Veteran Business Loan Guide
Veterans, service members, and military spouses have access to several loan programs with reduced fees and favorable terms. Filter by what you need — startup capital, disaster recovery, microloans, or expansion — to find the right program.
SBA 7(a) Veterans Advantage
Up to $5M
The SBA's flagship loan program with reduced or waived upfront guaranty fees for veterans, SDVOSBs, and reservists. Usable for working capital, equipment, real estate, and business acquisitions. Maximum loan term: 25 years for real estate, 10 years for other purposes.
Rate: Prime + 2.75% max (variable) · Fee: Waived for ≤$150K loans
SBA 7(a) Small Loan (Veteran)
Up to $350K
Streamlined version of the 7(a) with faster processing. Guaranty fee is 0% for veteran-owned businesses. Ideal for working capital, equipment purchases, and small expansions.
Rate: Prime + 4.5% max · Turnaround: 5–10 business days
SBA Express Veterans Advantage
Up to $500K
Revolving line of credit or term loan with a 36-hour SBA response window. Guaranty fee reduced by 50% for veterans. Good for cash flow management and short-term needs.
Rate: Prime + 6.5% max · Response: 36 hours guaranteed
SBA Microloan Program
Up to $50K
Loans through nonprofit intermediary lenders. Average loan is $13,000. Includes free business training and technical assistance. Excellent for startups with no credit history. Veterans often receive priority placement.
Rate: 8–13% · Term: Up to 6 years · Average: $13,000
Military Reservist EIDL (MREIDL)
Up to $2M
Economic Injury Disaster Loans for small businesses unable to meet obligations because an essential employee was called to active duty. Covers operating expenses you would have otherwise met. Apply within 1 year of the employee's release from active duty.
Rate: 4% fixed · Term: Up to 30 years
Boots to Business (SBA/DoD)
Free training + referrals
Free 2-day entrepreneurship course offered on military installations through the DoD TAP program. Teaches business fundamentals and connects veterans to VBOC counseling and SBA loan resources. Not a loan itself — a gateway to funding.
Free · Available on 200+ installations worldwide
Hivers & Strivers Fund (Angel)
$250K – $1M
Angel investment fund that focuses exclusively on startups founded by US military academy graduates (USMA, USNA, USAFA, USCGA, USMMA). Provides seed and early-stage equity investment, not debt. Non-dilutive grants also referenced.
Equity investment (not a loan) · Focus: Academy grads
Street Shares Veteran Business Bond
$5K – $250K
Peer-to-peer lending platform built for veteran entrepreneurs. Offers term loans, lines of credit, and contract financing. Veteran founders can raise capital from other veterans who earn interest. Requires 1+ year in business and $25K+ annual revenue.
Rate: 7–25% APR · Term: 3–36 months
Contact your nearest VBOC (Veteran Business Outreach Center) for free one-on-one counseling before applying to any program. There are 22 VBOCs nationwide — all funded by the SBA. Find yours at sba.gov/vboc. Most lenders require a business plan, 2 years of tax returns, and a personal financial statement.