Military Entrepreneur Challenge: Free Funding for HSJ Entrepreneurs

• May 13, 2025May 12, 2025
• Business Funding & Grants

No-Cost Grant for Hemet San Jacinto Veteran Business Owners

The Military Entrepreneur Challenge offers funding, exposure, and support for entrepreneurs just like you—people who serve their country and their community.

Got a business dream—and a military connection—right here in the Valley?

If you’re a veteran, active-duty service member, military spouse, or Gold Star family member in Hemet or San Jacinto, there’s a national grant opportunity that could help turn your business goals into reality.

In this post, you’ll learn what the grant is, who’s eligible, how to apply, and why it could be a game-changer for your local business.

About the Military Entrepreneur Challenge

The Military Entrepreneur Challenge is a national pitch competition that awards free funding and business support to veteran and military-connected entrepreneurs.

If you’re a veteran, active-duty service member, military spouse, or Gold Star family member running—or planning—a small business, this is your chance to win a grant, gain national exposure, and grow with the support of a like-minded community.

Who It’s For

If you’re a military-connected entrepreneur in the Valley, this one’s built for you.

The Military Entrepreneur Challenge supports San Jacinto and Hemet business owners and startups led by:

• Veterans
• Active-duty service members
• Military spouses
• Gold Star family members

Whether you’re still brainstorming your first idea or already running a local shop or service, this opportunity offers funding and support just for you.

What It Is

This isn’t your average grant program—it’s a live, high-energy pitch competition designed to spotlight military entrepreneurs.

Hosted by the Second Service Foundation, the Military Entrepreneur Challenge (MEC) gives selected applicants the chance to pitch their business live for:

• Capital grants (free money—you don’t pay it back)
• In-kind support like tools, tech, marketing help, and services
• Connections to funders, mentors, and national business networks

Finalists pitch their businesses in front of a crowd and a panel of judges at live events across the country—making it a big visibility boost on top of the grant.

When Are the Deadlines and Award Dates?

The MEC runs in multiple cities throughout the year, and each event has its own schedule.

Here’s what to know:

• Deadlines vary depending on the event location
• Applications open several weeks before each pitch event
• Award decisions happen at or shortly after each event
• You’ll be notified if selected to pitch
• Keep an eye on the official page or sign up for alerts to catch the next opportunity

If you’ve got a strong idea and a military connection, be ready—the timeline can move quickly once your application is accepted.

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Where the Business Must Be Located and Where to Apply

No matter where your business is based in the U.S., you’re eligible to apply.

However:

• Some competitions give priority to entrepreneurs in or near the host city
• Hemet and San Jacinto applicants should still absolutely apply
• Head to the Second Service Foundation’s MEC page to get started

How to Apply

The application process is refreshingly simple—especially if you already know your “why.”

Here’s what to do:

1. Go to secondservicefoundation.org/mec
2. Fill out the short form, including:
   • Your military connection
   • Info about your business or idea
   • A quick summary of how the funding would make a difference

Judges will choose winners based on:

• How clearly you present your business
• Whether your idea is ready (or close) to grow
• Community impact or job creation
• Innovation or creative value

Why It’s Worth Applying

If you’re looking for a sign to go for it—this is it.

Here’s what makes MEC worth your time:

• Free capital to grow—no repayment, no debt
• Real pitch experience and public exposure
• New connections to mentors, veteran business networks, and even future funders
• Follow-up support after the event from the Second Service Foundation
• Be part of a national community of military-connected business owners making waves

Free Business Funding for Veterans, Military Spouses & Gold Star Families in Hemet, San Jacinto & Beyond

Are you a veteran, military spouse, or part of a Gold Star family working hard to grow your small business? Whether you’re launching a new venture, expanding your current services, or need a little help getting noticed, the Military Entrepreneur Challenge can give you the boost you’ve been looking for.

This national pitch competition awards non-repayable capital grants and in-kind business support to military-connected entrepreneurs—no loans, no equity loss. Just real funding and real opportunities to grow.

From marketing tools to mentorship, this program helps you take your business to the next level while gaining national visibility and a powerful network of support.

This isn’t just about funding—it’s about putting your mission-driven business in the spotlight and getting the resources you deserve.

Start Here

Ready to represent Hemet or San Jacinto on a national stage—and grow your business with the support you’ve earned?

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