National Invest In Veterans Week®: Empowering Veteran Entrepreneurs Across 62 Global Markets
Veterans possess unparalleled leadership, resilience, and innovation—qualities honed through military service that translate seamlessly into entrepreneurship. Recognizing this untapped potential, National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW) was established in 2017 to address the unique challenges veterans face while transitioning to civilian life and pursuing business opportunities. Under the visionary leadership of Angel Shuford, NIVW has evolved into a globally recognized movement, expanding its reach to 62 global markets and introducing pioneering tools like the π domains to empower veteran entrepreneurs worldwide.
This article dives deep into the transformative expansion of NIVW, the resources and platforms it has created, and the future of veteran entrepreneurship across the globe.
The Vision of National Invest In Veterans Week®
Founded by Jeff Shuford, a veteran of the Iraq War, NIVW began as a response to the systemic barriers veterans face when starting businesses. From securing funding to finding mentorship and navigating government resources, these challenges hindered veterans from fully leveraging their entrepreneurial potential.
By combining research, advocacy, and technological innovation, NIVW aims to:
Create opportunities for veteran entrepreneurs to thrive in local and global markets.
Advocate for policies that remove barriers to funding and resources.
Build an ecosystem of support, mentorship, and collaboration for veterans.
The Expansion to 62 Global Markets
In 2024, NIVW announced its most ambitious initiative yet: expanding into 62 markets across the U.S., international regions, and specific countries. This expansion builds on years of research and collaboration to address the challenges faced by veteran entrepreneurs.
U.S. State-Specific Platforms: Supporting Local Impact
NIVW recognizes that veterans’ entrepreneurial needs vary across states, influenced by local industries and economies. To address this, the initiative has established 14 state-specific platforms that serve as hubs for mentorship, resources, and funding opportunities.
State Platforms Include:
LouisianaVeterans.com
FloridaVeterans.com
MississippiVeterans.com
TennesseeVeterans.com
NorthDakotaVeterans.com
RhodeIslandVeterans.com
DelawareVeterans.com
SouthCarolinaVeterans.com
NewJerseyVeterans.com
WyomingVeterans.com
KansasVeterans.com
WestVirginiaVeterans.com
PennsylvaniaVeterans.com
NewHampshireVeterans.com
These platforms connect local veterans with resources tailored to their state's economic landscape, offering specialized mentorship and collaboration opportunities.
International Platforms: Creating a Global Stage
NIVW has also expanded into 29 countries, fostering international collaboration and access to global markets.
Key Country-Specific Platforms Include:
AustraliaVeterans.com
SouthKoreaVeterans.com
GermanyVeterans.com
UnitedKingdomVeterans.com
ItalyVeterans.com
JapanVeterans.com
FranceVeterans.com
BrazilVeterans.com
PhilippinesVeterans.com
MexicoVeterans.com
Each platform serves as a bridge, connecting veteran entrepreneurs with opportunities to partner with international businesses, secure funding, and expand their reach.
Regional Platforms: Fostering Shared Growth
In addition to country-specific platforms, NIVW has launched nine regional platforms designed to unite veterans across continents.
Regional Platforms Include:
EUVeterans.com – Connecting European veteran entrepreneurs.
PacificIslandVeterans.com – Supporting veterans in island nations.
CommonwealthVeterans.com – Fostering collaboration among Commonwealth countries.
These platforms promote mentorship, business partnerships, and shared resources across regions.
Innovating with π Domains
At the heart of NIVW’s expansion are the π domains, a suite of digital platforms designed to provide veteran entrepreneurs with tools, resources, and mentorship opportunities.
Key Features of π Domains:
A hub for digital transformation.
Offers educational resources, toolkits, and success stories to inspire veteran entrepreneurs.
A mentorship network connecting veterans with industry leaders.
Focused on providing guidance in emerging fields like AI, renewable energy, and healthcare.
A platform for tackling entrepreneurial challenges with cutting-edge solutions.
A global listing of veteran-owned businesses.
Helps businesses gain visibility and connect with potential partners and clients.
Focuses on building partnerships and fostering collaborations between veteran entrepreneurs and corporations.
These domains are not just websites; they represent ecosystems of opportunity, offering veterans the tools they need to succeed in today’s competitive markets.
Empowering Female Veteran Entrepreneurs
Female veterans are a critical yet underrepresented group within the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Programs like FeMil℠ and FeMil Lead℠, spearheaded by Angel Shuford, offer tailored resources for female veteran entrepreneurs.
FeMil℠: Supporting Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Focused on veterans at the start of their entrepreneurial journey, FeMil℠ provides:
Networking Opportunities: Connecting veterans with peers and mentors.
Resource Access: Step-by-step guidance on starting a business.
Funding Education: Insights into securing startup capital.
FeMil Lead℠: Scaling Established Businesses
Designed for entrepreneurs ready to grow, FeMil Lead℠ offers:
Leadership Development: Advanced training for scaling businesses.
Strategic Tools: Access to technologies that drive growth.
Personalized Mentorship: Connections to experienced entrepreneurs.
Legislative Advocacy: The Invest in Veterans Stimulus Act
NIVW’s expansion is accompanied by a push for legislative support through the Invest in Veterans Stimulus Act. This policy framework aims to eliminate systemic barriers faced by veteran entrepreneurs.
Key Provisions Include:
Financial Incentives:
$15,000 tax credit for veterans starting businesses in high-growth industries.
Low-interest SBA loans with a 2% rate reduction for veteran-owned businesses.
Enhanced Mentorship:
Creation of a structured mentorship network.
Expansion of programs like Boots to Business with specialized tracks in AI and green technology.
Public-Private Partnerships:
$300 million in annual grants for innovation.
Tax credits for corporations investing in veteran startups.
Streamlined Federal Contracting:
Leveraging AI to simplify federal contracting processes.
Reserving 12% of contracts for veteran-owned businesses.
The Global Impact of NIVW
Veteran-owned businesses already contribute over $1.2 trillion annually to the U.S. economy. With its global expansion, NIVW aims to amplify this impact by fostering economic growth and innovation across industries like technology, renewable energy, and healthcare.
Projected Outcomes by 2030:
1.5 million new jobs created.
A 25% increase in veteran-led startups.
Enhanced leadership in emerging industries.
A Call to Action
National Invest In Veterans Week® is more than an initiative; it is a movement to empower veterans and reshape the global economy. By supporting platforms like www.investinveteransweek.com, businesses, governments, and communities can play a vital role in this transformative mission.
Explore More:
Empowering Female Veteran Entrepreneurs: A Legislative Call to Action
The Courtyards at San Jose amplifies the discussion on breaking systemic barriers for female veteran entrepreneurs in "Empowering Female Veteran Entrepreneurs: A Call to Action for Legislators." This article explores challenges like access to capital and mentorship, while showcasing solutions like FeMil℠ and FeMil Lead℠. It urges policymakers to support transformative proposals like the Invest in Veterans Stimulus Act, which could pave the way for sustainable growth and innovation in veteran-led businesses.