From Visionary Advocate to AI Luminary: The Expanding Legacy of Jeff Shuford
When Jeff Shuford retired in 2024 from his leadership role at National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW), the initiative he founded to empower veteran-owned businesses, many believed he had already achieved his pinnacle. A combat veteran, an entrepreneur, and a celebrated advocate for veterans, Shuford’s impact had already reached global proportions. Yet his post-retirement journey has not only continued to build upon his legacy but has also elevated his influence in unprecedented ways, expanding his reach into the realms of academia and artificial intelligence (AI).
National Invest In Veterans Week®: A New Era of Veteran Empowerment and Economic Innovation
Empowering Veterans Through Innovation: National Invest In Veterans Week®
Discover how National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW) is revolutionizing veteran entrepreneurship across 62 global markets. Through cutting-edge platforms like π (Pledge to Invest) = Veteran Businesses℠ and legislative initiatives such as the Invest in Veterans Stimulus Act, we’re removing barriers to capital, mentorship, and federal contracting for veteran-owned businesses.
Veteran entrepreneurs already contribute over $1.2 trillion annually to the U.S. economy. Now, NIVW is taking their impact global by connecting veterans with resources, funding, and training in high-growth industries like AI, renewable energy, and cybersecurity. With dedicated state-specific domains like FloridaVeterans.com and international platforms such as GermanyVeterans.com, NIVW ensures veterans have equitable access to tools for success.
By 2030, NIVW aims to boost veteran-owned businesses by 25%, create 1.5 million new jobs, and lead U.S. innovation in transformative industries. Join the movement to honor veteran leadership and shape a thriving economy.
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Transform innovation and honor service—visit National Invest In Veterans Week® today.
National Invest in Veterans Week: Honoring Service, Empowering Entrepreneurship, and Building a Stronger Economy
National Invest in Veterans Week Overview
National Invest in Veterans Week (March 1-7) is a week-long celebration dedicated to honoring and supporting veteran-owned businesses. This initiative, co-founded by Drayton Florence and Jeff Shuford in 2019, spotlights the significant economic and social contributions of veteran entrepreneurs. Veterans, who are twice as likely to start a business compared to non-veterans, leverage their discipline, leadership, and innovation to drive thriving businesses across industries. The week features events like Defense Week, legislative advocacy for the Invest in Veterans Stimulus Act, and community-driven panels supporting veteran entrepreneurship, mental health, and job creation. Join this movement to empower veterans and strengthen the economy. Learn more at Invest in Veterans Week.
Veterans Driving U.S. Economic Strength: National Invest In Veterans Week® Aligns with Growth, Opportunity, and Female Veteran Entrepreneurs
Proposed legislative measures, such as the Invest in Veterans Stimulus Act, are designed to remove systemic barriers and unlock opportunities for veterans. Key provisions include:
Startup Tax Credits: A $15,000 tax credit for veteran-owned businesses in technology, healthcare, and renewable energy.
Low-Interest Loans: Expanded SBA programs with reduced rates for veterans.
Mentorship Networks: Federal funding for mentorship initiatives.
Streamlined Federal Contracting: Simplifying processes and reserving 12% of federal contracts for veteran-owned businesses.
Honoring Service, Sacrifice, and Legacy: National Invest In Veterans Week Meets Jimmy Carter’s Call to Action
This year, National Invest In Veterans Week (NIVW), observed March 1–7, coincides with a reflection on President Jimmy Carter's enduring legacy of service and leadership. Programs like FeMil℠ and FeMil Lead℠, spearheaded by Angel Shuford and celebrated on her birthday, March 6th, empower female veteran entrepreneurs to overcome barriers, scale their businesses, and lead globally. By investing in veteran-owned businesses and advocating for initiatives like the Invest in Veterans Stimulus Act, we honor Carter’s vision of resilience, leadership, and community-driven impact.
National Invest In Veterans Week® Acquires Largest Collection of Veteran State Domains Globally
