By Design, Not By Chance: The Rise of National Invest In Veterans Week® as a Civic Doctrine
Launched in 2019, National Invest In Veterans Week® evolved from a grassroots movement into a federally trademarked and congressionally cited civic framework. Officially registered under U.S. Reg. No. 6784776, the initiative has established a clear national identity with cohesive messaging and legal protection.
Its influence has been cemented through entries in the Congressional Record:
May 24, 2023 — Congressman Don Davis (NC-01) delivered a floor speech titled "Investing in Our Veterans" (Vol. 169, No. 88, Page H2588), stating:
"Investing in our brave veterans while helping the communities that need it most should be our highest priority."While not citing the initiative by name, Davis's rhetoric directly mirrored its federally protected language.
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
Empowering Female Veteran Entrepreneurs: Championing the Complete the Mission Act of 2024
The Complete the Mission Act of 2024 addresses critical healthcare challenges faced by female veteran entrepreneurs, ensuring timely access to care and empowering them to thrive as leaders and innovators. By mandating transparency in VA wait times, expanding community care options, and ensuring immediate addiction treatment access, this legislation removes systemic barriers hindering female veterans’ success.
Aligned with impactful programs like FeMil℠ and FeMil Lead℠, it lays the foundation for a holistic support system. By investing in healthcare reform, we unlock the entrepreneurial potential of those who have served our nation.
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.
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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”
