Jeff Shuford Jeff Shuford

HarvardX Strong: Leading National Invest In Veterans Week® into a New Era

Excerpt: Harvard Leadership and the Future of Veteran Entrepreneurship

As President & CFO of National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW), I have the privilege of leading one of the most impactful veteran entrepreneurship initiatives in the world. My experience at HarvardX’s "Technology Entrepreneurship: Lab to Market" has provided me with a structured framework to scale innovation, financial sustainability, and long-term economic impact.

Harvard Business School’s Professor Karim R. Lakhani and Professor Vish Krishnan emphasized that entrepreneurship isn’t just about ideas—it’s about execution, market fit, and sustainable growth. Their insights have directly influenced how I approach building a scalable, financially strong, and globally recognized NIVW.

With a multi-generational vision, I am ensuring that NIVW’s leadership, economic strategy, and national influence continue to expand. By applying HarvardX methodologies and leveraging institutional partnerships—such as our work with Live Oak Bank, New York Life Investments, and Congressional leaders—NIVW is evolving into a sustainable force for veteran business success.

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National Invest In Veterans Week® Post-Jeff Shuford: The Roadmap to Global Impact
Jeff Shuford Jeff Shuford

National Invest In Veterans Week® Post-Jeff Shuford: The Roadmap to Global Impact

Post-Retirement Growth and Strategic Insights

National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW) has entered a transformative phase following Jeff Shuford’s retirement in December, leveraging his visionary roadmap to connect veterans with resources, mentorship, and opportunities across 62 global markets. With a strategic focus on 14 U.S. states and 29 international domains, NIVW is empowering veterans to thrive in transformative industries such as AI, renewable energy, and cybersecurity.

Unprecedented Engagement Metrics

Under Shuford’s legacy, NIVW’s engagement metrics have surged:

  • 400% increase in unique visitors, signaling heightened interest in veteran-focused initiatives.

  • 57,000+ search impressions in three months, with peak visibility during April and June.

  • Click-through rates reflecting steady user interaction and sustained visibility across platforms.

Impact Across U.S. States

NIVW’s state-specific domains provide tailored resources for veterans, creating opportunities for economic growth:

  • FloridaVeterans.com supports the largest veteran population, driving a significant portion of U.S. engagement.

  • PennsylvaniaVeterans.com enhances access to state-level initiatives, serving nearly a fifth of the region’s veteran population.

  • Emerging platforms like NorthDakotaVeterans.com and WyomingVeterans.com ensure underserved areas are not left behind.

Global Expansion and Collaboration

International domains have extended NIVW’s mission to U.S. allies, fostering collaboration across continents:

  • Europe: The U.K., Germany, and France lead engagement with shared values in veteran advocacy.

  • Asia-Pacific: Australia and Singapore drive interest, highlighting strong defense and economic ties.

  • Middle East: Saudi Arabia represents growing collaboration in innovation and entrepreneurship.

Economic Contributions and Future Goals

Veteran-owned businesses currently generate $1.2 trillion annually, with NIVW committed to:

  • Increasing veteran-led startups by 25% by 2030.

  • Creating 1.5 million new jobs across the U.S. and allied nations.

  • Expanding veteran participation in critical industries.

Innovative Platforms Driving Growth

  1. π (Pledge to Invest) = Veteran Businesses℠

    • Integrates AI-powered tools for funding access and mentorship connections.

    • Promotes collaboration across 62 markets to eliminate barriers for veteran entrepreneurs.

  2. Invest in Veterans Stimulus Act

    • Provides tax credits, low-interest loans, and priority access to federal contracts.

    • Encourages corporate partnerships with veteran-led startups.

Strategic Recommendations for Sustained Growth

  • Maximize Peaks: Focus on April and June with social campaigns and veteran success stories.

  • Expand Global Partnerships: Strengthen ties with international veteran organizations.

  • Monetization Pathways: Explore cost-effective CPC campaigns and sponsorship opportunities.

Shaping a Global Movement

Jeff Shuford’s belief that “veteran empowerment knows no borders” continues to drive NIVW’s global reach. From tailored regional initiatives to fostering innovation across continents, the organization remains committed to honoring veterans and creating lasting economic impact.

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🫡 Meet the Team