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.
Fox Business Spotlights Veterans’ Financial Struggles During National Invest In Veterans Week®
As National Invest In Veterans Week® continues to amplify the contributions of veteran-owned businesses, Fox Business utilized the holiday to shine a light on the financial challenges facing our nation’s heroes. With 80% of veterans struggling to make ends meet and 1 in 6 experiencing food insecurity, their coverage was a sobering reminder of the urgent need to support veterans beyond their service.
National Invest In Veterans Week®: Honoring Service, Empowering Entrepreneurship, and Building a Stronger Economy
Veterans are twice as likely to start businesses as non-veterans, bringing with them unparalleled skills in leadership, discipline, and decision-making. These qualities, honed in the military, form the backbone of successful ventures. However, veteran entrepreneurs face unique challenges, including limited access to resources, funding, and networking opportunities. National Invest In Veterans Week® addresses these barriers while celebrating veteran-owned businesses' vital contributions.
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.
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.
-
![]()
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.”
-
![]()
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.”
-
![]()
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.”
-
![]()
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.”
-
![]()
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!”
-
![]()
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!”
-
![]()
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.”
-
![]()
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.”
-
![]()
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”
