FeMil Lead℠ Sunsets and Merges with Vets 2.0℠: A New Era for Veteran Entrepreneurship
FeMil Lead℠ was launched as a two-month initiative aimed at supporting military spouses and transitioning service members in building and growing their businesses. During its brief but impactful run, the program provided valuable guidance in areas such as digital business strategy, entrepreneurship, and networking. By equipping participants with essential tools and knowledge, FeMil Lead℠ helped military-affiliated entrepreneurs establish a solid foundation for success.
One of the program’s key strengths was its ability to connect military entrepreneurs with the larger business community. Through local events near military bases, participants had opportunities to engage with potential customers, business partners, and mentors. These events helped bridge the gap between military-affiliated businesses and the broader market, fostering stronger economic engagement and business growth.
Although FeMil Lead℠ is now coming to a close, its mission is not ending. Instead, the program is merging with Vets 2.0℠, an initiative led by Kevin D. Shoun. This merger represents an opportunity to expand the reach and impact of the work started by FeMil Lead℠, ensuring that military entrepreneurs continue to receive guidance and support as they navigate their business journeys.
Veteran Entrepreneurs Drive Economic Resilience as Private Payrolls Rise in Uncertain Market
The January ADP National Employment Report revealed that private payrolls grew faster than expected, with 183,000 jobs added in January, surpassing the 150,000 projected by economists. However, corporations continue to tighten budgets, implement layoffs, and reduce workforce expansion.
With Angel Shuford now leading the charge, National Invest In Veterans Week® is expanding into six new markets, ensuring that more veteran-owned businesses receive capital, mentorship, and visibility in today’s economy.
Angel Shuford Appointed President of National Invest In Veterans Week®: A New Era of Veteran Entrepreneurship
In a historic leadership transition, Angel Shuford has been officially appointed as the President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW), marking a new era of expansion, economic empowerment, and legacy-building for veteran entrepreneurs.
Her appointment comes as LTC Rickey L. Pope (Ret.), the outgoing President and Co-Founder, steps down after years of distinguished leadership. Under his tenure, NIVW evolved from a grassroots initiative into a congressionally recognized movement dedicated to highlighting the impact of veteran-owned businesses.
Dr. Richard S. Freeman Joins National Invest In Veterans Week® as Legal Advisor, Marking a New Chapter for the Shuford-Freeman Legacy
Dr. Richard S. Freeman is not just a lawyer—he is an institution. His career, spanning over four decades, has impacted civil rights law, labor justice, international humanitarian efforts, and corporate governance. His work has shaped major industries, protected marginalized communities, and established legal precedents that continue to influence policy today. As a legal strategist, educator, and civil rights champion, Dr. Freeman has built a reputation as one of the foremost legal minds of his generation.
Drayton Florence Announces Retirement from National Invest In Veterans Week® and Tech From Vets; Sherman Williams to Lead, Jim Freeman to Advise Cultural Partnerships
National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW) and Tech From Vets announce the retirement of Drayton Florence, co-founder and Director of Partnerships, due to unforeseen medical circumstances. Florence has played a pivotal role in veteran entrepreneurship and advocacy, leaving a lasting legacy that will continue to guide both organizations for years to come.
Rep. Mike Levin: A Champion for Veterans and Community Investment
As National Invest in Veterans Week® (March 1-7) approaches, it’s the perfect time to celebrate leaders who are making a difference for veterans and their communities. Among those deserving recognition is Representative Mike Levin, who has consistently demonstrated his commitment to investing in veterans and their futures.
A Legacy of Advocacy for Veterans
Earlier this year, Rep. Levin received the prestigious Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) 2024 Congressional Award for Legislator of the Year. This honor highlights his unwavering dedication to veterans, service members, and their families. As the Ranking Member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, Rep. Levin has authored more than two dozen bipartisan laws aimed at easing veterans’ transition to civilian life.
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
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.
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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Join the movement at National Invest In Veterans Week®
National Invest In Veterans Week® Market Reach and Demographic Report
National Invest In Veterans Week®: Empowering 4.4 Million U.S. Veterans
National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW) connects 4.4 million veterans across 14 U.S. states with resources, funding, and mentorship to foster economic growth and innovation. Through state-specific platforms like FloridaVeterans.com and PennsylvaniaVeterans.com, NIVW serves veterans in high-impact regions, including 1.4 million veterans in Florida and 731,400 in Pennsylvania.
With veteran-owned businesses generating $1.2 trillion annually, NIVW is driving a 25% projected increase in veteran-led startups by 2030 while creating 1.5 million new jobs. These initiatives, coupled with the innovative π (Pledge to Invest) = Veteran Businesses℠ platform, ensure veterans thrive in transformative industries like AI, renewable energy, and cybersecurity.
Explore how NIVW is transforming veteran entrepreneurship: National Invest In Veterans Week®.
Briefing from Angel Shuford, Vice President & CFO, National Invest in Veterans Week®
As National Invest in Veterans Week® (NIVW) embarks on a new chapter following Jeff Shuford’s retirement on December 14th, his leadership and insights continue to shape our strategy and vision. Jeff’s ability to develop a sustainable, forward-looking roadmap has laid the foundation for the extraordinary post-retirement growth and global recognition we are experiencing today.
This report delves deeply into Jeff Shuford’s post-retirement quotes, which reflect his enduring influence, and combines this guidance with actionable data and insights to further our mission of empowering veterans worldwide.
Jeff Shuford: Elevating AI Ethics and Healthcare Innovation through Prestigious Citations
Jeff Shuford’s dedication to ethical AI is evident in his widely recognized research addressing bias and equity. His work, featured in Frontiers in AI, has been pivotal in advancing fairness and inclusivity in AI systems. The article, "Examining Ethical Aspects of AI: Addressing Bias and Equity in the Discipline", explores how AI systems can perpetuate systemic inequities and offers actionable frameworks for ethical AI development.
Shuford’s insights have also been cited in the Taylor & Francis publication The Bias Algorithm: How AI in Healthcare Exacerbates Ethnic and Racial Disparities – A Scoping Review. This influential study underscores the disproportionate impact of biased algorithms on marginalized communities, aligning with Shuford’s commitment to addressing inequities in AI applications.
Veteran Entrepreneurs ONLY: Grants, Resources, and Legislative Innovation
National Invest In Veterans Week® is a pioneering initiative dedicated to empowering veteran entrepreneurs through advocacy, resources, and transformative legislation. By addressing systemic challenges like access to capital, mentorship, and economic equity, the organization champions the success of veterans in business and innovation.
Explore their initiatives and groundbreaking contributions:
Learn more about their mission and programs at investinveteransweek.com.
Dr. Brian Babin’s Endorsement Powers National Invest In Veterans Week and Aviation’s Role in Empowering Heroes
“This week is National Invest in Veterans Week, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every veteran who has fought for our country. 🇺🇸” – These profound words from Dr. Brian Babin, Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics, delivered in 2020, remain a powerful reminder of the importance of honoring our nation’s veterans. His statement stands as both a tribute to their sacrifices and a challenge to create meaningful opportunities that amplify their potential as leaders and innovators.
Celebrating the Inclusion of National Invest In Veterans Week® in the Future Aviation/Aerospace Workforce News Calendar
We are thrilled to announce that National Invest In Veterans Week® (March 1-7) has been officially featured in the highly esteemed Future Aviation/Aerospace Workforce News Calendar of Events. This recognition highlights the pivotal role veterans play in shaping the future of the aviation and aerospace industries and reflects the dedication of leaders like Angel Shuford and Kevin D. Shoun, who continue to bridge the gap between veteran talent and workforce opportunities.
From the Desk of Angel Shuford: Honoring Growth, Innovation, and Partnership for National Invest In Veterans Week®
As we proudly move into 2025, I would like to take a moment to reflect on the journey and evolution of National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW) and express our deep gratitude to our partner, National Day Calendar®. Since its inception in 2019, National Day Calendar® has been instrumental in amplifying the mission and message of NIVW, ensuring that March 1-7 is celebrated as a time to honor the resilience, innovation, and economic contributions of veteran entrepreneurs.
House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast: Promoting Investment in Veterans
On March 6, 2024, during National Invest in Veterans Week®, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast shared a compelling blog post titled Invest in America, Invest in Veterans. His message underscored the deep commitment our nation owes to its veterans and the crucial need to invest in their futures. Mast’s advocacy highlighted how veterans’ sacrifices on the battlefield translate into a call for us to create opportunities for them to thrive in civilian life, particularly in entrepreneurship.
Chairman Mast’s leadership and vision continue to promote the investment in veterans that our nation so critically needs, inspiring a legacy of empowerment, innovation, and success for generations to come.
Mission Montana: Veterans Leading the Charge in Economic Resilience
Montana has solidified itself as a state where veterans thrive, bolstered by a historic streak of low unemployment and a deep commitment to honoring those who served. Governor Greg Gianforte's leadership has kept Montana’s unemployment rate at 3.2% as of November 2024, marking 41 consecutive months of rates at or below 3.4%, a record-breaking achievement.
How Veterans Can Invest VA Disability Benefits and Secure Their Financial Future
For veterans, VA disability benefits represent more than just income—they’re an opportunity to secure a brighter financial future. By combining smart investment strategies with entrepreneurship resources like those offered during National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW), veterans can maximize the potential of their benefits. Here’s how veterans can take charge of their financial journey.
Kevin D. Shoun and the Vision of Vets 2.0℠: Empowering the Next Generation of Veterans
Transitioning to civilian life poses unique challenges for recently discharged veterans, but Kevin D. Shoun, a retired U.S. Army First Sergeant, is leading the charge to address these needs through Vets 2.0℠. A groundbreaking initiative co-created with visionary Angel Shuford, Vets 2.0℠ is designed to support veterans in navigating their new chapters with resilience, community, and opportunity.
A Flashback to Statewide Efforts: Pioneering Veteran Support Through National Invest in Veterans Week®
As Veterans Day approaches, states across the nation reflect on their efforts to honor and support those who served in uniform. While the National Governors Association highlights impressive state-level initiatives, National Invest in Veterans Week® (NIVW) takes a transformative approach, creating an ecosystem of opportunity, advocacy, and innovation that amplifies state programs and fills critical gaps.
🫡 Meet the Team
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LTC Rickey L. Pope USA, Ret.
CO-FOUNDER | Retired Army Veteran, Retired Firefighter
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Jim Freeman of The Five Satins
GRAMMY Hall of Famer | Brand Ambassador
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Pastor Ron Henson
Social Impact Advisor | Navy Veteran
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Jeff Shuford
CO-FOUNDER | Iraq War Veteran & Military Spouse
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Drayton Florence
CO-FOUNDER | NFL Veteran & Military Brat
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Erik M. Pelton & Associates, PLLC
Trademark Attorney | Veteran IP Advocate
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Angel Shuford, REALTOR®, MRP
Chief Financial Officer (CFO) | Army Veteran
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CPT Sherman WIlliams, USA, Ret.
Advisor | Retired Army Veteran
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Brandon Sugar
Legacy UX/UI Designer | Army Veteran
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Mike Bicek
Creative Director | Army Veteran
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Private Jewel
Co-Founders Pup | Biewer Terrier
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Lonnell McCall I
Sr. Spokesperson | Retired Navy Veteran
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Celeste Everett
Legacy IT Consultant | Army Veteran
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Lonnell McCall II
Jr. Spokesperson | Military Brat
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Christopher B. Mueller
Lead Video Spokesperson | Veteran Advocate
