Drayton Florence: The Importance of Legislative Advocacy for Veteran-Owned Businesses: A Call to Action During Invest In Veterans Week
As a former National Football League player and co-founder of Tech From Vets, a veteran-owned technology development company, I know firsthand the obstacles veterans face when starting and growing businesses. From access to capital to networking opportunities, veteran entrepreneurs need support from both the private and public sectors. This is where legislative advocacy comes in.
The Need for Legislative Advocacy for Veteran-Owned Businesses
Despite the incredible sacrifices and skills veterans bring to the table, their businesses often face significant challenges. One of the most pressing is access to funding. While there are several programs and resources available for veteran entrepreneurs, navigating them can be difficult, especially for those who have recently left active duty. Additionally, many veteran-owned businesses struggle to find new clients or partners due to lack of connections or marketing resources.
Legislative advocacy can help overcome these obstacles. By creating legislation that prioritizes veteran-owned businesses for funding and partnerships, legislators can provide much-needed support for these enterprises. This type of advocacy can also help create awareness and increase visibility for veteran-owned businesses, leading to new partnerships and revenue streams.
Invest In Veterans Week: A Call to Action for Legislators
As we celebrate National Invest In Veterans Week, we must acknowledge the crucial role legislators play in supporting veteran-owned businesses. A national proclamation can bring much-needed attention to the challenges and opportunities facing veteran entrepreneurs. It can also provide a powerful call to action for legislators to prioritize legislation that supports veteran-owned businesses.
Legislation named after Invest In Veterans Week can provide a tangible way for legislators to demonstrate their commitment to supporting veterans. This legislation can include provisions that increase funding for veteran-owned businesses, provide incentives for private sector partnerships, and improve access to resources for veteran entrepreneurs.
Creating lasting change for veteran-owned businesses requires a comprehensive approach that involves both the private and public sectors. Legislative advocacy is an essential component of this approach, and a national Invest In Veterans Week proclamation can serve as a catalyst for change.
The Impact of Legislative Advocacy for Veteran-Owned Businesses
Legislative advocacy has the potential to make a significant impact on the lives of veteran entrepreneurs. By prioritizing funding, partnerships, and resources for veteran-owned businesses, legislators can create new opportunities for these enterprises to thrive. This, in turn, can help create jobs, drive innovation, and strengthen local economies.
One example of the impact of legislative advocacy is the Veterans Entrepreneurship Program (VEP), which provides training and mentoring to veteran entrepreneurs. This program was created through the efforts of legislators and has since helped hundreds of veteran entrepreneurs start and grow businesses. Programs like VEP demonstrate the power of legislative advocacy and the potential for positive change.
Conclusion
As we honor our veterans during National Invest In Veterans Week, let us not forget the challenges faced by veteran-owned businesses. Legislative advocacy can provide critical support for these enterprises, and a national Invest In Veterans Week proclamation can help create the momentum needed to create lasting change. We urge legislators to take action and prioritize legislation that supports veteran-owned businesses. Together, we can create a brighter future for
Jeff Shuford is an Iraq War veteran, nationally syndicated columnist, and co-founder of National Invest in Veterans Week. He's a thought leader in digital marketing and a powerful advocate for veteran entrepreneurs. Under his leadership, National Invest in Veterans Week has become a force in the world of entrepreneurship. The South Carolina Senate recognized his advocacy by issuing a proclamation in 2021.
