Ventures tied to veteran mentorship, prioritizing businesses connected to the veteran support ecosystem

Directed by an advisory group of veterans from all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, the Upstate Warriors Fund deployed its first loans in 2025.

Upstate Warrior Solution is a nonprofit organization serving veterans, first responders, and their families in the Upstate of South Carolina. Their mission is to connect warriors and families to resources and opportunities, lead them through the process of self-empowerment, and inspire the community to embrace them as valued neighbors. Since 2013, UWS has aided thousands of local warriors with housing, employment, healthcare, education, mental health, family support services, and more.

 

As part of its suite of services, Upstate Warrior Solution (UWS) provides employment assistance that increasingly includes support for veterans and first responders seeking to start and grow their own companies. Understanding how to finance their businesses and gain access to capital is often a challenge for these entrepreneurs. Traditional angel investments, bank loans, and private equity are often not the right fit.

 

Responding to this need, an Upstate Warrior Catalytic Fund (UWCF) has been created to make flexible loans and grants to warrior-led businesses, as well as provide connections and mentoring throughout the process.  Funded by charitable donors, the UWCF is advised by UWS and an appointed screening committee of community leaders.