In the heart of Jacksonville, where military heritage meets entrepreneurial ambition, the Jacksonville Vetrepreneur Summit has become a transformative event for veterans transitioning into business ownership. Now entering its ninth year, this annual gathering embodies the resilience, determination, and innovation that veterans bring to the business world.

The Jacksonville Vetrepreneur Summit is more than just a conference; it is a movement designed to empower veterans to become successful entrepreneurs. Founded in collaboration with the City of Jacksonville and guided by the early leadership of Jeff Shuford, the summit has grown into a cornerstone event for veteran advocacy.

As Vice President and CFO of National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW), I am honored to reflect on the summit’s impact and share our vision for the future of vetrepreneurship. This year’s summit is a testament to the ongoing evolution of veteran entrepreneurship, where the lessons of the past fuel the ambitions of tomorrow.

The Origins of the Jacksonville Vetrepreneur Summit

The idea for the Jacksonville Vetrepreneur Summit was born out of a deep understanding of the challenges veterans face when transitioning to civilian life. Jeff Shuford, a decorated Iraq War veteran and founder of Tech From Vets, was among the first to recognize the need for a platform that could bridge the gap between military service and business ownership.

“Translating military skills to the civilian marketplace is incredibly difficult,” Jeff remarked during the inaugural summit in 2017. “Planning, networking, and understanding resources are the keys to success in business, just as they are in the military.”

Jeff’s vision for the summit was clear: to create a space where veterans could connect with mentors, access funding opportunities, and gain the knowledge needed to succeed as entrepreneurs.

During its first two years, the summit gathered critical data that revealed the pressing needs of veteran entrepreneurs:

• 81% of attendees expressed the need for more comprehensive support.

• 67% identified funding as their primary challenge.

• 37% highlighted limited access to capital as a significant barrier.

These insights shaped not only the future of the summit but also the broader mission of National Invest In Veterans Week®, launched in 2019 as a congressionally recognized initiative to support veteran entrepreneurship on a national scale.

Jeff Shuford’s Legacy: Laying the Foundation for Success

Though Jeff’s direct involvement with the summit concluded after 2018, his influence remains deeply ingrained in its DNA. His work with Tech From Vets, an award-winning technology company, demonstrated the transformative potential of veteran-led innovation.

Jeff’s achievements include:

• Developing the Vets 22 app, a groundbreaking tool that provides veterans with life-saving resources, including suicide hotlines and access to food pantries.

• Securing Congressional recognition for initiatives that support veteran entrepreneurs.

• Expanding access to veteran-focused digital platforms such as FloridaVeterans.com and Veterans.International.

“Veterans deserve a place in the technology ecosystem, and we’ve proven that their skills translate seamlessly into innovation,” Jeff once stated.

His vision for veteran entrepreneurship set the stage for the summit’s continued success, inspiring veterans to overcome obstacles and achieve their business goals.

The Growth of the Jacksonville Vetrepreneur Summit

Each year, the Jacksonville Vetrepreneur Summit builds upon its legacy, offering veterans unparalleled access to resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities. This year’s summit, hosted by the City of Jacksonville, promises to be the most impactful yet.

Highlights of the 2025 Summit

• Workshops on Business Development: Learn how to craft a business plan, secure funding, and navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship.

• Networking Opportunities: Connect with industry leaders, potential partners, and fellow veteran entrepreneurs.

• Panel Discussions: Hear from successful vetrepreneurs about their journeys and the lessons they’ve learned along the way.

For more details, visit the official Jacksonville Vetrepreneur Summit.

The Role of Vetrepreneurship in Economic Growth

Veterans contribute over $1.2 trillion annually to the U.S. economy through their businesses. Events like the Jacksonville Vetrepreneur Summit are essential in scaling this impact globally.

Success Stories from the Summit

• Veterans who attended the early summits have launched thriving businesses in industries such as logistics, technology, and manufacturing.

• Companies like Tech From Vets have landed features in major publications, demonstrating the market potential of veteran-owned businesses.

These success stories highlight the power of vetrepreneurship to drive economic growth, create jobs, and foster innovation.

National Invest In Veterans Week®: Expanding the Mission Globally

The success of the Jacksonville Vetrepreneur Summit has fueled the expansion of National Invest In Veterans Week® into 62 global markets, connecting veterans to tailored resources and international networks.

Key Initiatives Under NIVW

• FeMil℠: A program designed to empower female veterans transitioning into entrepreneurship.

• π Domains: A suite of digital platforms that provide veterans with mentorship, funding opportunities, and access to global markets.

A Call to Action

As we prepare for the 2025 Jacksonville Vetrepreneur Summit, I invite veterans, business leaders, and community members to join us in celebrating the resilience and innovation of vetrepreneurs. This year’s summit is not just an event—it’s a movement.

Let us honor the legacy of those who have paved the way, like Jeff Shuford, while continuing to build a future where every veteran has the tools to succeed. Together, we can redefine what it means to be a vetrepreneur.

Sincerely,
Angel Shuford
Vice President & CFO
National Invest In Veterans Week®

Learn More

• Explore the Jacksonville Vetrepreneur Summit.

• Discover resources for veteran entrepreneurs at Invest In Veterans Week.

• Join us in celebrating vetrepreneurship worldwide at National Invest In Veterans Week®.

The future of veteran entrepreneurship starts here.