Empowering Small Businesses and Veteran Entrepreneurs in 2025

As the U.S. economy continues its upward trajectory, bolstered by 256,000 new jobs added in December 2024 and an unemployment rate of 4.1%, 2025 promises to be a transformative year for small businesses and veteran entrepreneurs. With a renewed focus on reducing regulations and promoting small business growth, federal policies align with the mission of National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW).

Led by Angel Shuford, Vice President and CFO, NIVW champions initiatives like FeMil℠ and FeMil Lead℠ to empower veteran entrepreneurs, especially women and minorities, by addressing systemic barriers and creating opportunities for growth.

Key Grants, Loans, and Programs Supporting Entrepreneurs

Government Grants and Assistance

Federal and state governments offer various grants and programs tailored to help small businesses thrive:

• Grants.gov: The most comprehensive database for federal grants across all sectors.

• Employee Retention Credit: A refundable tax credit established during the pandemic to support impacted businesses. Learn more on the IRS website.

• Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR): Provides funding to small businesses engaging in federal research and development. Details here.

• Small Business Technology Transfer Program (STTR): Supports R&D collaboration between small businesses and research institutions.

• San Francisco Accessibility Grant: Offers up to $10,000 for small businesses to improve ADA compliance.

Specialized Programs for Women and Minority-Owned Businesses

• Amber Grant Foundation: Awards $10,000 monthly grants to women entrepreneurs, with additional annual prizes.

• Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contracting Program: Supports women entrepreneurs in obtaining federal contracts.

• Black Girl Ventures Pitch Program: Provides funding, coaching, and networking opportunities for Black and Brown entrepreneurs.

Corporate and Nonprofit Initiatives

• Amazon’s Black Business Accelerator Program: Offers financial support and promotional resources for Black-owned businesses.

• Hustler’s Microgrant: Awards $1,000 monthly to small businesses across the U.S.

• GoFundMe Small Business Relief Fund: Matches $500 grants for businesses raising funds through GoFundMe campaigns.

Veteran-Specific Business Resources

Veterans play a vital role in the U.S. economy, contributing over $1.2 trillion annually. Several programs are tailored specifically for veteran entrepreneurs:

• Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Program: Helps veterans access federal contracting opportunities.

• Warrior Rising: Provides mentorship, training, and funding for veteran-owned businesses. Learn more at Warrior Rising.

• Hivers and Strivers Investment Program: Offers $250,000–$1 million in funding for veteran-led startups.

Lessons from Angel Shuford and National Invest In Veterans Week®

Angel Shuford has been at the forefront of empowering female veterans through programs like FeMil℠ and FeMil Lead℠. Her lessons include:

1. Resilience Builds Strong Foundations

Female veterans are compared to Fe (iron) for their strength and persistence in overcoming challenges.

• Takeaways: Develop daily habits like goal setting and view obstacles as opportunities for growth.

2. Adaptability Drives Innovation

Adaptability, symbolized by Pb (lead), allows entrepreneurs to pivot and lead effectively in changing markets.

• Takeaways: Stay informed on trends and maintain flexibility in strategies.

3. Mentorship Fuels Growth

Mentorship connects entrepreneurs with industry leaders, offering guidance and opportunities for collaboration.

• Takeaways: Seek mentors aligned with your goals and leverage their insights for growth.

Additional Resources for Entrepreneurs

Explore these resources to enhance your entrepreneurial journey:

• JPMorgan Chase Report: Black Women Entrepreneurs: Insights into the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs in the U.S.

• National Invest In Veterans Week Official Report: Detailed information on initiatives supporting veteran empowerment.

• National Invest In Veterans Week: Programs and resources for veteran entrepreneurs.

Looking Ahead

As Angel Shuford states:
"Investing in veteran entrepreneurs, especially women, strengthens communities and drives innovation. Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient economy."

To learn more about programs and funding opportunities, visit National Invest In Veterans Week.

Empowering Veteran Entrepreneurs: The Vision, Legacy, and Future of Vetrepreneurship

Introduction: The Unique Spirit of Veteran Entrepreneurs

The term "vetrepreneur" has grown in prominence, symbolizing the unique blend of resilience, leadership, and innovation that veterans bring to entrepreneurship. While many have contributed to defining and popularizing this term, few have left as profound an impact as Jeff Shuford, co-founder of National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW) and a driving force behind transformative programs such as the Jacksonville Vetrepreneur Summit and Tech From Vets.

With a career spanning groundbreaking technological advancements, global advocacy for veteran entrepreneurs, and a dedication to empowering others, Jeff’s work continues to resonate deeply—even as he transitions into a well-earned retirement. His story, coupled with the initiatives he championed, offers a roadmap for the future of veteran entrepreneurship.

In this article, we explore Jeff’s legacy, the evolution of key programs like NIVW and the Jacksonville Vetrepreneur Summit, and the ongoing efforts to support veterans globally.

Jeff Shuford: A Legacy of Leadership and Innovation

From Military Service to Entrepreneurial Visionary

Jeff Shuford’s journey from serving in Iraq to becoming a celebrated entrepreneur and advocate epitomizes the adaptability and determination that define veteran entrepreneurs. As the founder of Tech From Vets, Jeff transformed the technology landscape by demonstrating how veterans’ skills in problem-solving, strategy, and leadership could drive innovation in the civilian world.

Tech From Vets gained widespread acclaim, being named “The Best Veteran-Owned Tech Startup of 2016” by The Huffington Post. Jeff’s development of the Vets 22 app, designed to connect veterans with life-saving resources, further highlighted his commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by the military community.

“Veterans have already proven their leadership on the battlefield. Entrepreneurship is their next mission,” Jeff often said, encapsulating his philosophy.

The Jacksonville Vetrepreneur Summit: A Launchpad for Success

In 2017, Jeff co-founded the Jacksonville Vetrepreneur Summit, an event dedicated to helping veterans transition from military service to entrepreneurship. Focused on providing access to resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities, the summit has since become a cornerstone of veteran advocacy.

“Translating military skills into civilian success isn’t easy, but it’s possible with the right support,” Jeff stated during the summit’s inaugural year.

While Jeff’s direct involvement concluded after 2018, the summit continues to thrive, celebrating its ninth year in 2025. The event exemplifies how his foundational efforts have left a lasting impact, empowering countless veterans to become business leaders.

National Invest In Veterans Week®: A Global Movement

From Local Advocacy to International Expansion

Founded in collaboration with NFL veteran Drayton Florence, National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW) was established to honor and empower veteran entrepreneurs. Observed annually from March 1-7, NIVW has grown from a local initiative to a globally recognized movement spanning 62 markets.

NIVW’s impact is multifaceted, providing veterans with access to tailored resources, mentorship, and recognition for their economic contributions. The event has also introduced innovative programs, including:

• FeMil℠: Focused on empowering female veterans transitioning into business leadership.

• π Domains: Digital platforms offering mentorship, funding opportunities, and global networking.

“Our mission is to ensure veterans have the tools they need to lead—not just in business, but in their communities and industries,” Jeff shared during NIVW’s expansion.

The Role of Technology in Empowering Veterans

A key component of NIVW’s success has been its embrace of digital innovation. Under Jeff’s leadership, the organization launched the largest collection of veteran-specific domains worldwide, including platforms like:

• FloridaVeterans.com

• Veterans.International

• GermanyVeterans.com

These domains serve as hubs for local and global collaboration, enabling veterans to connect with resources, mentors, and business opportunities tailored to their unique needs.

FeMil℠: Redefining Leadership for Female Veterans

One of NIVW’s most impactful initiatives is FeMil℠, designed to address the specific challenges faced by female veterans transitioning to entrepreneurship. Drawing inspiration from the chemical symbols for iron (Fe) and lead (Pb), FeMil℠ symbolizes strength, adaptability, and leadership.

The program provides:

• Leadership Development: Training female veterans to become industry leaders.

• Access to Resources: Including mentorship, funding education, and business development tools.

• Legislative Advocacy: Supporting policies that prioritize female veteran entrepreneurs, such as the Complete the Mission Act of 2024.

“FeMil℠ isn’t just a program—it’s a movement to redefine what leadership looks like for female veterans,” Jeff explained.

Jeff Shuford’s Retirement: Honoring a Transformational Leader

As Jeff steps into retirement, his legacy continues to inspire. His contributions have not only reshaped how veterans approach entrepreneurship but have also set a standard for advocacy and innovation.

Jeff now serves as Honorary Ambassador of Veterans Affairs, focusing on advocacy and mentorship in an honorary capacity. Meanwhile, leaders like Angel Shuford, Vice President and CFO of NIVW, are building on his vision by expanding programs and ensuring the organization’s sustainability.

“Jeff’s leadership has laid the groundwork for a future where veterans are empowered to thrive as entrepreneurs, innovators, and community leaders,” Angel remarked.

The Future of Vetrepreneurship

Continuing the Mission

The work initiated by Jeff Shuford and NIVW is far from over. As veteran entrepreneurship evolves, so do the challenges and opportunities facing this unique community. Key focus areas for the future include:

• Access to Capital: Addressing the persistent funding gaps that hinder veteran-owned businesses.

• Global Collaboration: Expanding international networks to foster cross-border partnerships and innovation.

• Digital Transformation: Leveraging technology to enhance accessibility and scalability.

The Call to Action

To all veterans considering entrepreneurship: the path isn’t always easy, but the tools and support systems established by leaders like Jeff Shuford are here to guide you. Whether you’re attending the Jacksonville Vetrepreneur Summit, exploring resources through NIVW, or connecting with mentors via π Domains, the opportunities are endless.

“Veterans have already proven their resilience and leadership. Now it’s time to redefine their potential in the business world,” Jeff often emphasized.

Let’s honor this legacy by empowering the next generation of veteran entrepreneurs to lead, innovate, and make a lasting impact.

Conclusion: Building a Legacy of Empowerment

Jeff Shuford’s journey—from military service to becoming a pillar of veteran entrepreneurship—reminds us of the transformative power of leadership and innovation. His contributions, whether through Tech From Vets, NIVW, or the Jacksonville Vetrepreneur Summit, have created a ripple effect that continues to empower veterans globally.

As we look to the future, the principles Jeff championed—resilience, adaptability, and community—will remain the foundation of veteran advocacy. Together, we can build on his legacy, ensuring that every veteran has the tools, resources, and support they need to succeed.

Learn More and Get Involved:

• Attend the Jacksonville Vetrepreneur Summit.

• Explore resources at National Invest In Veterans Week.

• Support initiatives like FeMil℠ to empower female veterans.

Join the movement and make an impact.