Ripple Commits $250,000 to Veteran and Military Spouse-Owned Businesses Ripple has announced the 25 recipients of its inaugural Ripple Effect: Certified Veteran Employer Grants Program, a $25
Ripple has announced the 25 recipients of its inaugural Ripple Effect: Certified Veteran Employer Grants Program, a $250,000 initiative run in partnership with nonprofit Hire Heroes USA. The program is investing a total of $250,000 in growth capital, awarding $10,000 grants to each selected business.The funding is delivered in Ripple's $RLUSD stablecoin, which is pegged 1:1 to the U.S. dollar.
The program is designed to support small- to mid-sized businesses that are at least 51% owned by a U.S. military veteran or military spouse, operate in the United States, and demonstrate a commitment to hiring veterans and military spouses within the next 12 to 18 months.
In addition to funding, recipients also receive Hire Heroes USA's Certified Veteran Employer training, employer resources, and ongoing support to help scale their businesses, build veteran-ready workplaces, and connect with military-connected talent.A standout benefit of the program is access to more than 20,000 military-connected job seekers through Hire Heroes USA's network.Recipients can also participate in career fairs, receive employer spotlight opportunities, and work toward becoming officially recognized as a Certified Veteran Employer.
With more than 1.6 million veteran-owned businesses employing nearly 3.2 million people across the U.S., initiatives like this recognize the vital role veteran entrepreneurs play in local economies.
This program sits within a broader philanthropic push from Ripple. Ripple has donated more than $250 million globally, supporting universities, nonprofits, and social enterprises across more than 80 countries.The grants are part of Ripple's broader environmental, social, and governance (ESG) and philanthropic effort.
Jonathan Perri, Ripple's Director of Social Impact, framed the latest grants as a targeted investment. "Veteran and military spouse-owned businesses are a critical source of innovation, job creation, and economic opportunity," he said, adding that the program is "a direct investment in entrepreneurs who are committed to hiring from the military community and building businesses that last."
Sources:Hire Heroes USA announces 25 recipients of the Ripple Effect Grants Program (TechRSeries)American veteran-owned businesses set to get $250,000 from Ripple (Yahoo Finance)Ripple Effect: Certified Veteran Employer Grants Program (Hire Heroes USA)
