From the Desk of Angel Shuford: Honoring Growth, Innovation, and Partnership for National Invest In Veterans Week®

As we proudly move into 2025, I would like to take a moment to reflect on the journey and evolution of National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW) and express our deep gratitude to our partner, National Day Calendar®. Since its inception in 2019, National Day Calendar® has been instrumental in amplifying the mission and message of NIVW, ensuring that March 1-7 is celebrated as a time to honor the resilience, innovation, and economic contributions of veteran entrepreneurs.

For more on how National Day Calendar® celebrates and supports this week, visit: National Invest In Veterans Week® – March 1-7.

Building a Legacy of Leadership and Empowerment

Founded by NFL veteran Drayton Florence and Iraq War veteran Jeff Shuford, National Invest In Veterans Week® was created to empower veterans as they transition into entrepreneurship and civilian life. With the generous support of partners like National Day Calendar®, we’ve built a movement that shines a spotlight on the 9.1% of U.S. businesses owned by veterans, which:

• Employ 5.03 million people,

• Contribute $195 billion in annual payroll, and

• Generate $1.14 trillion in annual receipts.

These numbers reflect the undeniable economic and social value veterans bring to communities nationwide.

Special Thanks to National Day Calendar®

In 2019, National Day Calendar® officially proclaimed National Invest In Veterans Week®, solidifying its place on the calendar each March 1-7. Their continued support has elevated our mission to new heights.

Through their platform, National Day Calendar® has helped us:

• Gain legislative recognition, including a resolution by the South Carolina Senate Family and Veterans Services Committee.

• Highlight veteran-owned businesses, encouraging communities to invest in their local veteran entrepreneurs.

• Inspire new initiatives like FeMil℠ and FeMil Lead℠, which empower female veterans in leadership and entrepreneurship.

Their partnership demonstrates the power of collaboration in fostering a brighter future for veterans everywhere.

2025 Highlights and Updates

This year, National Invest In Veterans Week® has introduced several key initiatives and updates to better serve veterans and their families:

1. Dynamic Brand Evolution

• Modern Visual Branding: New graphics and marketing campaigns reflect the innovative spirit of veteran entrepreneurs.

• Expanded Global Reach: Platforms in 62 markets provide opportunities for veterans worldwide.

2. Groundbreaking Programs

• FeMil℠ and FeMil Lead℠ Days: Celebrating the strength and leadership of female veterans.

• International Veterans Day: A global initiative to honor veterans’ contributions across industries and nations.

3. Vets 2.0℠: Leading the Way

Under the co-leadership of Kevin D. Shoun, Vets 2.0℠ provides tailored support for recently discharged veterans. This includes:

• Career Transition Workshops,

• Mental Health Resources, and

• Tech-Driven Solutions like centralized mobile apps for housing, financial planning, and employment.

How You Can Participate in National Invest In Veterans Week®

We invite everyone to join us in celebrating and supporting veterans this March 1-7. Here’s how you can get involved:

1. Promote Veteran-Owned Businesses: Use social media to highlight and support veteran entrepreneurs in your community.

2. Host Workshops and Events: Create networking opportunities for aspiring and established veteran business owners.

3. Mentor a Veteran Entrepreneur: Share your knowledge and expertise to help veterans achieve their goals.

4. Petition Legislators: Advocate for local and state recognition of National Invest In Veterans Week®.

For additional ways to observe and support, visit the official page on National Day Calendar®.

Looking Ahead

National Invest In Veterans Week® continues to grow as a beacon of hope and opportunity for veterans. With the steadfast partnership of National Day Calendar®, we are reaching more communities, breaking barriers, and driving innovation.

As we honor the service and sacrifice of veterans, let us also celebrate their entrepreneurial spirit, resilience, and contributions to our society. Together, we can ensure that veterans have the tools, resources, and support they need to succeed.

Thank you for being part of this incredible journey.

Angel Shuford
Vice President, National Invest In Veterans Week®

How Veterans Can Invest VA Disability Benefits and Secure Their Financial Future

Overview of Investing VA Disability Money
Veterans receiving VA disability payments often wonder how best to utilize this income to build long-term financial security. Combining insights from Investor.gov and National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW), this guide provides strategies for investing disability benefits wisely, including using tools like investment calculators, Roth IRAs, and other financial planning resources.

1. Can I Invest My VA Disability Money?

Yes, VA disability payments can be invested to grow wealth over time. These payments are tax-free, making them an excellent resource for savings and investments. Key steps include:

• Set Financial Goals: Use tools like the Savings Goal Calculator to determine monthly contributions needed to achieve specific goals.

• Prioritize Retirement Accounts: Consider contributing to tax-advantaged accounts like a Roth IRA or TSP (Thrift Savings Plan) to maximize long-term growth.

• Diversify Investments: Allocate funds into a mix of index funds, ETFs, and mutual funds to balance risk and reward.

2. How to Invest VA Disability Money (Reddit Tips and Beyond)

Platforms like Reddit often discuss ideas for investing VA disability benefits. While personal advice is helpful, veterans should rely on trusted resources like Investor.gov and National Invest In Veterans Week® for verified guidance:

• Avoid High-Interest Debt: Pay off credit cards and loans with high-interest rates before investing.

• Start Small: Even a small percentage of disability benefits invested monthly can grow substantially over time due to compound interest. Use the Compound Interest Calculator to estimate growth.

• Educate Yourself: Attend events like Veteran Tech Tuesday during NIVW to learn how technology can enhance financial management.

3. Using a Roth IRA with VA Disability Benefits

A Roth IRA is an excellent option for veterans receiving VA disability benefits because it offers tax-free growth and withdrawals:

• Eligibility: VA disability benefits do not count as earned income for Roth IRA contributions. However, if you have additional earned income, you can contribute up to the annual limit.

• Benefits: Roth IRAs allow tax-free withdrawals in retirement, making them an ideal choice for long-term savings.

• Maximize Contributions: Combine VA disability benefits with earned income to contribute the full amount. Use tools like the Investment Calculator to project growth.

4. How to Use an Investment Calculator

An investment calculator is a valuable tool for veterans to estimate how their disability benefits can grow over time:

• Input Monthly Contributions: Calculate how much to save from your benefits each month.

• Adjust for Time Horizon: The earlier you start, the more compound interest can work in your favor.

• Project Returns: Experiment with conservative and aggressive investment strategies to find the best fit for your financial goals.

Financial Empowerment Through National Invest In Veterans Week®

National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW), held annually from March 1–7, is dedicated to empowering veterans with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed financially. Key initiatives include:

• Workshops on Financial Planning: Events like Wellness Wednesday focus on financial wellness and mental health.

• Mentorship for Entrepreneurs: Jeff Shuford Impact Day highlights success stories of veterans leveraging technology to grow wealth.

• Localized Resources: Platforms like FloridaVeterans.com provide access to mentorship and business funding.

Take Action

1. Visit Investor.gov: Use their free financial planning tools to calculate savings and investment potential.

2. Explore National Invest In Veterans Week®: Participate in events to gain insights into financial empowerment and entrepreneurship.

3. Open a Roth IRA: Research options to maximize tax-free growth for retirement savings.

4. Avoid Fraud: Protect yourself by verifying investment professionals through Investor.gov.

By combining VA disability benefits with sound investment strategies and resources from NIVW, veterans can achieve financial independence and long-term success. Start planning today to build a secure future!

Endorsement: Aaron Jones for the Walter Payton NFL "Man of the Year" Award

Drayton Florence is a former NFL player and co-founder of National Invest In Veterans Week® an organization that advocates for veteran business development. He is also a champion for veteran-focused initiatives and has received numerous awards for his advocacy work.

As a co-founder of National Invest In Veterans Week® it is my honor to endorse Aaron Jones for the Walter Payton NFL "Man of the Year" award. Jones' commitment to his community and his work with military veterans exemplify the values that the award represents.

The connection between the military and the National Football League is a strong one. Many NFL players have served in the military or have family members who have served. The discipline, teamwork, and leadership skills learned in the military translate well to the football field, and the NFL recognizes the sacrifices and contributions of military veterans.

Jones' work with his charitable organization, A&A All The Way Foundation, focuses on impacting the lives of children and military families. This work is especially meaningful to me as a veteran myself, and I have seen firsthand the impact that organizations like A&A All The Way Foundation can have on the lives of those who have served our country.

Through his foundation, Jones and his brother have hosted events like charity softball games and turkey giveaways, raising funds for programs that focus on youth recreation and fitness, children's basic needs, and military families. This kind of community engagement is essential to creating positive change and supporting those who need it most.

Jones' commitment to veterans extends beyond his foundation work as well. He has participated in the NFL's Salute to Service initiative, which honors military veterans and their families. He has also visited troops overseas and spoken about the importance of supporting veterans in his interviews with the media.

As someone who has dedicated his post-football career to supporting veteran business development and advocating for veteran-focused initiatives, I know firsthand the importance of having allies in the NFL community who are committed to this work. Jones' dedication to veterans and military families makes him a valuable asset to the NFL and the wider community.

It is my hope that the NFL will recognize Jones' contributions by awarding him the Walter Payton NFL "Man of the Year" award. This award is not just a recognition of Jones' achievements on the field but also a celebration of his commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.

I believe that Jones' work with A&A All The Way Foundation and his dedication to veterans make him a deserving candidate for the award. His example can inspire others to get involved in their communities and support those who have sacrificed so much for our country.

Thank you for considering my endorsement of Aaron Jones for the Walter Payton NFL "Man of the Year" award.

Sincerely,

Drayton Florence Co-Founder, National Invest In Veterans Week®

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

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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.

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5 FORMIDABLE WAYS TO FEEL MORE EMPOWERED AS A VETERAN ENTREPRENEUR

For veteran entrepreneurs who want to enjoy long-lasting careers as business developers, believing in your abilities is crucial. You can't hope to earn the admiration and respect of others if you don't first believe in your strengths as a veteran entrepreneur. Learning how to boost your own self-respect is critical if you want to build a business that survives and thrives over the long haul. As military veterans, we are trained and empowered to command our missions and our military careers. Moreover, the same strategy can prove valuable in governing your veteran-owned enterprise. If this is the year, you go all-in on pursuing your entrepreneurial dreams. Following my five strategies, you too can feel more empowered as a veteran entrepreneur.

Understand Your Strengths and Capitalize on Them

 One of the quickest ways to feel more empowered as a veteran entrepreneur is to take stock of your strengths. Make a list of talents you have that make you an exceptional entrepreneur, and understand how you can use those abilities to build a stronger company. You can't hope to impress others with your talents if you're not first aware of them yourself. Learn the strengths you possess as a veteran entrepreneur, and then develop strategies to integrate your skills into your business development efforts. Simply put, these strengths can translate directly from your military service experience into your veteran-owned business. For instance, I like many of you earned combat badges that differentiated me from my peers during my time serving in the armed forces. Although listing my Combat Action Badge in my business branding would prove invaluable, listing that my company's mission is to ensure that we advocate for our clients regardless of the circumstances directly correlates with my combat experience. You can utilize the same strategy to help differentiate your veteran-owned business from others in a crowded marketplace.

Outwork Your Competitors via Data Analysis

 Outworking your competitors can make you feel more empowered. An incredible way to outwork those in your market sector is to analyze their behaviors and then use your newly acquired data analysis to improve your business development strategy. Pay attention to the conferences your competitors are attending, the speeches they're giving, the marketing they're doing, and how they're acquiring new customers. This is a strategy that we utilized to advance in the military. As you well know, the military uses a point system to help differentiate military service members. Military specialty badges, certifications, combat experience, and time in service help leaders decipher the soldier most eligible to promote. Furthermore, the point system shows how much a service member has invested in their careers and what service members take on extra responsibilities. When you start analyzing specific data on your competitors, you learn how to outwork them by having a deep understanding of their growth initiatives.

Goal Setting is Essential

 If you want to feel more empowered as a veteran entrepreneur, start setting attainable goals for yourself. Documenting your goals and monitoring performance to-date helps you feel like you're achieving what you set out to do. Goal setting and monitoring help you feel like you're moving your business forward while becoming a stronger veteran entrepreneur in the process. In the military, we utilize after-action reports to document the success of our mission. You can do the same when evaluating whether you are reaching your revenue and branding goals. National Invest In Veterans Week Co-founder Drayton Florence encourages veterans to set and achieve their business goals consistently. Florence stated, "I learned through my experiences in the NFL and through helping launch award-winning veteran businesses that goal setting is essential for success both on and off the field. Without a clear goal, your team will never truly understand what you are working towards and how to get there."

Analyze Your Experiences

 Another remarkable way to turbocharge your sense of empowerment is to analyze your experiences as a veteran entrepreneur. Did you recently attend a tech conference? Analyze what you learned, whom you met, and which business lessons you learned as a result of the conference. Did you go through a challenging time recently while attempting to scale your startup? Christian Brothers Automotive veteran business owner Joshua Standridge eloquently integrated his military service experiences into his branding while being interviewed for a National Invest In Veterans Week segment. Standridge stated, "I joined the military after I graduated from The Citadel. Deployed straight to Afghanistan and Iraq, and I have been currently serving in the South Carolina Army National Guard ever since, I truly just enjoy serving our country." Standridge's military experiences show that he is a veteran, his willingness to fulfill his obligations, his dedication to the mission, and his desire to keep serving the Lexington South Carolina community.

Trademark Attorney Erik Pelton highlights the value that veteran entrepreneurs bring to the business community. Pelton stated, "Through their service and sacrifice, veterans have proven that they have the leadership and drive necessary to succeed as entrepreneurs." Pelton's insight is not merely a sound bite; he draws his conclusion based upon the multiple veteran business owners that he's helped secure trademarks through his firm Erik Pelton & Associates, PLLC. Put simply, analyze your military experiences and curate a list of lessons you learned. Not only will you feel more resilient after exploring your struggles, but you'll also have the makings of a business blog post you can share to improve your company's SEO (search engine optimization).

Study the Habits of Successful Business Builders

 An excellent way to boost your sense of empowerment is to study the habits of business builders you admire. How did they grow their companies, and how do they treat others in their network? What habits do they follow, e.g., reading extensively, and what methods do they use to build their companies? A great place to start studying and learning from successful business builders is through your local Chamber of Commerce. Not only can you network with other area business people on all levels you can also attend business development events and educational sessions. Put simply, the more effort you put into analyzing the actions of those you admire, the greater your chances are of becoming a successful veteran business owner and community leader.

Integrate these tips into your business development efforts, and chances are good you'll feel more empowered as you grow your veteran-owned company. Developing a sense of empowerment can feel like empowering as a veteran entrepreneur. Once you start reveling in your sense of strength, you'll want to experience that business-building high regularly.

Originally posted for the Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center: http://www.lexingtonsc.org/chamber-news/5-formidable-ways-to-feel-more-empowered-as-a-veteran-entrepreneur

South Carolina Passes Resolution To Commemorate National Invest In Veterans Week

Our staff at National Invest In Veterans Week would like to formally thank the South Carolina Senate and the South Carolina Senate Family and Veterans Services Committee for passing H 3825 commemorating National Invest In Veterans Week.

Whereas, the Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center encourages businesses and community members of the Midlands and beyond to observe this week by promoting, partnering with, and buying from veteran-owned businesses and mentoring veteran entrepreneurs. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, commemorate the national Invest In Veterans Week on March 1-7 in support of veteran-owned businesses.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center.

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https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess124_2021-2022/prever/521_20210203.htm