
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.

National Invest In Veterans Week®: Redefining Empowerment Through Unmatched Expertise
At National Invest In Veterans Week®, there is no singular definition of what it means to empower veteran entrepreneurs. Our team includes PhDs advancing groundbreaking research, Grammy® Hall of Famers shaping culture, and NFL alumni demonstrating unmatched resilience. Together, we redefine leadership through innovation, collaboration, and advocacy, proving that our strength lies in the diversity of our experiences and the unity of our mission.

From the Desk of Angel Shuford: The Legacy and Future of Vetrepreneurship
The Jacksonville Vetrepreneur Summit is more than just a conference; it is a movement designed to empower veterans to become successful entrepreneurs. Founded in collaboration with the City of Jacksonville and guided by the early leadership of Jeff Shuford, the summit has grown into a cornerstone event for veteran advocacy.
As Vice President and CFO of National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW), I am honored to reflect on the summit’s impact and share our vision for the future of vetrepreneurship. This year’s summit is a testament to the ongoing evolution of veteran entrepreneurship, where the lessons of the past fuel the ambitions of tomorrow.

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.