored for veteran-led startups.

5. Warrior Rising

Nnonprofit that equips veterans with funding, mentorship, and step-by-step training—from idea to launch and growth.

6. Hivers and Strivers Angel Fund

An investor network focused on startups led by military academy grads, with typical investments of $250,000 to $500,000 for scalable ventures.

7. Nav’s Small Business Grant

While not veteran-specific, Nav offers quarterly grants of $5,000–$10,000 for small business owners, including eligible veterans.

8. Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program

A federal R&D funding program—ideal for veteran-led tech companies—with commercialization potential and high competition.

9. Stephen L. Tadlock Veteran Grant

A $1,000 grant offered annually by Founders First to 25 veteran-owned small businesses, paired with growth-focused resources.

10. Texas Woman’s University Veteran Woman Entrepreneur Grant

A $5,000 grant program for veteran women entrepreneurs in Texas, usable for equipment, marketing, or other business expenses.

11. Farmer Veteran Fellowship Fund

Run by the Farmer Veteran Coalition, this fund awards $1,000–$5,000 to help early-stage veteran farmers grow their operations.

12. Michigan Veteran Entrepreneur-Lab

Offers training, mentorship, and a grant pitch competition for veterans and spouses starting businesses in Michigan.

13. Grants.gov

The federal government’s central hub for public and private business grants—veterans can browse, filter, and apply for opportunities daily.

Veteran entrepreneurs bring resilience, leadership, and a mission-first mindset to the business world. In 2025, a wide range of loans, grants, and alternative funding options—from SBA-backed capital to pitch competitions and angel investments—are available to help turn your vision into reality.

The environment is more entrepreneur-friendly in terms of access and red tape—but staying informed, certified, and engaged is essential to make the most of available opportunities while navigating the risks.