Grant Details
About:
The Military Entrepreneur Challenge (MEC) is a program designed to empower veterans, military spouses, and Gold Star Families to launch and grow their businesses [Second Service Foundation]. It offers a unique blend of resources including:
- Networking: Connect with other military entrepreneurs and industry experts to share experiences and gain valuable insights.
- Learning: Workshops, coaching sessions, and educational resources provide the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the business world.
- Capital: The MEC awards grant money through a pitch competition to help fund the growth of businesses with social impact or early-stage ventures.
If you're a military spouse, veteran, or part of a Gold Star Family with a business idea or an existing business you'd like to take to the next level, the MEC could be a great fit.
Requirements:
- 21 or Over: You must be at least 21 years old at the time of application.
- Military-Connected: Veterans, Reservists, National Guard members, transitioning active-duty service members, military spouses, or Gold Star family members (surviving spouses or children of fallen service members) are all eligible.
- Applicants must be low-income and otherwise lack the financial means to start, or grow, an early-stage business or nonprofit.
- Passionate About Impact: While not required, businesses with a positive social impact on the military community (veteran employment, health, education, etc.) are given priority.
- The Business Owner: You must hold a majority ownership stake (at least 51%) in the business you're applying for (sole proprietorship, LLC, S-Corp, C-Corp, or formal partnership).
- Non-Profit Leader (if applicable): If applying for a non-profit grant, you must be the senior executive director or hold a similar leadership position.
To learn more visit: additional information.
Funding Amount:
Grants and other prizes vary based on event. Please see our event pages for specific grant amounts and other sponsor-donated services.
Grant Winners must complete all compliance to claim award money within three (3) months of competition completion, otherwise the grant will be forfeit.
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