Our History

NIVW was Established in 2019

Co-founded by nationally syndicated columnist and Iraq war veteran Jeff Shuford, National Football League star Drayton Florence, and with advisement from retired Army Lieutenant Colonel Rickey L. Pope, the organization’s mission from its inception has been to honor and celebrate aspiring and established veteran business owners and their contributions to the economy.

Campaign to Generate National Support

With the aid of the National Day Calendar®, the team at National Invest In Veterans Week® implemented a three-pronged approach to veteran entrepreneurial support. By focusing on impact, branding, and advocacy, National Invest In Veterans Week® was celebrated by politicians, government agencies, and everyday Americans alike.

Petitioned the National Day Calendar®

The first step in our social impact strategy was to rally support behind a veteran business holiday. There was no better place to start than the highly impactful National Day Calendar®. With clients that include Microsoft, Nordstrom, Capital One, and Verizon Wireless, the National Day Calendar® was the place to go to create an immediate impact for veteran entrepreneurs.

Concurrent Resolution Introduced

Senator Katrina Shealy and Senator Ronnie W. Cromer from the South Carolina Senate introduced Bill 3825. The bill states, "House of Representatives, the Senate concurring: That the members of the General Assembly, by this resolution, commemorate National Invest In Veterans Week®, from March 1 through 7, 2021, in support of veteran-owned businesses."

It’s a date!

The Registrar at National Day Calendar® proclaimed the National Invest In Veterans Week celebration in July of 2019 to be observed March 1-7, annually. With our goal achieved, the National Day Calendar® utilized its powerful media platform to promote National Invest In Veterans Week nationally. The impact of the holiday was promoted through social media nationally.

Passed South Carolina Senate

With 117 sponsors, the bill was adopted and sent to the House of Representatives on 02/11/2021. After passing both legislative chambers, a copy of the resolution was presented to the Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center. Shortly after, the Lexington Chamber launched a campaign to highlight South Carolina veteran business owners through news stories and media features.

  • “It's National Invest in Veterans Week. In 2019, NFL veteran Drayton Florence and Iraq War veteran Jeff Shuford created National Invest in Veterans Week. Their purpose was to empower the public to invest more in veterans returning to the civilian population through veteran-owned business attainment, access to mental health services, and educational development.“

    Pioneer Mortgage Funding

  • "March 1-7 is National Invest in Veterans Week. In 2019, National Football League veteran Drayton Florence and nationally syndicated columnist and Iraq War veteran Jeff Shuford founded National Invest In Veterans Week, intending to empower the public to invest in the veteran population through veteran-owned business sustainment, educational development, and mental health empowerment."

    Garrett County Marine Corps League Detachment 1234

  • "March 1 through 7 is National Invest in Veterans Week! Founded in 2019 by Drayton Florence and Jeff Shuford, the week celebrates veteran business owners by encouraging shoppers to find ways to support them."

    Garden and Health

Supporting Local Veteran Businesses

The Lexington Chamber & Visitors Center launched a compelling campaign to support local businesses owned by veterans throughout the week, until March 7th 2021. This initiative serves to highlight the incredible contributions of veteran-owned businesses to their local communities and the economy as a whole and how lawmakers have helped support our work.