Flashback: The Rise of National Invest In Veterans Week®
It’s 2019, and Jeff Shuford, an Iraq War veteran with a vision, stands at the crossroads of purpose and potential. After returning from military service, Shuford is struck by the untapped entrepreneurial spirit of veterans like himself—leaders shaped by discipline, innovation, and resilience but often left without the resources to thrive in civilian life. In response, he takes a bold step and establishes National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW), a movement destined to change the landscape of veteran advocacy and entrepreneurship.
A Movement Rooted in Purpose
The idea for NIVW isn’t born in isolation—it stems from a lifetime of observing the challenges faced by veterans transitioning into civilian life. Shuford knows the barriers well: access to funding, the need for mentorship, and the struggle to connect with opportunities. In founding NIVW, his goal is simple yet profound: to empower veterans to achieve entrepreneurial success and, in turn, create a ripple effect of economic growth.
Fast forward to 2022, and National Invest In Veterans Week® achieves a milestone that many initiatives aspire to but rarely reach. It is officially recognized in Chase’s Calendar of Events, the ultimate global guide to special observances. This inclusion not only validates NIVW’s mission but amplifies its voice on an international stage.
“Veterans are the backbone of economic innovation,” says Angel Shuford, Jeff’s wife and Vice President of NIVW. Together, they expand the organization’s reach, pushing its influence to new heights.
Building an Ecosystem for Success
As the flashback continues, the narrative deepens: Shuford’s vision takes root in a growing ecosystem of platforms and initiatives. By 2023, NIVW operates in 62 global markets, featuring country-specific platforms like AustraliaVeterans.com and GermanyVeterans.com.
The global expansion is no accident. Recognizing the unique challenges veterans face in different regions—from navigating regulatory landscapes in Europe to exploring tech opportunities in Asia—NIVW develops tailored resources for every market. Each platform becomes a beacon, connecting veterans with funding opportunities, mentorship networks, and government support.
A Year of Validation
The inclusion in Chase’s Calendar of Events 2022 is a watershed moment for NIVW. This globally respected guidebook, known for its exhaustive catalog of holidays, events, and observances, solidifies March 1–7 as a week dedicated to honoring veteran entrepreneurs.
The entry reads: “National Invest In Veterans Week. Mar 1–7. Established in 2019, this week honors aspiring and established veteran business owners and their contributions to the economy. According to the Small Business Administration, businesses formed by veterans employ more than 5 million people and have an annual payroll of $195 billion with receipts of $1.14 trillion.”
For Jeff and Angel, this recognition is more than just a line in a book—it is a symbol of the movement’s success and a validation of their relentless efforts to champion veterans.
The Invest in Veterans Stimulus Act: A Bold Proposal
As the flashback shifts, we revisit the turning point in 2025 when the Invest in Veterans Stimulus Act emerges as a legislative proposal aimed at cementing NIVW’s mission in policy. The Act, envisioned by the leadership team of NIVW, promises groundbreaking measures to empower veteran-owned businesses.
The proposed legislation features:
Startup Tax Credits to offset initial costs for veterans starting businesses.
Employment Incentives, encouraging veteran-owned companies to hire fellow veterans.
Public-Private Partnership Grants for innovation in tech, green energy, and infrastructure.
Priority Federal Contracting for veteran businesses.
Veterans’ Business Development Centers to provide workshops, networking opportunities, and resources nationwide.
The narrative swells with excitement as lawmakers and supporters rally behind the Act, recognizing the economic potential of empowering veterans. By 2030, the Act is projected to create 1 million new jobs, generate $150 billion in annual revenue, and expand opportunities for veterans in underserved regions.
Technology and Global Integration
The flashback weaves through the evolution of technology as a cornerstone of NIVW’s strategy. At the heart of this transformation is the suite of π Domains:
π.guru, a mentorship network connecting veterans with industry leaders.
π.digital, an educational hub offering business toolkits and resources.
π.directory, a global listing platform that boosts visibility for veteran-owned businesses.
By 2024, the π Domains drive measurable economic growth, connecting thousands of veterans to partners, sponsors, and collaborators worldwide. The platforms become a rallying point for the organization’s mission: using innovation to drive veteran success.
Moments of Recognition
The flashback slows to highlight the steady climb of National Invest In Veterans Week® in the public consciousness. In its early days, the movement relied on grassroots support and a vision of empowerment. By 2025, NIVW’s brand is synonymous with advocacy, progress, and transformation.
NIVW’s intellectual property, including its 62 domains, is valued at $20-$25 million, while its global initiatives drive an annual economic impact of $10-$12 billion. The movement’s inclusion in prestigious platforms like Chase’s Calendar of Events cements its status as a transformative force in the lives of veterans.
A Call to Action
As the flashback concludes, the focus returns to the present. Jeff Shuford, now reflecting on the legacy of NIVW, reiterates the core of the movement: “When veterans succeed, the world prospers.”
National Invest In Veterans Week® invites policymakers, businesses, and individuals to join the mission. Whether it’s through supporting veteran-owned businesses, advocating for the Invest in Veterans Stimulus Act, or simply celebrating veterans during March 1–7, there is a role for everyone in shaping a future driven by resilience, innovation, and shared success.
Recognized in Chase's Calendar of Events, NIVW has cemented its place in history, honoring veterans from March 1–7 every year. With the proposed Invest in Veterans Stimulus Act, the initiative is poised to expand its impact, creating 1 million jobs and driving $150 billion in economic activity by 2030.
Learn more about this transformative movement:
Join the movement during March 1–7 and be a part of honoring our nation’s veteran entrepreneurs.
