Texas Veteran Entrepreneurship, Grants & Benefits
Table of Content:
- The Texas Veteran Entrepreneur Program
- Texas Parks for Veterans
- Veteran Hunting and Fishing Licenses for Disabled Veterans
- Applying for Texas Veteran Small Business Grants in 2026
- Veteran-Owned Business Certification in Texas
Transition from Boots to Business with Texas Benefits, Grants, and Resources
According to reports published by the American Community Survey of the United States Census Bureau, Texas is home to over 1.4 million Veterans, representing 6% of the population. Many Veterans residing in Texas today moved from other states seeking better opportunities, benefits, and support programs. Some were stationed here while on active duty and settled after getting discharged. Texas stands out for its strong commitment to helping Veterans succeed in various aspects of life, from entrepreneurship to finance and recreation.
The Texas Veterans Commission coordinates with other state agencies to provide special programs and benefits available to those who served in the Armed Forces. This guide will explain how to take advantage of Veteran business grants in Texas, funding, and licenses to enjoy the great outdoors of the Lone Star State. You will learn about the programs, eligibility, and application process so you can tap into benefits that can improve your outlook and quality of life.
The Texas Veteran Entrepreneur Program
Three major Texas cities rank among the best American metropolitan areas for Veterans pursuing entrepreneurship: Austin, San Antonio, and Houston. The economic climate is favorable for Veterans in these cities because of high business activity and the Texas Veteran Entrepreneur Program.
Since 2013, the Texas Veteran entrepreneur program has provided services and support to over 17,000 individuals exploring business ownership. The program is managed by the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC), your main resource for researching and accessing Veteran business opportunities in Texas. TVC small business resources include grants, loans, mentoring, and entrepreneurial development.
When you apply for benefits through the Texas Veteran Entrepreneur Program (VEP), you work with a team of fellow Veterans whose business acumen can help you thrive as a business owner or self-employed professional. The program is split into five districts, each managed by a team connected to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), and the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE).
Getting Started With the TVC
Most Veteran business opportunities for Texas companies offered through the TVC require an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions. Specifically, getting a Veteran-owned business certification for a Texas enterprise requires a discharge that is either honorable or general under honorable conditions. General services, business planning assistance, referrals, and educational resources are available to Veterans with all discharges except dishonorable.
The first step involves connecting with a VEP business consultant in your district. When completing the online form, double-check the county where you reside and the main reason for contact. If your entrepreneurial effort is still in its early stages, select the “Guide to Launching a Business” from the drop-down menu, which also offers assistance with verification letters and the Texas Veteran-Owned Business Logo.
We strongly recommend reviewing the Vetrepreneur Business Roadmap presentation, one of the best TVC small business resources for prospective business owners. Following the roadmap could significantly increase your likelihood of entrepreneurial success; it begins with idea validation and continues with the business plan, licensing, training, resource allocation, legal structure, taxation, and financing.
Veteran Business Grants in Texas
It takes money to make money, particularly when pursuing entrepreneurial opportunities. The TVC does not directly approve or disburse Veteran business grants in Texas; it helps you with the application process and eligibility criteria. The grants come from organizations like Hiring Our Heroes, the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), Farmer Veteran Coalition, Texas Woman’s University Women Veteran Grant, and others.
Texas Veteran Business Funding
Like the business grants mentioned above, the TVC doesn’t provide direct funding. Most Texas Veteran business funding deals involve SBA loans; however, the federal agency does not issue loans directly. The SBA guarantees a portion of the loan amount, up to 85% for some loans, to various financial institutions, including banks, credit unions, and commercial lenders. The TVC can connect you with business loan origination specialists who can help you obtain the crucial SBA loan guarantee.
Some SBA loan guarantees require a Veteran-owned business certification for Texas entrepreneurs, which the TVC helps you obtain. We’ll explain the process for obtaining a Veteran-owned business certification in Texas later in this guide.
Veteran Business Support in Texas
The VEP is designed to guide you through every stage of the business journey, from initial concept to growth and even exit strategy. You should trust in the expertise of the TVC business consultants, the resources they offer, and their extensive connections for everything from Texas Veteran business funding to market research and commercial strategies. Many Veterans who move to the Lone Star State as seasoned business owners are often surprised by how much the TVC offers in terms of Veteran business support in Texas.
Texas Parks for Veterans
While the TVC is a comprehensive state agency offering Veteran business support in Texas, other agencies provide valuable benefits you can access with your discharge papers. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), for example, manages a special program granting a free park pass for Veterans in Texas.
When crafting strategies to improve your quality of life, don’t forget to include outdoor recreation. Texas has a lot to offer in this regard, and the TPWD offers two key benefits under its Texas Parklands Passport program:
Veterans Passport
You can enter all state parks for free with this passport. Essentially, this benefit is the same as the Texas State Parks Pass, but you don’t have to pay $70 per year. This is only for you; it does not extend the free entry benefit to a companion. To get a passport, apply in person at the administrative office of any state park. You will need to bring a photo ID showing a Texas residential address and your DD-214, DD-256, or NGB-22. The character of service must have been honorable or under honorable conditions.
Disabled Veterans Passport
If you have a service-connected disability with a 60% or higher rating, this passport waives entry fees for you and one companion. When applying in person, don’t forget to bring your photo ID, disability award letter, or the receipt for your special license plate.
Veteran Hunting and Fishing Licenses for Disabled Veterans
Beyond the free park pass for Veterans in Texas, you can also apply for the TPWD Disabled Veteran Super Combo Hunting and All-Water Fishing Package. This benefit is perfect to combine with the Disabled Veterans Passport, and you can get it for free if your VA disability is rated at 50% or higher.
Although most TPWD fishing and hunting licenses are managed online, the Super Combo requires an in-person application. Visit the administrative office of any state park and bring a photo ID along with proof of disability. This combo does not include the Federal Duck Stamp, which you must get from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service if you intend to hunt waterfowl. The savings are significant because a hunting license for Veterans in Texas normally costs $25 per season, and each endorsement costs $7. An annual fishing license for Veterans in Texas costs $40 for anglers between the ages of 17 and 64.
Applying for Texas Veteran Small Business Grants in 2026
As an eligible Veteran pursuing business and entrepreneurial opportunities, you can tap the TVC for various funding resources, including grants to help with formation and startup costs. The TVC can also help you identify venture capital programs your business may qualify for.
Grants are essentially “free money” because you do not have to pay the funds back. Depending on the program, business grants may be awarded based on your profile or alignment with specific goals. It is important to understand that some grants may require strict reporting requirements to prevent having to repay the grant or being dropped from the program.
Venture capital (VC) is a third-party investment in exchange for an ownership stake (equity) in your business. You do not have to pay the money back directly, but the VC investor owns a percentage of your business. When you get VC funding, the firm expects a significant return on investment (ROI) when your business is sold or goes public.
With the above in mind, let’s review a few business grants and VC programs the TVC can help you apply for. The resources and information below were updated in 2026:
Founders First
The Stephen L. Tadlock Veteran Business Grant awards $1,000 to Veterans who are also employers. If your business has a payroll between two and 100 employees, and your annual revenue is below $5 million, you can be among the 20 annual grant recipients. This program is for Veterans who have been operating their businesses for at least one year.
Farmer Veteran Coalition
When TVC business consultants work with Veterans whose business efforts involve farming or ranching, they almost invariably refer their clients to the Fellowship Fund managed by the Farmer Veteran Coalition. Texas offers many agricultural business opportunities, so this grant program is very popular.
The Fellowship Fund application window usually opens from early January to mid-February each year. The grant amounts run from $1,000 to $5,000; however, you don’t get the cash directly. As part of the application process, which requires your discharge papers and a business plan, the TVC determines the supplies and equipment you need. The coalition selects approved third-party vendors who can fulfill your purchase orders; then, the grant amount is transferred directly to settle the transaction and deliver the products. Some examples of purchases include livestock for breeding, tools, tractors, feed, fencing, and supplies.
Second Service Foundation
The Military Entrepreneur Challenge (MEC) is a business development and grant-awarding program managed by the Second Service Foundation, an organization dedicated to helping Veterans transition into the business world. This is a dynamic program that features a guided competition between business hopefuls; you must go through a coaching session before pitching your plan to judges and a live audience. Winners receive grant amounts determined by what the MEC event’s sponsors contribute, usually between $1,000 and $15,000; plus, they also get business services like legal guidance and marketing. This program requires submitting a one-page business plan, which TVC business consultants can help you with.
Texas Woman's University (TWU)
The Center for Women Entrepreneurs at TWU runs a grant program to benefit female Veterans who have already formed and registered their business with the Secretary of State through SOSDirect. Women who apply for TWU grants must own and control 51% of the company; moreover, they must attend small business training courses to maintain their eligibility. A full business plan and proof of business registrations are required for the chance of receiving grants up to $5,000.
Venture Veterans Capital
As its name indicates, this VC funding firm focuses on Veteran entrepreneurs whose active business operations are generating at least $1 million. The preferred sectors include national security and defense, and the VC funding rounds usually range between $1 million and $3 million.
Hivers and Strivers
Since 2009, this VC firm has invested in more than 20 Veteran-owned businesses. The funding focus is on business-to-customer (B2C) startups across all industries. Hivers and Strivers offers an online pitch method to consider VC funding candidates; your business must be registered and vetted by the TVC to qualify.
Veteran-Owned Business Certification in Texas
The Texas Department of Public Safety manages a program to provide free driver’s licenses to disabled Veterans with honorable discharges. The special designation on the license makes it easier for disabled Veterans to access many state benefits, like property tax exemptions, low-interest loans for acquiring land, and tuition exemptions up to 150 credit hours. The TVC Veteran-owned business (VOB) certification is similar to the disabled driver’s license in the sense that it allows you to access additional benefits.
When you register for VEP through a TVC business consultant, you will be asked to provide documents to prove your individual and business status. The initial VEP goals include getting a VOB certification and a Veteran Verification Letter (VVL). The VOB certification program dates back to 2019; it includes a logo to give your business more credibility and increase its marketability. If you were discharged from the National Guard, your discharge papers or military records must show that you served in Texas.
The VVL is specifically for businesses formed after January 1, 2022. It waives the initial $300 Secretary of State registration fee; plus, you also receive a state franchise tax exemption for the first five years of business operations. You must fully own and control the business to get a VVL. To claim the franchise tax exemption, you must register with the Texas Comptroller and file Form 05-904.
The Texas VetHUB Program
If you have a VA disability rating of at least 20%, your VVL and VOB certificates provide the additional benefit of being eligible for the Veteran Heroes United in Business (VetHUB) program managed by the Texas Comptroller. VetHUB is a contracting diversity program; it promotes full and equal business opportunities by directing state agencies to give preference to registered companies with VOB certificates. Your business is added to the Centralized Master Bidders List (CMBL) and the VetHUB Directory. An example of the CMBL advantage is the bid solicitation process for contracts up to $25,000; under VetHUB, the list of vendors considered by state agencies must include vendors registered under the program.
VOB Certifications and the Small Business Administration
You can use your VVL and VOB certificates to access other benefits available from federal agencies, including the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and its Veterans Advantage program. The SBA provides commercial loan guarantees for working capital, property acquisition, and business expenses. TVC business consultants can guide you through the SBA loan application process, which the VOB certificate and VVL help to streamline.
As a business owner or entrepreneur, you can apply for an SBA 7(a) or SBA Express loan guarantee. If you are accepted into the Veterans Advantage program, you get a reduction or waiver of the upfront SBA Guaranty Fee, which is what borrowers must pay to the SBA for guaranteeing a portion of the loan to commercial lenders. The guaranty fee is fully waived for SBA Express loan amounts up to $500,000. If you get an SBA 7(a) loan up to $150,000, the fee is also fully waived. Larger Veterans Advantage loan amounts up to $5 million get a 50% guarantee fee reduction. The SBA also offers training and technical assistance through its Office of Veterans Business Development (OVBD) and Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs) network.
Take Full Advantage of Veteran Benefits in Texas
The Lone Star State honors your military service with many benefits and resources you should not overlook. By leveraging TVC guidance and the state’s generous benefits, you can launch business ventures, reduce costs, get actionable counseling, and access funding opportunities.
Texas has built a comprehensive support system designed to empower Veterans. If you want to achieve goals in the private business sector, working with TVC business consultants should be your first step. The TVC is your gateway to getting expertise, mentorship, and a clear business roadmap. Certifications like the VOB, its logo, and eligibility for the VetHUB program can open doors to state procurement contracts.
Doing business as a Veteran in Texas can be a lucrative endeavor. The best way to get started is through the TVC and its programs. The benefits are there; claiming them to your full advantage should be your first step.
Explore other texas veteran resources
Below you’ll find a complete breakdown of Texas Veteran benefits and support programs available in 2026. These categories cover everything from VA compensation, healthcare, education, housing, and employment, to financial assistance, legal help, family benefits, and exclusive Veteran discounts. Each section links to detailed guides designed to help Veterans, service members, and families understand eligibility, application steps, and how to access the support they’ve earned.
