Hire Heroes USA awards 25 veteran employer grants with Ripple funding

Hire Heroes USA named 25 recipients of its inaugural Ripple Effect Certified Veteran Employer Grants Program, which will distribute $250,000 in grants to veteran- and military spouse-owned businesses across the U.S. The program adds employer training and hiring support to help recipients grow and recruit from the military community.

Why it matters: - The grants are aimed at helping veteran- and military spouse-owned businesses expand while creating more jobs for veterans and military spouses. - The program combines cash with employer training, which can make hiring from the military community more sustainable over time. - Ripple’s support ties the funding to broader efforts to use financial technology to create economic opportunity.

What happened: - Hire Heroes USA announced 25 recipients of its inaugural Ripple Effect Certified Veteran Employer Grants Program. - The national program will distribute a total of $250,000, with each selected business receiving a $10,000 grant. - The announcement came from Alpharetta, Georgia, on July 13, 2026. - Ripple provided support through its RLUSD donation to Hire Heroes USA, according to the announcement.

The details: - Eligible businesses must be small to mid-sized, at least 51% owned by a U.S. military veteran or military spouse, based in the United States, and committed to hiring veterans and military spouses within 12 to 18 months. - Recipients also receive Hire Heroes USA Certified Veteran Employer training, employer resources, and ongoing support. - The package includes access to more than 20,000 military-connected job seekers. - Businesses can participate in career fairs and employer spotlights. - Recipients are also eligible to pursue recognition as a Hire Heroes USA Certified Veteran Employer. - Hire Heroes USA said the program is designed to help participating employers build veteran-ready workplaces and expand employment opportunities across the military community. - The organization said the grants and training are intended to help businesses grow and strengthen hiring capacity at the same time.

Between the lines: - The program is more than a grant giveaway. It is structured as a workforce pipeline for employers already positioned to hire from the military community. - The focus on veteran- and military spouse-owned firms suggests Hire Heroes USA and Ripple are targeting businesses that may already understand the value of military experience. - The approach links social impact with business development, which can broaden the program’s reach beyond one-time funding.

What’s next: - Recipients will move into training and employer support designed to help them scale operations and recruit military-connected talent. - Hire Heroes USA will continue promoting its Certified Veteran Employer program and related employment services. - More information is available at Hire Heroes USA and Ripple. - The organization’s social links include LinkedIn and X.

The bottom line: - The new program pairs capital with hiring infrastructure, betting that veteran-owned businesses can grow faster when funding comes with workforce support.