National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW) is an annual observance dedicated to honoring and empowering veteran-owned businesses. Recognized by Congress and observed each year from March 1–7, NIVW focuses on veteran entrepreneurship, economic participation, and long-term opportunity rather than symbolic recognition alone.

Veteran-owned businesses generate significant economic value, yet often face barriers to capital, visibility, and scale. NIVW exists to surface those challenges, document solutions, and encourage measurable investment in veteran-led enterprises and leadership.

NIVW was founded in 2017 and was officially proclaimed by the Registrar at National Day Calendar® in July 2019. It has been observed annually from March 1–7 since then.

NIVW was co-founded by:

• Lieutenant Colonel Rickey L. Pope (Ret.)
• Drayton Florence, retired NFL athlete
• Jeff Shuford, Iraq War veteran and nationally syndicated columnist

Their combined leadership spans military service, professional sports, entrepreneurship, and public policy.

NIVW serves aspiring and established veteran entrepreneurs, employers who hire veterans, policymakers, and communities seeking to strengthen veteran economic participation. Its programs and media initiatives highlight real-world outcomes and verified recognition.

Legislators can support NIVW by issuing resolutions or proclamations, hosting events focused on veteran entrepreneurship, advocating for veteran-friendly policies, and using official recognition to elevate veteran-owned businesses within their jurisdictions.

Engagement can take many forms: supporting veteran-owned businesses, mentoring veteran entrepreneurs, collaborating on mission-aligned initiatives, or amplifying verified stories through media and institutional channels.

No. NIVW is not a nonprofit organization and does not accept charitable donations. Its focus is advocacy, infrastructure, and economic participation. Strategic partnerships and licensing opportunities are welcome.

Yes. National Invest In Veterans Week® is a federally registered trademark. Use of the name or logo requires proper authorization. Licensing inquiries may be directed to Erik M. Pelton & Associates, PLLC or licensing@investinveteransweek.com.

Jeff Shuford is a founder of NIVW and currently holds the ceremonial title of Honorary Ambassador of Veterans Affairs. Day-to-day operations are led by Angel Shuford, Vice President & CFO, alongside LTC Rickey L. Pope, President and Co-Founder.

Angel Shuford is a decorated Army Air Traffic Controller, technology entrepreneur, and Vice President & CFO of National Invest In Veterans Week®. She leads financial strategy, operational execution, and long-term sustainability, while expanding NIVW’s reach across more than 40 markets worldwide.

NIVW maintains verification through congressional remarks, state and local proclamations, media documentation, and institutional indexing systems. These records ensure long-term durability beyond web presence alone.

Visit www.investinveteransweek.com to explore official resources, verified media coverage, and engagement opportunities. Subscribe to the annual Digital Magazine for updates and analysis.