Comprehensive Proposal: The Invest in Veterans Stimulus Act

Objective
To build on the findings of National Invest in Veterans Week® research to craft a transformative legislative framework that empowers veteran-owned businesses, promotes entrepreneurship, and addresses the systemic barriers faced by veteran entrepreneurs. This proposal integrates data-driven insights from the 2017 and 2018 Jacksonville Vetrepreneur Summit surveys, focusing on providing access to capital, enhancing networking opportunities, and fostering economic equity.

Executive Summary

The surveys conducted by National Invest in Veterans Week®, in partnership with the City of Jacksonville, Florida, highlight key challenges faced by veteran entrepreneurs: a lack of access to capital and a strong desire for networking opportunities. These findings demonstrate a critical need for targeted financial resources, mentorship programs, and better access to federal and private-sector opportunities.

The Invest in Veterans Stimulus Act is a strategic legislative proposal that addresses these needs while fostering innovation and leadership in emerging industries. By providing tax incentives, streamlined loan programs, and advanced mentorship networks, the Act aims to eliminate the barriers identified in these surveys, creating a thriving environment for veteran entrepreneurs.

Key Research Findings: Insights From Jacksonville Vetrepreneur Summits

1. Lack of Access to Capital

The lack of sufficient funding emerged as a significant barrier across both surveys:

• 2017 Findings:

  • 37% of respondents identified lack of access to capital as their biggest challenge.

  • 67% agreed they need more funding support for their businesses.

• 2018 Findings:

  • 47% of respondents had already applied for funding, with many facing hurdles in accessing resources.

  • Respondents highlighted the need for clearer guidance on how to access funding and reduce start-up costs.

2. Desire for Networking and Connection

The surveys revealed that networking is a vital yet underdeveloped resource for veteran entrepreneurs:

• 2017 Findings:

  • Respondents emphasized the importance of networking opportunities with other veteran entrepreneurs.

• 2018 Findings:

  • 56% of respondents had attended veteran business events but desired more structured mentorship and collaboration opportunities.

3. Veteran Entrepreneurship Aspirations

A strong entrepreneurial spirit exists among veterans, but many lack the tools to execute their ideas:

• 2018 Findings:

  • 70% of respondents planned to start a business within the next two years, but 68% had not yet started.

  • Respondents found panelists and resources at veteran events valuable, with 96% agreeing that information shared helped accelerate their ventures.

The Solution: Key Features of the Invest in Veterans Stimulus Act

1. Financial and Tax Incentives

• Startup Tax Credits:
  A one-time $15,000 tax credit for veterans launching businesses in high-priority sectors like renewable energy, logistics, and advanced technology.

• Low-Interest Loans:
  Expand Small Business Administration (SBA) programs, offering a 2% interest rate reduction for veteran-owned businesses.

• Hiring Incentives:
  Employers hiring veterans will receive $6,000 in tax breaks per veteran hired, fostering a cycle of veteran-to-veteran employment.

2. Enhanced Mentorship and Training Programs

• Veteran Entrepreneur Mentorship Network:
  Create a structured mentorship network connecting veterans with experienced business leaders. This program builds on the strong demand for connection expressed in the surveys.

• Boots to Business Expansion:
  Double the funding for this program and introduce specialized tracks in areas like AI, cybersecurity, and green technology to prepare veterans for emerging market opportunities.

3. Networking and Resource Infrastructure

• Veteran Business Development Centers:
  Establish hybrid centers offering in-person workshops, grant application support, and networking opportunities across the country.

• Virtual Support Platform:
  Create a centralized online resource hub with funding databases, mentorship access, and digital collaboration tools, addressing connectivity gaps for rural veterans.

4. Public-Private Partnerships

• Innovation Stimulus Grants:
  Allocate $300 million annually to foster collaboration between veteran-owned businesses and private corporations in priority sectors.

• Corporate Engagement Tax Credits:
  Offer incentives to corporations investing in veteran-led startups or creating veteran-focused accelerators.

5. Streamlined Federal Contracting

• Simplified Processes:
  Leverage AI-powered tools to reduce administrative burdens and improve accessibility to federal contracting opportunities for veteran entrepreneurs.

• Priority Access:
  Reserve 12% of federal contracts for veteran-owned businesses in industries critical to national priorities, such as defense and clean technology.

Implementation Plan

Phase 1: Pilot Programs

• Geographic Focus:
  Launch in veteran-dense states such as Texas, California, and Florida.

• Sector Focus:
  Target high-growth industries, including renewable energy, AI, and healthcare.

• Evaluation Metrics:

  • Increase in veteran-owned businesses.

  • Reduction in veteran unemployment rates.

  • ROI on tax incentives and public-private partnerships.

Phase 2: Nationwide Rollout

Scale successful pilot programs nationwide, refining the framework using data-driven insights to ensure cost-effectiveness and long-term sustainability.

Budget and Funding Sources

Total Cost: $2.8 Billion Over Five Years

• Financial Incentives: $1 billion

• Mentorship and Training: $600 million

• Public-Private Partnerships: $500 million

• Infrastructure Development: $700 million

Funding Strategy:

• Redirect funds from underperforming federal programs.

• Engage corporate sponsorships through tax incentives.

Projected Outcomes by 2030

1. Veteran-Owned Business Growth:
   A 25% increase in veteran-led startups.

2. Job Creation:
   1.5 million new jobs created, reducing veteran unemployment.

3. Economic Equity:
   Expanded access to resources for underserved veterans, including women, minorities, and rural populations.

4. National Competitiveness:
   Enhanced leadership in industries like AI, renewable energy, and infrastructure, strengthening the U.S. economy.

Legislative Alignment

• Bipartisan Appeal:
  Fiscal responsibility and private-sector involvement ensure broad political support.

• Alignment with National Goals:
  The Act supports economic recovery, innovation, and veteran reintegration, aligning with national priorities.

Conclusion

The Invest in Veterans Stimulus Act builds directly on the research insights gathered by National Invest in Veterans Week®, addressing the most pressing challenges faced by veteran entrepreneurs. By eliminating barriers to funding, enhancing mentorship networks, and fostering innovation, this Act empowers veterans to thrive as leaders in transformative industries.

Let us honor their service by providing the tools they need to succeed. Together, we can create a future where veterans are at the forefront of economic growth and innovation.

@National Invest in Veterans Week® Team

Explore the insights behind veteran entrepreneurship and the transformative solutions proposed in the Invest in Veterans Stimulus Act. Dive into our Research on Veteran Entrepreneurship to learn about key challenges like access to capital and networking gaps. Then, review the full details of the proposed Invest in Veterans Stimulus Act to see how we're paving the way for veteran business success and innovation.

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:

• Chase's Calendar of Events 2022

• Invest in Veterans Stimulus Act Proposal

• Driving Economic Innovation - Kellum Corporation

Join the movement during March 1–7 and be a part of honoring our nation’s veteran entrepreneurs.