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Stephen L. Tadlock Veteran Business Grant

A Business Grant + Accelerator Combined Into One

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A total of $20,000 for 20 Veteran Entrepreneurs nationwide

Full Application Opens September 2026

What You Need to Know

TOTAL FUND

$20,000

FINALISTS

20

AWARD

$1,000 + Program Access

PROGRAMS

Passport or Zebra

Our Why

This grant was created in honor of U.S. Navy Veteran Stephen L. Tadlock, brother of Founders First CEO Kim Folsom. It celebrates his service by supporting veteran-led small businesses with both funding and resources to grow stronger, sustainable companies.

What We Are Offering

$1,000 Micro-Grant

Flexible funding you can put toward the needs that matter most — equipment, operations, staffing, or growth.

Free Program Access

As a finalist, you’ll also join one of our signature business programs at no cost: Passport Community or Zebra Leadership.

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Programs Included With Your Grant

PASSPORT COMMUNITY

Weekly expert-led sessions covering marketing, sales, operations, and finance — designed to help you scale faster and smarter.

Value: $1,499 for a 3-month subscription (free for finalists)

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ZEBRA LEADERSHIP

A 6-session program that equips founders to step fully into the CEO role, build strong teams, and scale with confidence.

Value: $1,699 (free for finalists)

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How it Works

  • Full Application Opens September 2026
  • 20 finalists announced at virtual press event
  • Applications reviewed and semi-finalists selected
  • Finalists join a program and receive $1,000 grant

Eligibility Requirements

  • Must be a U.S. military veteran
  • Must be a CEO, President, or Business Owner
  • Must have an active U.S. based business
  • Business annual revenue does not exceed $5M
  • Must have between 2 to 100 employees
  • Minimum of 1 year in business

Don’t miss this opportunity to combine funding + training.

Full Application Opens September 2026

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