Defining FeMil℠: Strength and Leadership Redefined

FeMil℠, an initiative under the visionary leadership of Angel Shuford at National Invest in Veterans Week® (NIVW), represents a groundbreaking program for female veterans transitioning from military service to entrepreneurship. Rooted in resilience and empowerment, FeMil℠ provides women with the tools to build businesses, access mentorship, and redefine leadership in their own terms.

This initiative is distinct in its professional and leadership focus but pays respect to the broader use of "femil" within LGBTQIA+ contexts, where it denotes an identity for women with masculine alignments. FeMil℠ transforms this core concept into a new realm of professional empowerment, blending the strength of individuality with actionable leadership tools.

FeMil℠: A Veteran-Focused Perspective

The FeMil℠ initiative is designed to address the unique challenges faced by female veterans and to empower them with tools for long-term success in entrepreneurship.

Core Pillars of FeMil℠:

• Strength in Identity: Inspired by the chemical symbol for iron (Fe), FeMil℠ embraces the unyielding strength of female veterans, equipping them to transition from military service to business ownership.

• Leadership Development: The program introduces Pb (lead) as a metaphor for adaptability and responsibility, fostering leadership that inspires growth and resilience.

• Actionable Support: FeMil℠ provides tailored resources, mentorship, and funding education to help veterans establish and scale successful businesses.

For insights into FeMil℠'s global impact, explore National Invest in Veterans Week: Redefining Veteran Entrepreneurship Globally.

Respecting LGBTQIA+ Roots of “Femil”

In the LGBTQIA+ community, "femil" represents women who align with masculine traits, embracing individuality and breaking from traditional gender roles. While FeMil℠ is distinct in focus, it shares the spirit of strength and transformation.

FeMil℠ vs. LGBTQIA+ Femil:

1. Purpose:

   • LGBTQIA+ femil focuses on personal identity and self-expression.

   • FeMil℠ targets professional empowerment and business success.

2. Community:

   • LGBTQIA+ femil celebrates diversity in gender alignments.

   • FeMil℠ supports female veterans redefining their leadership roles.

3. Impact:

   • LGBTQIA+ femil impacts social identity and community inclusivity.

   • FeMil℠ creates economic growth through veteran-led businesses.

By fostering leadership and innovation, FeMil℠ builds upon the core values of strength and individuality, transforming them into actionable tools for professional success.

A Global Movement for Veteran Empowerment

As part of the broader mission of National Invest in Veterans Week®, FeMil℠ contributes to the expansion of veteran advocacy across 62 global markets. Through hyper-localized platforms like FloridaVeterans.com and GermanyVeterans.com, veterans can access tailored resources, mentorship networks, and funding opportunities.

For a comparison of how NIVW surpasses other veteran-focused initiatives, read National Invest in Veterans Week vs. National Veterans Small Business Week: A Call for a More Comprehensive Approach.

Driving Policy Change with FeMil℠

In addition to providing mentorship and resources, FeMil℠ aligns with legislative advocacy efforts like the Complete the Mission Act of 2024, which seeks to address systemic barriers faced by veterans.

Key Legislative Goals Supported by FeMil℠:

• Access to Capital: Advocating for low-interest loans and tax credits for female veteran entrepreneurs.

• Streamlined Contracting: Simplifying processes to increase veteran access to government contracts.

• Mental Health Resources: Prioritizing mental health care for veterans transitioning to civilian leadership roles.

Learn more about this legislative push in Championing the Complete the Mission Act of 2024.

Leadership in Action: Kevin D. Shoun and FeMil℠'s Vision

The spirit of leadership embodied in FeMil℠ is mirrored by transformational figures like Kevin D. Shoun, whose commitment to service and advocacy inspires initiatives like FeMil℠. His dedication to empowering veterans aligns with NIVW’s mission of building stronger communities through innovative leadership.

For more on his story, visit Kevin D. Shoun: Transformational Leadership in the Spirit of Jimmy Carter.

A Call to Action

FeMil℠ is more than a program—it’s a movement that empowers female veterans to lead with strength and purpose. By embracing individuality, providing actionable support, and fostering leadership, FeMil℠ ensures that veterans are not just surviving in civilian life but thriving as entrepreneurs and leaders.

Visit National Invest in Veterans Week® to learn more about FeMil℠ and other initiatives shaping the future of veteran entrepreneurship. Together, we can redefine what it means to invest in veterans and create a legacy of empowerment and resilience.

FeMil℠ and FeMil Lead℠: Redefining Female Veteran Leadership During National Invest In Veterans Week®

National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW), held annually from March 1–7, celebrates veteran entrepreneurs' resilience, innovation, and contributions to the global economy. Among its groundbreaking initiatives, FeMil℠ and FeMil Lead℠, championed by Angel Shuford, have emerged as transformative programs empowering female veteran entrepreneurs to overcome barriers and thrive in leadership roles.

Female veterans embody the resilience, leadership, and adaptability gained through military service, but they face systemic challenges when transitioning to civilian careers. FeMil℠ and FeMil Lead℠ bridge these gaps, offering resources, mentorship, and pathways to leadership. This is a movement, not just a program—it’s about forging a new era of female veteran leadership.

The Mission Behind FeMil℠ and FeMil Lead℠

• FeMil℠: Focused on early-stage entrepreneurship, FeMil℠ empowers female veterans by providing resources like funding education, networking opportunities, and strategies to secure startup capital. It transforms resilience into business success.

• FeMil Lead℠: Designed for advanced entrepreneurs, FeMil Lead℠ emphasizes leadership development and scalability. The program offers one-on-one mentorship, advanced leadership training, and growth-focused strategies, equipping female veterans to compete globally.

These initiatives align with the National Invest In Veterans Week® mission, ensuring that female veterans are not just included but lead the charge in reshaping the entrepreneurial landscape.

Overcoming Systemic Barriers

Despite their strengths, female veterans face substantial challenges, including:

1. Access to Capital: Nearly half of female veteran entrepreneurs report being denied loans, highlighting the need for targeted funding solutions. FeMil℠ educates women on navigating financial systems and connects them with funding opportunities.

2. Scaling Businesses: FeMil Lead℠ provides tools to ensure that female veterans not only start businesses but also sustain and scale them.

3. Lack of Mentorship: Many female veterans struggle to find mentors who understand their unique experiences. FeMil℠ and FeMil Lead℠ fill this void by fostering mentorship networks tailored to female veterans' needs.

Why FeMil℠ and FeMil Lead℠ Matter During NIVW

National Invest In Veterans Week® is more than a celebration—it’s a platform for change. Programs like FeMil℠ and FeMil Lead℠ amplify the voices of female veteran entrepreneurs, ensuring their contributions are recognized and supported. During NIVW, FeMil℠ hosts events like Veteran Tech Tuesday and Forward March Saturday, creating opportunities for networking, mentorship, and advocacy.

FeMil℠ and FeMil Lead℠ also highlight the importance of legislative support, advocating for policies like the Invest in Veterans Stimulus Act, which provides tax incentives, mentorship funding, and federal contracting opportunities for veteran-owned businesses.

Legislative Action: The Missing Piece

While FeMil℠ and FeMil Lead℠ are making strides, systemic change requires legislative action. Proposed policies like the Invest in Veterans Stimulus Act would:

• Provide Tax Incentives: Support veteran-owned startups with tax credits and low-interest loans.

• Expand Mentorship Programs: Allocate federal funding to expand initiatives like FeMil Lead℠.

• Simplify Federal Contracting: Reserve contracts specifically for veteran-owned businesses and streamline the application process.

These measures are vital for creating an equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem where female veterans can thrive.

Join the Movement: National Invest In Veterans Week®

As we approach the 2025 celebration of National Invest In Veterans Week®, it’s time to honor the resilience and leadership of female veteran entrepreneurs. Programs like FeMil℠ and FeMil Lead℠ are paving the way for a future where female veterans are not just participants but leaders in the global economy.

Learn More:

• Empowering Female Veteran Entrepreneurs: Lessons from Angel Shuford

• Forging Fe-Male Leadership: A Deep Dive into FeMil℠ and FeMil Lead℠

• What is the Salute to Veterans?

Mark Your Calendar: From March 1–7, join the global movement to empower veteran entrepreneurs. Together, we can honor their service, support their leadership, and drive meaningful change.

The Future of Leadership: FeMil℠ and FeMil Lead℠ Take Center Stage

Empowering Female Veteran Entrepreneurs with FeMil℠ and FeMil Lead℠: A Spotlight During National Invest In Veterans Week®

National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW) celebrates the resilience, innovation, and leadership of veteran entrepreneurs each March 1–7. Among its flagship initiatives, FeMil℠ and FeMil Lead℠ shine as transformative programs empowering female veterans to break barriers and achieve success in entrepreneurship and leadership.

Female veterans embody qualities like resilience, leadership, and adaptability—traits honed through military service. Yet, these women face systemic challenges, from access to funding to the lack of mentorship. FeMil℠ and FeMil Lead℠ are designed to address these issues, transforming these women into business leaders shaping the global economy.

FeMil℠ focuses on early-stage entrepreneurs, offering resources to secure funding, network effectively, and navigate the complexities of business ownership. FeMil Lead℠, on the other hand, equips female veterans with leadership skills, advanced training, and mentorship to scale their businesses and lead their industries.

During National Invest In Veterans Week®, these programs take center stage, offering events, advocacy, and networking opportunities to connect female veterans with the tools and resources they need to succeed. FeMil℠ and FeMil Lead℠ also advocate for legislative change, pushing for policies that create equitable opportunities for female veterans.

Together, FeMil℠ and FeMil Lead℠ represent a bold step forward in empowering female veteran entrepreneurs. They exemplify the mission of National Invest In Veterans Week®: to honor service, empower leadership, and drive economic growth.

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.