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.

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

From the desk of Angel Shuford, VP/CFO

As female veterans transition from military service to the world of business, their journey is marked by both opportunity and challenge. While their time in uniform has instilled discipline, resilience, and leadership, the entrepreneurial landscape often presents barriers such as access to capital, mentorship, and structural support. Recognizing this unique intersection of strength and potential, FeMil℠ and FeMil Lead℠ were created to empower female veterans as they navigate their entrepreneurial journeys.

In this comprehensive exploration, we’ll unpack the mission, vision, and transformative impact of these initiatives, along with the broader significance of fostering female leadership in the veteran entrepreneurial space.

The Dual Symbolism of Fe and Pb: A Foundation for Empowerment

Fe (Iron): Strength and Resilience

Iron, represented as Fe in the periodic table, is a metal known for its unyielding strength and ability to withstand immense pressure. For female veterans, iron symbolizes the foundational qualities they bring to business:

• Resilience: Overcoming adversity and adapting to new challenges.

• Discipline: A core value instilled through military service.

• Strength: The ability to endure and thrive in demanding environments.

FeMil℠ embodies this symbolism by building a community of women who channel their inner "iron" to lay the groundwork for entrepreneurial success.

Pb (Lead): Adaptability and Leadership

Lead, represented as Pb, offers a complementary symbolism. Unlike iron, lead is malleable, capable of being shaped and adapted to meet diverse challenges. It also bears significant weight, reflecting the responsibilities of leadership. FeMil Lead℠ equips female veterans to:

• Evolve their resilience into transformative leadership.

• Adapt to changing business landscapes.

• Carry the weight of decision-making with confidence and clarity.

Together, Fe and Pb tell a story of empowerment. They capture the journey of female veteran entrepreneurs as they move from foundational strength to dynamic leadership.

The Challenges Female Veterans Face in Business

1. Access to Capital

Studies show that over 67% of veteran entrepreneurs cite access to funding as their primary challenge. Female veterans face additional hurdles, including systemic biases and inequities in the financial system, making it harder to secure loans or venture capital.

2. Lack of Mentorship and Networking Opportunities

While veterans often excel in leadership, they frequently lack access to structured mentorship programs and entrepreneurial networks. According to the 2018 Jacksonville Vetrepreneur Summit, only 44% of veterans reported having sustainable mentorship, highlighting a critical gap.

3. Scaling and Sustaining Businesses

Although 70% of surveyed female veterans expressed interest in starting a business, many struggle to scale and sustain their ventures due to limited resources, guidance, and government support.

FeMil℠: Laying the Foundation for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Networking Opportunities

FeMil℠ provides structured platforms to connect female veterans with peers, mentors, and industry leaders. These connections help foster collaboration, build confidence, and inspire innovation.

Resource Access

From understanding business formation to navigating legal and financial complexities, FeMil℠ offers tailored guidance to help female veterans lay the groundwork for their businesses.

Funding Education

FeMil℠ equips participants with the tools to secure startup capital, from understanding loan processes to crafting compelling pitches for investors.

Transformative Success Stories

• Case Study 1: A female Navy veteran used FeMil℠ resources to launch a successful tech startup, overcoming challenges in capital acquisition and scaling her business to international markets.

• Case Study 2: A former Army officer utilized mentorship connections from FeMil℠ to grow her sustainable fashion brand, securing key partnerships in her state.

FeMil Lead℠: Transforming Strength into Leadership

Advanced Leadership Training

Through FeMil Lead℠, participants receive in-depth training on leadership development, strategic decision-making, and team management.

Growth-Focused Tools

FeMil Lead℠ provides access to cutting-edge technologies and business tools, empowering entrepreneurs to scale their operations effectively.

Personalized Mentorship Programs

Participants are matched with seasoned entrepreneurs who provide guidance tailored to their industries and business goals.

Notable Alumni

• A Marine Corps veteran who transformed her small bakery into a nationwide franchise with FeMil Lead℠’s mentorship and strategic tools.

• An Air Force officer who expanded her cybersecurity firm into international markets, leveraging FeMil Lead℠’s global network.

Legislative Advocacy: Creating Systemic Change

The Invest in Veterans Stimulus Act

FeMil℠ and FeMil Lead℠ are supported by broader legislative initiatives like the Invest in Veterans Stimulus Act, which seeks to eliminate systemic barriers for veteran entrepreneurs.

Key Provisions Include:

1. Startup Tax Credits: A $15,000 tax incentive for veteran-owned startups in high-growth sectors.

2. Low-Interest Loans: Expanded Small Business Administration (SBA) programs with a 2% interest rate reduction.

3. Mentorship Networks: Federal funding to establish structured mentorship programs for veterans.

4. Public-Private Partnerships: Annual grants to foster collaboration between veteran-owned businesses and corporations.

The Global Expansion of FeMil℠ and FeMil Lead℠

Recognizing the universal value of veteran leadership, FeMil℠ and FeMil Lead℠ have expanded their reach to 62 global markets, aligning with the growth of National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW).

State-Specific Platforms in the U.S.:

• FloridaVeterans.com: Focusing on veteran businesses in healthcare and tourism.

• TennesseeVeterans.com: Supporting industries like logistics and renewable energy.

International Platforms:

• GermanyVeterans.com: Collaborating on innovations in green technology.

• PhilippinesVeterans.com: Encouraging growth in agriculture and e-commerce.

The Economic and Social Impact

Driving Job Creation

Veteran-owned businesses contribute over $1.2 trillion annually to the U.S. economy. With initiatives like FeMil℠ and FeMil Lead℠, these contributions are set to grow exponentially, creating millions of new jobs by 2030.

Fostering Innovation

From AI startups to sustainable fashion brands, female veteran entrepreneurs are driving innovation across diverse sectors.

Building Inclusive Communities

By empowering women, these programs are not just transforming individual lives but also building inclusive, thriving communities.

A Path Forward: Empowerment, Leadership, and Legacy

The journey from Fe to Pb—from strength to transformative leadership—is at the heart of FeMil℠ and FeMil Lead℠. These initiatives remind us that female veterans are not just entrepreneurs; they are changemakers, innovators, and leaders.

Through mentorship, resources, and advocacy, FeMil℠ and FeMil Lead℠ are forging a future where female veterans don’t just build businesses—they leave legacies.

Discover more and join the movement:

• Empowering Female Veteran Entrepreneurs

• Learn About FeMil℠ and FeMil Lead℠

Together, we can honor their service and ensure their success in the entrepreneurial world.