The Forces Community Entrepreneur Fund is a UK grant scheme offering a grant of up to £10,000 to support an individual from the Armed Forces community to start or grow a business. Launched through a partnership between X-Forces Enterprise and Reed in Partnership, the Fund is aimed at people who have left formal transition support and have less than two years of trading history. Launched in 2025, the initiative reflects broader efforts across the military charity ecosystem to strengthen post-service economic engagement and opportunity.
The Fund is open to veterans, partners or family members aged 18 or over, who are UK residents with the right to work and are either launching a new business or have been trading for under two years. Eligible business structures include sole traders, limited companies, partnerships and community interest companies.
For UK military charities and partners, this scheme aligns with shared standards of practice that emphasise accountability, measurable outcomes and structured support pathways but you may also work with people who are eligible to register for the Fund. If you know a budding business owner or entrepreneur within the Armed Forces community, they may be eligible to apply for the grant if:
- They have a clear and viable business idea
- Can explain how the grant will support their start-up
- And are prepared to pitch their idea to a panel in July 2026
Early stages of the programme have included shortlisting successful applicants and providing additional business-planning support ahead of expert panel review. Feedback from participants highlights increased professional capability and confidence in translating ideas into viable business plans, with clear progress toward sustainable ventures.
For detailed criteria and application guidance see the full Forces Community Entrepreneur Fund information online.
