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.
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:
Promote Veteran-Owned Businesses: Use social media to highlight and support veteran entrepreneurs in your community.
Host Workshops and Events: Create networking opportunities for aspiring and established veteran business owners.
Mentor a Veteran Entrepreneur: Share your knowledge and expertise to help veterans achieve their goals.
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®
House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast: Promoting Investment in Veterans
On March 6, 2024, during National Invest in Veterans Week®, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast shared a compelling blog post titled Invest in America, Invest in Veterans. His message underscored the deep commitment our nation owes to its veterans and the crucial need to invest in their futures. Mast’s advocacy highlighted how veterans’ sacrifices on the battlefield translate into a call for us to create opportunities for them to thrive in civilian life, particularly in entrepreneurship.
Chairman Mast’s leadership and vision continue to promote the investment in veterans that our nation so critically needs, inspiring a legacy of empowerment, innovation, and success for generations to come.
On March 6, 2024, during National Invest in Veterans Week®, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast shared a compelling blog post titled "Invest in America, Invest in Veterans." His message underscored the deep commitment our nation owes to its veterans and the crucial need to invest in their futures. Mast’s advocacy highlighted how veterans’ sacrifices on the battlefield translate into a call for us to create opportunities for them to thrive in civilian life, particularly in entrepreneurship.
A National Call to Action
Chairman Mast’s blog post reflected the spirit of National Invest in Veterans Week®, emphasizing the bond between our nation and the veterans who have dedicated their lives to its safety and security. He stated:
“Serving our nation is an investment that men and women in uniform make not only for their own future but for the well-being of our country as well.”
This powerful statement highlighted the shared responsibility we all have to ensure that veterans have access to resources, opportunities, and support systems as they transition to civilian life.
Promoting Legislation That Empowers Veterans
A key focus of Chairman Mast’s post was the unanimous passage of the Service-Disabled Veteran Opportunities in Small Business Act in the House of Representatives. This transformative legislation provides federal guidance to help service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses succeed, empowering veterans to contribute to their communities and the economy.
Mast passionately remarked:
“This significant legislation mandates that the federal government issue guidance aimed at helping service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses. By doing so, this bill will help create opportunities for veterans to establish and grow new businesses – once again giving back to their communities and our country.”
This act aligns perfectly with the mission of National Invest in Veterans Week®, demonstrating how federal initiatives can create tangible benefits for veterans pursuing entrepreneurship.
The Legacy of the Jacksonville Vetrepreneur Summit
Chairman Mast’s advocacy resonates strongly with the groundbreaking work of Jeff Shuford, co-founder of National Invest in Veterans Week®, who established the Jacksonville Vetrepreneur Summit in 2017. This summit, now in its ninth year, has become a cornerstone for supporting veterans in their entrepreneurial endeavors, connecting them with resources, mentorship, and funding opportunities.
Though Shuford’s direct involvement ended after the first two summits, his influence continues to shape the event’s impact. The summit embodies Mast’s vision of providing veterans with the tools they need to lead successful businesses, transforming their military expertise into entrepreneurial innovation.
Learn More About the Jacksonville Vetrepreneur Summit
Jeff Shuford: Championing Vetrepreneurs
Jeff Shuford’s work parallels Chairman Mast’s call to action, reinforcing the importance of empowering veterans. As a nationally recognized leader in veteran entrepreneurship, Shuford has made significant contributions through initiatives like Tech From Vets and the creation of π Domains, which provide digital tools for veteran-owned businesses.
Shuford’s philosophy is rooted in a deep belief in veterans’ potential:
“Veterans have already proven their leadership on the battlefield. Now it’s time to prove their innovation.”
Programs like FeMil℠, designed to support female veteran entrepreneurs, further demonstrate Shuford’s commitment to ensuring all veterans have access to resources tailored to their unique needs.
Mast’s Commitment to Veterans
Chairman Mast’s blog post was more than a reflection; it was a rallying cry. He emphasized the importance of continuing to advocate for veterans, stating:
“Just as these veterans invest in us and our safety, we must likewise invest in the veterans who have sacrificed so much for the greater good.”
This message aligns seamlessly with the ongoing efforts of National Invest in Veterans Week®, which continues to expand its reach across the nation and beyond, promoting initiatives that uplift veterans and their families.
Promoting the Future of Veteran Entrepreneurship
Chairman Mast’s dedication to veterans mirrors the broader goals of National Invest in Veterans Week® and events like the Jacksonville Vetrepreneur Summit. Together, these initiatives create an ecosystem where veterans can thrive, leveraging their military skills to succeed in business and community leadership.
For more information on how you can support these efforts, visit:
Chairman Mast’s leadership and vision continue to promote the investment in veterans that our nation so critically needs, inspiring a legacy of empowerment, innovation, and success for generations to come.
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