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Angel Shuford

Angel Shuford, former active-duty U.S. Army Sergeant now in the Inactive Ready Reserve (IRR), brings FAA certifications, a Secret Security Clearance, and visionary leadership as the new Vice President and CFO of National Invest In Veterans Week®, empowering veterans globally.

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2024 NFL® Salute to Service Award

Aaron Jones, Sr., a celebrated NFL running back and tireless advocate for veteran entrepreneurs and military families, continues to redefine what it means to lead both on and off the field.

This year, Jones' extraordinary efforts were recognized with two major honors: the Jeff Shuford Empowerment Through Advocacy Award from National Invest In Veterans Week® and his selection as the Minnesota Vikings’ nominee for the 2024 NFL Salute to Service Award.

  • "Growing up as a military brat, my parents served a combined 56 years. They put their life into it. For me to still be able to represent them in that way and get this nomination, I know my parents are very proud of me."

    Aaron Jones | NFL Star

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  • "Veterans have always fought for us, and now it’s our turn to fight for them. Through legislative advocacy and community support, we’re building a stronger, brighter future for veteran entrepreneurs nationwide."

    Lonnell McCall | Sr. Spokesperson

  • "The Service-Disabled Veteran Opportunities in Small Business Act is a groundbreaking piece of legislation that levels the playing field for disabled veteran entrepreneurs. By increasing access to government contracts, the act ensures that service-disabled veterans have equitable opportunities to grow their businesses and contribute to the economy."

    LTC Rickey L. Pope (Ret.) | CEO

  • "Veteran-owned businesses account for over $1 trillion in annual revenue. This act ensures that service-disabled veterans, who often face unique challenges transitioning to civilian life, can access the resources they need to succeed."

    Drayton Florence | Co-founder

  • "As a military spouse and Reservist, I understand the sacrifices that families make and the strength veterans bring to the table. National Invest In Veterans Week® is a platform that amplifies those strengths, connecting our community to resources and recognition they deserve. Being part of this team is deeply personal—it’s about ensuring every veteran’s story is heard and celebrated."

    Angel Shuford | CFO

  • "Disabled Veterans bring unique skills and resilience to the business world, driving progress and creating opportunities for communities everywhere."

    CPT. Sherman Williams (Ret.) | Director

  • "By celebrating veteran entrepreneurs and their contributions to the economy, National Invest In Veterans Week® aligns with legislative goals to reduce unemployment, increase minority business ownership, and foster economic resilience in underrepresented communities."

    Pastor Ron Henson | Chaplain

  • "National Invest In Veterans Week® played a critical role in amplifying veterans' voices, ensuring lawmakers understood the urgency of supporting initiatives like the Service-Disabled Veteran Opportunities Act."

    Jeff Shuford | Visionary Co-Founder

  • "As a completely self-funded initiative, National Invest In Veterans Week® highlights the strength of grassroots movements to drive meaningful change, offering a model for future community-led efforts."

    Angel Shuford | CFO

  • "Founded by Jeff Shuford, a Black combat veteran and visionary entrepreneur, National Invest In Veterans Week® represents a groundbreaking step in recognizing the contributions of veterans while also showcasing the power of Black entrepreneurship to drive social impact."

    National Invest In Veterans Week Staff

  • "Disabled Veterans and athletes share a bond of discipline and perseverance, which makes our contributions to entrepreneurship unique. National Invest In Veterans Week® creates a space where veterans are celebrated for those qualities and provided with the tools to succeed in business."

    Drayton Florence | Co-founder

  • "Veterans often carry unseen burdens, and transitions can be challenging. National Invest In Veterans Week® not only empowers veterans economically but also supports them emotionally and spiritually. As a virtual chaplain, I’ve seen how this initiative restores hope and builds community among those who have given so much."

    Pastor Ron Henson | Chaplain

  • "Veteran-owned businesses face unique challenges, but they also possess unparalleled strengths. National Invest In Veterans Week® gives us the visibility and support we need to thrive. Being part of this team reminds me daily of the incredible impact veterans have on our economy and communities."

    Chynelle Washington | Director

  • "National Invest In Veterans Week® addresses disparities not only in veteran care but also in economic opportunities for Black and minority veterans, fostering a more inclusive future for all who served."

    Jeff Shuford | Visionary Co-Founder

  • "Veteran entrepreneurship is a global phenomenon, and National Invest In Veterans Week® connects their stories across borders. From the U.S. to international markets, we’re building a movement that recognizes and celebrates the universal qualities veterans bring to business—leadership, resilience, and innovation."

    Mike Bicek | Marketing

➢ "This National Invest in Veterans Week, we honor the brave men and women who have invested in our nation’s safety and well-being through their service in uniform. Many veterans return home with new challenges, which is why the unanimous passage of the Service-Disabled Veteran Opportunities in Small Business Act in the House of Representatives is so significant. " ━ Congressman Brian Mast

➢ "This National Invest in Veterans Week, we honor the brave men and women who have invested in our nation’s safety and well-being through their service in uniform. Many veterans return home with new challenges, which is why the unanimous passage of the Service-Disabled Veteran Opportunities in Small Business Act in the House of Representatives is so significant. " ━ Congressman Brian Mast

➢ "As the U.S. observes National Invest in Veterans Week, findings suggest veterans are struggling to overcome financial challenges. Even more troubling, a majority of wounded veterans report barely making ends meet in today's economy—highlighting the disproportionate financial strain faced by disabled veterans compared to civilians." ━ Fox Business

➢ "As the U.S. observes National Invest in Veterans Week, findings suggest veterans are struggling to overcome financial challenges. Even more troubling, a majority of wounded veterans report barely making ends meet in today's economy—highlighting the disproportionate financial strain faced by disabled veterans compared to civilians." ━ Fox Business

➢ "Share your favorite veteran entrepreneur or veteran business on Social Media using #NationalInvestInVeteransWeek" ━ Barnstable County

➢ "Share your favorite veteran entrepreneur or veteran business on Social Media using #NationalInvestInVeteransWeek" ━ Barnstable County

Your Briefing

National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW) empowers and honors veteran entrepreneurs, service members, National Guard, Reserve members, and their spouses. This week-long observance highlights the economic impact of veteran-owned businesses and offers tools to foster their growth and success.

Through partnerships and outreach, NIVW raises awareness about the challenges veteran entrepreneurs face and connects them with critical resources to thrive.

Discover opportunities to support veterans, explore success stories, and learn how veteran-owned businesses contribute to global innovation and community development.

Our Social Media

Engage with the NIVW community by following official account on Facebook. Use the hashtag #InvestInVeteransWeek to share your stories, connect with veteran-owned businesses, and join the conversation.

Help us celebrate and amplify the voices of veteran entrepreneurs.

Connect with the #InvestInVeteransWeek Community

Are you a veteran, service member, National Guard, Reserve component member, or military spouse? Learn how National Invest In Veterans Week® supports your entrepreneurial journey with tools, resources, and a robust network dedicated to your success.

Explore the veteran business resources.

  • "This week is #NationalInvestInVeteransWeek! You can participate by buying from or partnering with veteran-owned businesses, promoting veteran-owned businesses on your social media, or even finding veterans in your community who you can mentor."

    Patriot Boot Camp

  • "It's National Invest in Veterans Week 🙌 🇺🇸🇺🇸 We want to highlight a veteran owned business that has been a big help to many of our service members in Colorado Springs: Carlton Academy 👏 They service children from 6 weeks to 12 years old, and it’s owned by Michael and Alisandra McGuinness."

    Peterson & Schriever Space Force Base

  • "We can think of no better time than National Invest in Veterans Week to celebrate our proud partnership with DAV!"

    Tomlinson Center

  • "Lauryn Dougherty is a 36-year-old disabled Air Force veteran who opened up her own coffee roasting business in 2020. As National Invest in Veterans Week kicks off, I remain committed to serving veterans like Lauryn throughout #AZ06. Thank you for your service!"

    Congressman Juan Ciscomani

  • "March 1st- March 7th is National Invest in #Veterans Week! Founded as a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business, #GovCIO is committed to our Veteran community. Listen in as GovCIO VP, Rodney Turner, a Veteran himself, speaks to some of the ways in which we #invest in Veterans."

    Govcio

  • "It's #InvestInVeteransWeek and what better way to participate than by joining our Thank A Veteran business list. We are looking for businesses like YOURS to partner with HCCO to offer discounts to military veterans!"

    Harris County Clerk

Born Primitive® | Growing Stronger After National Invest In Veterans Week® 2023

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After being featured on Fox News during National Invest In Veterans Week 2023, Born Primitive®, a veteran-owned athleisure brand, saw remarkable growth. The company doubled its revenue, surpassing $130 million, and expanded its Virginia Beach headquarters to meet the increasing demand. Committed to hiring veterans, Born Primitive continues to create jobs and foster community, exemplifying the impact of supporting veteran entrepreneurs.

In December 2024, Born Primitive® took its dedication to veterans even further by raising the ceiling on its Veterans Day campaign, erasing $11 million in medical debt for veterans—doubling its original $5 million pledge. CEO and co-founder Bear Handlon, a former Navy SEAL, led the initiative, reinforcing Born Primitive’s unwavering commitment to those who served.

Founders:

Bear Handlon
CEO & Co-founder | Former Navy SEAL

Shannon & Joe Menges
Co-founders | Veteran Entrepreneurs

Ready to Make an Impact? Share Your Voice Today!

📣 Your Insights Matter
Join thousands of veteran entrepreneurs and supporters by completing the 2025 National Invest In Veterans Week® Impact Survey.

Amplify Your Support for Veterans

Utilize free, customizable social media templates from CivicSocial to effectively champion veteran entrepreneurs during National Invest In Veterans Week®. CivicSocial specializes in assisting public information officers and social media managers in creating high-quality, branded content for civic agencies.

  • "This week, March 1-7 is National Invest in Veterans Week! This week stands as a time to honor and support veteran business owners and their contributions to our state's economy."

    Senator Rita Sanders

  • "This week is National Invest in Veterans Week, and I want to take this opportunity to thank all veterans for their service to our country."

    United States Representative

    Dan Newhouse

  • "Those who serve and risk their lives in the name of our freedom deserve our total support when they return home. I encourage you to empower these brave patriots by investing in them, especially during #InvestInVeteransWeek."

    Congressman Gus Bilirakis

  • “March 1 through March 7 is National Invest in Veterans Week. During the week we honor aspiring and established veteran business owners and their contributions to the economy.“

    Pennsylvania State Representative

    Sara Innamorato

  • "It's always a good time to support our veteran-owned businesses. This Invest in Veterans Week, I encourage folks to support veterans who served our country and now lead in business, like Willie Blazer of Willie's Distillery in Ennis."

    Governor Greg Gianforte

  • "According to the Small Business Administration, there is about one veteran-owned business for every ten veterans, & veteran-owned businesses employ 5.8 million individuals. #NationalInvestInVeteransWeek is about empowering the public to invest in these businesses."

    Michigan Attorney General

    Dana Nessel

  • "This week, we honor and invest in our veterans, who have sacrificed so much to protect our freedoms and way of life. Let's show our appreciation by providing them with the support and resources they need to thrive in civilian life."

    Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen

  • “This week, we're taking a moment to honor our #FL03 veteran entrepreneurs for National Invest in Vererans Week! Our veterans make significant contributions and sacrifices in service to our nation - who have selflessly served our country and now lead in business."

    Congresswoman Kat Cammack

  • "The first week of March we observe National Invest in Veterans week. This week, we take the time to invest in the Veteran population by doing things such as supporting veteran owned businesses, educational development, and mental health empowerment."

    Orange County District Attorney

    Todd Spitzer

  • “Veterans are among America’s most industrious workers and successful entrepreneurs. Please join me in always supporting veteran business leaders like Shield Arms owner Seth Berglee, but especially during National Invest in Veterans Week.“

    Representative Matt Rosendale

  • "It is Invest in Veterans Week through March 7th. Support the men and women who have given so much to this great country and invest in their hard work!"

    Montana State Representative

    Marta Bertoglio

  • "Those who serve and risk their lives in the name of our freedom deserve our total support when they return home. I encourage you to empower these brave patriots by investing in them, especially during #InvestInVeteransWeek."

    Former United States Representative

    Jaime Herrera Beutler