Veterans Business Battle

Join the largest veteran-focused business plan competition in the country.
The 12th Annual Veterans Business Battle will take place on April 8-9, 2026.

Registration opens on September 2, 2025

Fueling our nation’s military heroes to succeed in the business world

Veterans Business Battle serves as a forum to connect veterans with investors, advisers and resources. It's our goal to lead as many veteran-owned businesses to success as possible.

The Veterans Business Battle began in 2015 with a goal of inspiring and encouraging our nation’s military heroes to become successful entrepreneurs. Each year, the two-day event gives military veterans an opportunity to pitch startup businesses for a chance to raise capital from investors and lenders. During the competition, finalists pitch investors, receive feedback from industry professionals, network with potential investors, and learn from other entrepreneurial success stories. With more than $10 million of investments, it’s the largest veteran business competition in the country.

Congratulations to the 2025 Winners

1st Place: LymeAlert

LymeAlert is developing the world’s first comprehensive at-home tick-testing kit for Lyme disease. If you find a tick on yourself, a loved one or a pet, just remove it, use our tick crusher and test to determine in 15 minutes if you have been exposed to Lyme disease. If the test is positive, you can immediately contact your physician or veterinarian to get antibiotics and stop the disease before it has a chance to cause a serious infection. Lyme is the fastest spreading vector-borne disease in the U.S. — help us crush it One Tick at a Time!
Founder Michelle Ewy is a U.S. Air Force Veteran

2nd Place: Earnest Agriculture

Earnest Agriculture develops probiotic seed coatings using a microbe-matching platform to improve soil health, boost yields and reduce reliance on chemicals. Our field trials demonstrated a 6% yield increase and an 87% win rate, providing measurable ROI for farmers. By 2025, we aim to serve more than 20 farmers and 15 retailers, setting us up to reach $500K in sales by 2026.
Founder Eddy Mejia is a U.S. Army Veteran

3rd Place: Backyard Banger

We make portable, affordable and storable kitchens for outdoor use — all you need is a garden hose and an extension cord. Featuring a fridge, counter space, sink, power and umbrella all on wheels, the Backyard Banger folds up and can be stored away with a cover. Following the same consumer behaviors as a portable grill, you can now prep, serve, clean, use countertop appliances and entertain, all without having to install an expensive outdoor kitchen. It’s delivered to your door assembled, and there’s no permit hassles, HOA approvals or contractor headaches. We’re Backyard Banger, a grill’s best friend!
CEO Ty Aloe is a U.S. Army Veteran