Small BusinessServices & Consulting+ StartupPitch CompetitionGrantNon-dilutive

Second Service Foundation — Military Entrepreneur Challenge (MEC)

Second Service Foundation (formerly StreetShares Foundation)

BLUF — Bottom Line Up Front

·Five-second scan

Total time commitment

30-60 hours (application + pitch event)

Admittance criteria

Application + Committee Selection

Funding type

Non-Dilutive Grant, Prize MoneyNon-dilutive

Delivery mode

In-Person

Academic backing

Light

Best for

Small Business, Startup

Eligibility

Veterans, military spouses, and Gold Star Family entrepreneurs. Pitch competition format awarding cash grants at live events around the country.

$1,000 to $15,000 per event, plus Warrior Academy access and mentorship

Multiple cycles · Multiple regional MEC events per year — see calendar

Rebranded from StreetShares Foundation. Same team, expanded program slate. Also operates Capital Grant Program and small-business lending separately.

These share at least one format type with this program and fit the same path.

Rice University

Vet-founded businesses pitching for capital investment.