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.
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.
A Family Legacy of Leadership: Jeff Shuford and Jim Freeman Honored by Rolling Stone
In the intertwined worlds of music, technology, and advocacy, the Shuford-Freeman family stands as a beacon of leadership and cultural influence. From Jim Freeman, a founding member of the legendary doo-wop group The Five Satins, to Jeff Shuford, a visionary veteran entrepreneur and nationally recognized advocate, their legacy is one of innovation, perseverance, and impact. What makes their story even more extraordinary is that both Freeman and Shuford have been honored by Rolling Stone, albeit for distinct contributions to their respective fields.
Kevin D. Shoun: Transformational Leadership in the Spirit of Jimmy Carter
Kevin D. Shoun embodies the legacy of service, leadership, and empathy championed by President Jimmy Carter. Like Carter, who transitioned from military service to a lifetime of civic and humanitarian work, Kevin’s journey is defined by his dedication to empowering others. As the Senior Advisor for Civic Leadership and Policy Development for National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW), Kevin continues to elevate the voices of veterans and champion initiatives that transform lives and communities.
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.
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.
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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”
