A Flashback to Statewide Efforts: Pioneering Veteran Support Through National Invest in Veterans Week®

As National Invest in Veterans Week® (NIVW) approaches, states across the nation reflect on their efforts to honor and support those who served in uniform. While the National Governors Association highlights impressive state-level initiatives, National Invest in Veterans Week® (NIVW) takes a transformative approach, creating an ecosystem of opportunity, advocacy, and innovation that amplifies state programs and fills critical gaps.

NIVW stands as a dynamic, nationwide movement that bridges local and global efforts, empowering veterans to achieve sustainable success in entrepreneurship, housing, mental health, and beyond.

Honoring Local Heroes: State Initiatives That Set the Stage

Montana’s Veteran Commendations and Invest in Veterans Week

Montana Governor Greg Gianforte demonstrated leadership in honoring veterans through commendations and a roundtable discussion during Invest in Veterans Week. These efforts focused on collaboration between state agencies, advocates, and veteran organizations to address critical challenges such as housing, healthcare, and employment.

NIVW expands on such efforts by introducing global programs that connect veterans to capital, mentorship, and international business opportunities.

Read more: Championing the Complete the Mission Act of 2024.

Economic Empowerment: Advancing State-Level and Global Support

Maryland’s Financial Assistance for Veteran-Owned Businesses

Maryland Governor Wes Moore’s $2.2 million funding initiative for small, minority, and veteran-owned businesses is a clear example of state-level economic empowerment. By providing loans, equity investments, and job creation grants, Maryland fosters local growth and community impact.

NIVW complements these efforts by scaling resources through platforms like GermanyVeterans.com and FloridaVeterans.com, ensuring global access to mentorship, funding, and entrepreneurship opportunities.

Virginia’s V3 Program

Virginia’s Values Veterans (V3) Certified Employers program celebrates businesses committed to hiring veterans and military spouses. NIVW reinforces this mission by connecting veterans with global employers through tools like π.directory, a comprehensive listing of veteran-owned and veteran-friendly businesses.

Explore more: FeMil℠ and FeMil Lead℠ Empower Female Veterans.

Housing and Community: Building Resilience Beyond State Borders

New York’s Homes for Heroes Initiative

New York’s Homes for Heroes Veterans Apartments is an outstanding example of addressing housing insecurity among veterans. This state-led initiative provides permanent, supportive housing tailored to the needs of formerly homeless veterans.

NIVW amplifies such programs through its global Veterans’ Housing Initiative, offering financing options and partnerships to scale affordable housing projects for veterans worldwide.

Missouri’s Suicide Prevention Programs

Missouri’s focus on veteran suicide prevention aligns with NIVW’s broader mission to tackle mental health challenges. Through mentorship programs like FeMil Lead℠, NIVW empowers veterans to lead in their communities, fostering resilience and a sense of belonging that directly combats isolation and mental health issues.

The Global Impact of NIVW’s Vision

While states like California and South Carolina focus on localized support, NIVW creates a framework that transcends borders. Operating in 62 global markets, NIVW’s initiatives connect veterans to opportunities that would otherwise remain inaccessible, bridging local efforts with international impact.

Key Platforms Driving Global Change:

• π.guru: A mentorship network connecting veterans with industry experts.

• π.solutions: Providing tailored strategies to overcome business challenges.

• π.digital: A hub for educational resources and business toolkits.

These innovative tools position NIVW as a catalyst for systemic change, complementing state-level efforts with a unified, global strategy.

Learn more: Driving Innovation and Empowering Veteran Entrepreneurship Across 62 Global Markets.

A Call to Action: Uniting Local and Global Efforts for Veterans

National Invest in Veterans Week® bridges the gap between state-level achievements and global opportunities, creating a comprehensive framework to support veterans at every stage of their journey. By combining localized resources with international reach, NIVW ensures no veteran is left behind.

How You Can Support the Mission:

• Advocate for legislative reforms like the Invest in Veterans Stimulus Act to expand access to funding and federal contracting.

• Explore state-specific platforms like FloridaVeterans.com to connect with tailored opportunities.

• Join the conversation and access resources at National Invest in Veterans Week®.

Together, we can honor the sacrifices of our veterans by providing them with the tools, networks, and opportunities they need to thrive. National Invest in Veterans Week® is more than a movement—it’s a promise to invest in those who’ve invested in us.

Empowering Female Veteran Entrepreneurs: Lessons from Angel Shuford

The entrepreneurial spirit of female veterans reflects the strength, discipline, and leadership cultivated during their military service. Yet, despite these inherent qualities, female veteran entrepreneurs face systemic challenges that hinder their ability to start, scale, and sustain successful businesses.

Angel Shuford, Vice President and CFO of National Invest in Veterans Week® (NIVW), has championed initiatives like FeMil℠ and FeMil Lead℠ to bridge these gaps. Drawing from her vision and experience, Angel’s lessons emphasize resilience, adaptability, and the power of mentorship in transforming entrepreneurial challenges into opportunities.

This comprehensive article explores these lessons, outlines actionable strategies for addressing systemic barriers, and presents a compelling call to action for legislative support to empower female veteran entrepreneurs.

Lesson 1: Resilience is the Foundation of Entrepreneurship

Angel Shuford likens female veterans to Fe (iron)—strong, resilient, and unyielding under pressure. This strength, she believes, is the foundation upon which female veterans can build thriving businesses.

How Resilience Translates to Business Success

• Overcoming Adversity: The military instills the ability to face challenges head-on. In business, this translates to tackling setbacks like funding rejections or market competition.

• Focus Under Pressure: Entrepreneurs often operate in high-stakes environments. Female veterans, accustomed to making critical decisions, excel in these conditions.

Actionable Takeaways

• Build daily habits that reinforce mental resilience, such as goal setting and reflection.

• Cultivate a mindset of persistence, viewing obstacles as opportunities for growth.

Lesson 2: Adaptability Leads to Transformative Leadership

While resilience provides the strength to endure, adaptability transforms challenges into opportunities. Angel highlights the symbolism of Pb (lead)—a material known for its flexibility and ability to bear weight—as the essence of transformative leadership.

The Importance of Adaptability in Entrepreneurship

• Navigating Change: In rapidly evolving industries, adaptability allows entrepreneurs to pivot strategies and embrace innovation.

• Carrying Responsibility: As leaders, female veterans must guide teams, manage resources, and make decisions that impact the future of their businesses.

Actionable Takeaways

• Develop a learning mindset by staying informed about industry trends and emerging technologies.

• Practice flexibility by experimenting with new approaches and remaining open to constructive feedback.

Lesson 3: Mentorship Accelerates Growth

Mentorship has been a cornerstone of Angel Shuford’s initiatives, offering female veterans access to seasoned entrepreneurs and industry leaders. She emphasizes that mentorship is more than guidance—it’s a pathway to building confidence, expanding networks, and accelerating growth.

Why Mentorship Matters

• Knowledge Transfer: Mentors share insights and strategies that help mentees avoid common pitfalls.

• Networking Opportunities: Mentors open doors to partnerships, collaborations, and funding opportunities.

• Confidence Building: Support from experienced leaders empowers female veterans to pursue ambitious goals.

Actionable Takeaways

• Seek out mentors who align with your business goals and values.

• Leverage mentorship opportunities by preparing specific questions and actionable plans.

Lesson 4: Collaboration Drives Innovation

Angel advocates for fostering collaboration among female veteran entrepreneurs to drive innovation and collective success. By sharing resources, expertise, and support, women can overcome systemic barriers more effectively.

Benefits of Collaboration

• Shared Resources: Collaborative networks provide access to funding, technology, and market insights.

• Collective Learning: Entrepreneurs can learn from each other’s successes and challenges.

• Stronger Communities: Collaboration fosters a sense of unity and shared purpose.

Actionable Takeaways

• Join industry groups or veteran-focused networks to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs.

• Participate in events, workshops, and initiatives that encourage knowledge sharing.

The Role of FeMil℠ and FeMil Lead℠ in Supporting Entrepreneurs

Angel’s leadership has driven the development of FeMil℠ and FeMil Lead℠, two transformative programs that embody these lessons.

FeMil℠: Building Resilience

FeMil℠ equips aspiring entrepreneurs with foundational tools and resources, including:

• Networking opportunities to connect with peers and mentors.

• Guidance on business formation and strategic planning.

• Financial education to secure startup capital.

FeMil Lead℠: Fostering Leadership

FeMil Lead℠ focuses on scaling businesses and cultivating leadership skills, offering:

• Advanced training in strategic decision-making and team management.

• Access to cutting-edge tools for business growth.

• Personalized mentorship tailored to individual goals.

A Legislative Call to Action: The Invest in Veterans Stimulus Act

To fully empower female veteran entrepreneurs, systemic barriers must be dismantled through legislative action. The Invest in Veterans Stimulus Act provides a framework for addressing these challenges.

Key Provisions

1. Startup Tax Credits

   • A $15,000 tax credit for veteran-owned businesses in high-growth sectors like technology, renewable energy, and healthcare.

2. Low-Interest Loans

   • Expanded Small Business Administration (SBA) programs with a 2% interest rate reduction for veteran entrepreneurs.

3. Mentorship Networks

   • Federal funding to establish structured mentorship programs, ensuring long-term support.

4. Public-Private Partnerships

   • $300 million in annual grants to foster collaboration between veteran-owned businesses and corporations.

5. Streamlined Federal Contracting

   • Leveraging AI to simplify federal contracting applications and reserving 12% of contracts for veteran-owned businesses.

Why Legislators Must Act

• Economic Impact: Veteran-owned businesses contribute over $1.2 trillion annually to the U.S. economy. Empowering female veterans will amplify this impact.

• Job Creation: The Act is projected to create 1.5 million new jobs by 2030.

• Innovation Leadership: Female veterans bring unique perspectives to industries like AI, cybersecurity, and sustainable energy.

The Global Expansion of FeMil℠ and FeMil Lead℠

Recognizing the universal value of veteran leadership, FeMil℠ and FeMil Lead℠ have expanded to 62 global markets, creating opportunities for female veterans worldwide.

Key Platforms

• FloridaVeterans.com: Supporting healthcare and tourism industries.

• GermanyVeterans.com: Driving innovation in green technology.

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

Forging Legacies: A Path Forward

Angel Shuford’s lessons remind us that female veterans are not just building businesses—they are forging legacies. By combining resilience (Fe) with adaptability (Pb), these women are creating a future where they lead with purpose, strength, and innovation.

Through initiatives like FeMil℠ and FeMil Lead℠, supported by the Invest in Veterans Stimulus Act, we can ensure that female veteran entrepreneurs thrive. Legislators, businesses, and communities must come together to honor their service and support their success.

Join the movement to empower female veteran entrepreneurs:

• Visit Invest in Veterans Week.

• Advocate for the Invest in Veterans Stimulus Act with your local representatives.

Together, we can create a legacy of resilience, leadership, and opportunity for future generations of female veteran entrepreneurs.

Empowering Female Veteran Entrepreneurs: A Call to Action for Legislators

Introduction
Female veteran entrepreneurs represent an essential yet often overlooked demographic within the entrepreneurial community. These women bring discipline, leadership, and resilience honed through military service to their business ventures. Yet, they face unique systemic challenges, including barriers to capital, inadequate mentorship networks, and difficulty accessing government resources.

National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW), under the visionary leadership of Angel Shuford, Vice President & CFO, has been instrumental in addressing these issues. Initiatives like FeMil℠ and FeMil Lead℠ provide tailored support for female veterans at all stages of their entrepreneurial journey. Legislators now have the opportunity to build on this momentum by supporting transformative solutions, such as the proposed Invest in Veterans Stimulus Act.

The Challenge: Systemic Barriers for Female Veteran Entrepreneurs

Access to Capital

Surveys conducted during the Jacksonville Vetrepreneur Summits revealed that over 67% of veteran entrepreneurs identify a lack of funding as their primary barrier to success. Female veterans face even greater difficulties securing loans or venture capital due to biases and systemic inequities in the financial system.

Mentorship and Networking

Despite their strong leadership skills, female veterans frequently lack access to structured mentorship programs and networks of experienced entrepreneurs. The 2018 Jacksonville Summit showed that while 56% of veteran entrepreneurs attended business events, most lacked access to sustainable mentorship and collaborative networks.

Scaling and Sustainability

While female veterans are eager to start businesses—70% planned to launch ventures within two years in the 2018 survey—many face challenges scaling their operations. Without targeted resources and government support, these businesses struggle to achieve long-term sustainability.

FeMil℠ and FeMil Lead℠: A Comprehensive Solution

Angel Shuford’s initiatives, FeMil℠ and FeMil Lead℠, offer a multi-layered approach to empowering female veteran entrepreneurs:

FeMil℠: Supporting Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Focused on veterans at the beginning of their entrepreneurial journey, FeMil℠ offers:

• Networking Opportunities: Facilitating connections with peers, mentors, and industry leaders.

• Resource Access: Tailored guidance for navigating the complexities of business formation.

• Funding Education: Helping female veterans understand and secure startup capital.

FeMil Lead℠: Scaling Established Businesses

For entrepreneurs with existing businesses, FeMil Lead℠ provides:

• Advanced Training: Leadership development programs tailored for scaling enterprises.

• Strategic Growth Tools: Access to technologies and resources for business expansion.

• Mentorship Programs: Personalized support from seasoned entrepreneurs.

Both initiatives align with the mission of National Invest In Veterans Week®, observed annually from March 1–7, which celebrates the contributions of veteran-owned businesses.

Legislative Proposal: The Invest in Veterans Stimulus Act

The Invest in Veterans Stimulus Act, a policy framework inspired by NIVW’s research, is designed to address the systemic barriers faced by veteran entrepreneurs. Legislators can play a pivotal role in its implementation by supporting its transformative components:

1. Financial and Tax Incentives

• Startup Tax Credits: A one-time $15,000 tax credit for veterans launching businesses in high-growth sectors like technology, renewable energy, and logistics.

• Low-Interest Loans: An expanded Small Business Administration (SBA) program with a 2% interest rate reduction for veteran-owned businesses.

• Hiring Incentives: Employers hiring veterans receive a $6,000 tax credit per veteran employed.

2. Mentorship and Training Networks

• Veteran Entrepreneur Mentorship Network: Structured programs connecting veterans with experienced business leaders.

• Specialized Training: Expanding programs like Boots to Business with tracks in AI, cybersecurity, and green technology.

3. Networking and Infrastructure

• Veteran Business Development Centers: Hybrid hubs offering in-person workshops, grant application assistance, and business coaching.

• Virtual Resource Platforms: Centralized online tools providing mentorship access, funding databases, and collaboration spaces.

4. Public-Private Partnerships

• Innovation Grants: $300 million annually to foster collaboration between veteran-led businesses and private corporations.

• Corporate Tax Incentives: Encouraging private-sector investment in veteran-owned startups.

5. Streamlined Federal Contracting

• Simplified Processes: Leveraging AI to reduce administrative burdens and streamline applications for federal contracts.

• Priority Access: Reserving 12% of federal contracts for veteran-owned businesses in critical industries.

Research-Driven Insights: Findings From Jacksonville Summits

Key Statistics

• 2017 Survey:

  • 37% of respondents identified access to capital as their biggest challenge.

  • 67% needed increased funding support to sustain their ventures.

• 2018 Survey:

  • 47% applied for funding but faced significant obstacles.

  • 70% of participants planned to start businesses, but most lacked the tools to do so effectively.

Impact of Mentorship

• 96% of respondents in 2018 reported that mentorship and resources shared at veteran events helped accelerate their ventures.

The Economic and Social Impact

Veteran-Owned Business Growth

Veteran-led businesses already contribute over $1.2 trillion annually to the U.S. economy. By eliminating barriers, the Invest in Veterans Stimulus Act could increase veteran-owned businesses by 25%, creating 1.5 million new jobs by 2030.

Innovation in Key Sectors

Veteran entrepreneurs are driving progress in:

• Technology: From AI to cybersecurity startups.

• Healthcare: Expanding telemedicine and mental health services.

• Sustainable Energy: Developing green technologies to combat climate change.

Implementation Plan

Phase 1: Pilot Programs

• Geographic Focus: Veteran-dense states like Texas, Florida, and California.

• Sector Focus: High-growth industries including AI, renewable energy, and logistics.

• Metrics for Success: Increase in veteran-owned startups, job creation, and ROI from tax incentives.

Phase 2: Nationwide Rollout

Using insights from the pilot phase, expand programs across all 50 states, ensuring long-term sustainability.

Budget

• Total Cost: $2.8 billion over five years.

• Funding Strategy: Redirect funds from underperforming federal programs and secure corporate sponsorships through tax incentives.

Conclusion: A Path Forward

The Invest in Veterans Stimulus Act represents a comprehensive, bipartisan approach to empowering veteran entrepreneurs and driving economic growth. By removing systemic barriers, enhancing mentorship networks, and providing targeted financial resources, this legislation will enable veterans to thrive as innovators and leaders in emerging industries.

National Invest In Veterans Week® invites legislators, businesses, and community leaders to join its mission of honoring veterans’ service by equipping them with the tools to succeed in entrepreneurship. Together, we can ensure that veterans not only transition successfully to civilian life but also lead the way in shaping the future of the global economy.

Discover More About National Invest In Veterans Week®

National Invest In Veterans Week® is at the forefront of transforming opportunities for veteran entrepreneurs, driving innovation, and promoting inclusivity on a global scale. Explore the groundbreaking initiatives, inspiring stories, and legislative proposals shaping the future for veterans worldwide:

1. Global Veterans’ Voices: Inclusivity at the Heart of International Veterans Day
   Gain insights into the global movement prioritizing inclusivity and collaboration among veterans across borders. Read more: Global Veterans’ Voices

2. National Invest In Veterans Week®: Empowering 62 Markets Globally
   Learn how National Invest In Veterans Week® has expanded its reach to 62 global markets, creating unparalleled opportunities for veteran entrepreneurs. Discover the details: Empowering 62 Markets Globally

3. Comprehensive Proposal: The Invest in Veterans Stimulus Act
   Dive deep into the legislative proposal designed to break barriers and foster veteran entrepreneurship through financial incentives, mentorship programs, and innovative solutions. Read the full proposal: Invest in Veterans Stimulus Act

4. Media Center Spotlight: Proposal for The Invest in Veterans Stimulus Act
   Discover how this proposal is reshaping veteran entrepreneurship and driving equitable growth across key industries. Explore the media coverage: Media Center – Proposal for The Stimulus Act

Join the movement to honor and empower our veterans by exploring these resources and supporting veteran-led initiatives. Visit National Invest In Veterans Week® for more information.