Flashback: Jeff Shuford’s Visionary Leadership – A Legacy of Empowerment
Jeff Shuford is more than a name; he is a movement. As the co-founder of National Invest in Veterans Week® (NIVW), his visionary leadership has not only transformed veteran advocacy but set the stage for global collaboration, technological innovation, and cultural recognition of veteran entrepreneurship. Since his retirement on December 14, his influence continues to define our strategic direction and inspire our community.
This retrospective highlights Jeff’s transformative work in business, technology, and culture, celebrating his contributions that have laid the foundation for NIVW’s growth and success.
Official Report: National Invest in Veterans Week® Domains and Strategic Initiatives for Veteran Empowerment
National Invest in Veterans Week® (NIVW) is an innovative national initiative focused on advancing veteran entrepreneurship. NIVW achieves this by creating state-specific domains aligned with the unique economic and social characteristics of various regions in the U.S. These 14 domains provide veterans with tailored resources, business mentorship, funding opportunities, and pathways to industry networks. This report deep-dives into the alignment, opportunities, and challenges faced by these domains while leveraging the 2024 PenFed Top Cities for Veteran Entrepreneurs Report as a key reference
A International Movement Empowering Veteran Entrepreneurs
In a groundbreaking collaboration, the National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW) has joined forces with the International Chamber of Veteran Entrepreneurs (ICVE) and the American Society of Veteran Business Owners (ASVBO) to redefine veteran entrepreneurship. Through innovation, advocacy, and global outreach, these organizations are creating an unparalleled ecosystem that empowers veterans transitioning into civilian and entrepreneurial roles.
Under the leadership of Angel Shuford, Vice President and CFO of NIVW, and with the legacy of co-founder Jeff Shuford, this initiative has expanded its mission to connect veterans across 62 global markets. It provides tailored resources, mentorship, and a shared vision of leadership, resilience, and economic empowerment.
FeMil℠ and FeMil Lead℠: Redefining Female Veteran Leadership During National Invest In Veterans Week®
FeMil℠ and FeMil Lead℠: Empowering Female Veteran Entrepreneurs During National Invest In Veterans Week®
Female veteran entrepreneurs are transforming the global economy through resilience, innovation, and leadership. Programs like FeMil℠ and FeMil Lead℠, introduced by Angel Shuford during National Invest In Veterans Week® (March 1–7), are breaking systemic barriers for women veterans in business.
FeMil℠ equips early-stage female entrepreneurs with tools to secure funding, build networks, and establish sustainable businesses. FeMil Lead℠ takes this a step further, offering advanced mentorship, leadership training, and growth strategies to help female veterans scale their businesses and dominate their industries.
During National Invest In Veterans Week®, these initiatives shine, advocating for legislative change like the Invest in Veterans Stimulus Act and hosting events that connect veterans with resources and investors. FeMil℠ and FeMil Lead℠ are not just programs—they’re movements redefining female veteran leadership.
Mark Your Calendar: Celebrate on March 6 the birthday of Angel Shuford by joining FeMil℠ and FeMil Lead℠ in honoring and empowering veteran entrepreneurs.
Flashback: Veteran Center Meet & Greet at Fitchburg State
On March 6, 2024, Fitchburg State University’s Veteran Center welcomed veteran students for a heartfelt Meet & Greet event. This special gathering, hosted during National Invest in Veterans Week, showcased the university’s dedication to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for those who have served.
A Call to Action for Legislators
Female veteran entrepreneurs embody resilience, leadership, and adaptability—qualities honed through military service. Despite these strengths, they face systemic challenges that impede their entrepreneurial success. Initiatives like FeMil℠ and FeMil Lead℠, championed by Angel Shuford, Vice President and CFO of National Invest in Veterans Week® (NIVW), aim to bridge these gaps. However, legislative support is crucial to dismantle these barriers effectively.
Forging Fe-Male Leadership: A Deep Dive Into FeMil℠ and FeMil Lead℠
As a veteran, I see myself in Fe (iron)—strong, resilient, and unwavering under pressure. But true leadership requires adaptability and the capacity to bear great responsibility, symbolized by **Pb (lead)**. This duality inspired the creation of FeMil℠ and FeMil Lead℠, initiatives empowering female veterans to transition from strength to transformative leadership.
FeMil℠ provides the foundation: mentorship, resources, and funding education for aspiring entrepreneurs. FeMil Lead℠ refines that strength, offering advanced training and tools to scale businesses and inspire growth. Together, they form a roadmap for female veterans to build legacies—not just businesses—leading with resilience, adaptability, and purpose.
Empowering Veterans: How to Invest in Their Success
National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW), celebrated annually from March 1–7, is a growing movement dedicated to supporting veteran entrepreneurs. Since its inception, NIVW has expanded its reach to 62 global markets and introduced innovative initiatives to empower veterans worldwide.
Comprehensive Proposal: The Invest in Veterans Stimulus Act
Explore the insights behind veteran entrepreneurship and the transformative solutions proposed in the Invest in Veterans Stimulus Act. Dive into our Research on Veteran Entrepreneurship to learn about key challenges like access to capital and networking gaps. Then, review the full details of the proposed Invest in Veterans Stimulus Act to see how we're paving the way for veteran business success and innovation.
Flashback: The Rise of National Invest In Veterans Week®
National Invest In Veterans Week® is transforming the economic landscape for veteran entrepreneurs by fostering innovation, driving empowerment, and creating lasting opportunities world.
Driving Innovation and Empowering Veteran Entrepreneurship Across 62 Global Markets
National Invest In Veterans Week® has demonstrated significant growth in both community engagement and digital visibility. Recent analysis highlights key search volume peaks in April and June, alongside an average CPC of $29.77, reflecting its increasing relevance and commercial potential. As a self-funded initiative, these findings showcase opportunities to further expand its organic reach and explore strategies for future scalability. More than just a search trend, the movement embodies a growing commitment to veteran empowerment and its transformative impact.
National Invest In Veterans Week®: Empowering 62 Markets Globally
The expansion of National Invest In Veterans Week® represents a transformative leap in global reach and inclusivity, solidifying its presence across 62 diverse markets. This growth encompasses 14 U.S. state-specific domains, ensuring localized support for American veterans, alongside 29 international country-specific domains, reflecting a commitment to connecting with veterans in key nations worldwide. Additionally, the inclusion of 9 region and organization-specific domains, such as Allied Forces and Commonwealth Nations, underscores a focus on collaborative, multinational veteran communities. The innovative integration of 5 π domains highlights a forward-thinking approach to digital branding, further aligning the initiative with modern technology and global accessibility. This expansion positions National Invest In Veterans Week® as a trailblazer in veteran advocacy, bridging geographic, cultural, and technological boundaries to empower veterans everywhere.
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Reiss-Davis Graduate School
“Reiss-Davis Graduate School recognizes National Invest in Veterans Week (March 1-7, 2023). We asked noted veterans advocate and editor-in-chief of the Journal of Veterans Studies, Mariana Grohowski, PhD, to share her thoughts on advancing the cause of veterans and their families.”
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Military Family Research Institute
“The first week of March is National Invest in #Veterans Week, designed to support the efforts of veterans building lives for themselves and their families through their work and businesses.”
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EnergyUnited
“Today marks the final day of Invest In Veterans Week, and we want to take a moment to recognize the important work being done by Purple Heart Homes. Founded in 2008, Purple Heart Homes is a non-profit organization that works to provide housing solutions to veterans and their families who are in need.”
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Cintas Corporation
“It's National Invest in Veterans Week! At Cintas we are proud to be a Top Veteran-Friendly Company and are committed to recruiting military talent. For all the sacrifices they have made, we are dedicated to providing opportunities for Veterans to succeed.”
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Gary/Chicago International Airport
“Happy #NationalInvestInVeteransWeek! Back in November, GYY received the prestigious HIRE Vets Medallion Award, an honor bestowed by the @USDOL for our efforts to create jobs that recruit, employ and retain veterans’ who have served our country!”
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Armed Forces Vacation Club
"#DidYouKnow it's National Invest In Veterans Week? National Invest In Veterans Week is observed every year from March 1 through March 7. This is a week where we support and honor aspiring and established veteran business owners!”
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Columbia Gas of Ohio
“We're proud to support our veterans, and especially those on our team! #InvestinVeteransWeek is a good reminder to invest in veterans after all they've invested in our country.”
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National Academy of Sciences
“#DYK It’s #NationalInvestinVeteransWeek! In this touching #TheScienceBehindIt video, meet Ray, Casey, and Raymond as they share their coming home stories and talk about the challenges facing millions of veterans.”
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Waubonsee Community College
“#Waubonsee is proud to serve those students who have served our country, and we'll do everything we can to streamline the process, start you on the right foot, and support your endeavors every step of the way. #NationalInvestInVeteransWeek”
