Jeff Shuford’s Legacy: National Invest In Veterans Week® Thrives Post-Retirement
Chris Moore Chris Moore

Jeff Shuford’s Legacy: National Invest In Veterans Week® Thrives Post-Retirement

Brand Development Tips from Forbes Contributor Jeff Shuford

At the annual Jacksonville Vetrepreneur Summit, Forbes contributor and entrepreneur Jeff Shuford shared invaluable insights into branding and networking, especially for veterans transitioning to civilian life. As the CEO of Tech From Vets—recognized by the Huffington Post as The Best Veteran-Owned Tech Startup of 2016—Shuford has dedicated his career to empowering fellow veterans.

During the summit, Shuford highlighted the importance of leveraging personal stories to build authentic brands. Drawing parallels to military service, he emphasized that much like rank and ribbons tell a story in the military, a well-curated brand narrative can communicate achievements and purpose in the business world.

Key takeaways from his session included:

  1. Networking Essentials: Build connections across diverse backgrounds, as teamwork remains vital outside the military.

  2. Authenticity in Branding: Share real experiences and struggles to connect with audiences meaningfully.

  3. Mentorship and Legacy: Empowering others creates lasting impact and fuels collective growth within the veteran community.

Shuford’s commitment to mentorship was evident as he discussed inspiring veteran entrepreneurs to conceptualize and invest in their business ideas. His vision goes beyond sales and revenue—it’s about building a legacy that uplifts others.

Reflecting on his journey, Shuford reminded the audience:
"Your military story is part of your brand. Wear it with pride, just as you would your uniform. Branding is not just about business—it's about leaving a legacy of service and perseverance."

For more on Jeff Shuford and his contributions, explore National Invest In Veterans Week.

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Jeff Shuford and Michael Lazor: A Visionary Alliance Revolutionizing AI in Healthcare and Beyond
Drayton Florence Drayton Florence

Jeff Shuford and Michael Lazor: A Visionary Alliance Revolutionizing AI in Healthcare and Beyond

In an era where artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping industries and redefining the boundaries of possibility, two trailblazers, Jeff Shuford and Michael Lazor, stand at the forefront of this revolution. Their combined contributions are not just transforming healthcare but are also influencing the larger narrative of ethical AI deployment, sustainability, and veteran advocacy. Lazor’s recent review of Shuford’s groundbreaking work in healthcare AI highlights the monumental impact these two innovators are having on global industries.

The alliance between Jeff Shuford and Michael Lazor is more than a meeting of minds—it’s a movement driving transformative change. Together, they are setting a standard for how AI can be used to create a better, more equitable world.

For those inspired by their work, the time to act is now. Whether you’re in healthcare, technology, or advocacy, the lessons from Shuford and Lazor’s groundbreaking contributions are clear: innovation and impact go hand in hand.

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Global Reach: Uniting Veteran Advocacy Across U.S. Allies in the Off-Season
Lonnell McCall II Lonnell McCall II

Global Reach: Uniting Veteran Advocacy Across U.S. Allies in the Off-Season

The traffic from allied nations showcases the alignment of shared values in honoring veterans and promoting entrepreneurial growth. During the off-season, the initiative has seen strong engagement from countries that share deep cultural, historical, and economic ties with the United States

The growing global interest also paves the way for strategic collaborations. Allied nations have consistently shared a commitment to addressing the unique needs of veterans, and NIVW is becoming a bridge between these shared efforts.

Under the strategic roadmap developed by Jeff Shuford, the initiative’s co-founder, NIVW is poised for continued global growth. His blueprint for expanding the program’s reach into international markets has laid a solid foundation for the future.

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Empowering Small Businesses and Veteran Entrepreneurs in 2025
Robert Sacks Robert Sacks

Empowering Small Businesses and Veteran Entrepreneurs in 2025

As the U.S. economy continues its upward trajectory, bolstered by 256,000 new jobs added in December 2024 and an unemployment rate of 4.1%, 2025 promises to be a transformative year for small businesses and veteran entrepreneurs. With a renewed focus on reducing regulations and promoting small business growth, federal policies align with the mission of National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW).

Focused on economic empowerment, domestic manufacturing, and regulatory reform, the Republican agenda aligns seamlessly with the mission of National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW). Co-founded by Jeff Shuford and Angel Shuford (Vice President and CFO), NIVW is committed to elevating veteran entrepreneurs as drivers of economic growth, with a spotlight on Black women veteran entrepreneurs leading the charge.

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Unemployment Declines as Veteran Entrepreneurs Thrive
National Invest In Veterans Week Staff National Invest In Veterans Week Staff

Unemployment Declines as Veteran Entrepreneurs Thrive

Invest in Veterans Week® is more than just a commemorative observance; it is a catalyst for change, designed to elevate the status of veteran entrepreneurs and position them as key drivers of economic growth, innovation, and societal progress. With its bold vision and far-reaching impact, Invest in Veterans Week® is redefining the narrative around veteran advocacy and entrepreneurship.

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National Invest In Veterans Week®: Empowering Veteran Entrepreneurs and Redefining Leadership
Drayton Florence Drayton Florence

National Invest In Veterans Week®: Empowering Veteran Entrepreneurs and Redefining Leadership

National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW) has become a global movement dedicated to supporting veterans as entrepreneurs and economic leaders. Through partnerships with the International Chamber of Veteran Entrepreneurs (ICVE) and the American Society of Veteran Business Owners (ASVBO), NIVW connects veterans with the tools, resources, and networks needed to succeed locally and globally.

Celebrated annually from March 1–7, NIVW honors the contributions of veteran entrepreneurs, with International Veterans Day℠ on March 3, which celebrates global military values and highlights veteran-owned businesses. Founded by Jeff Shuford, NIVW expanded into 62 global markets, creating the world’s largest veteran entrepreneurship network.

In January 2025, NIVW announced a historic partnership with ICVE and ASVBO, uniting their resources to create unmatched opportunities for veterans transitioning to entrepreneurship.

NIVW is revolutionizing veteran entrepreneurship through its embrace of digital innovation with platforms like π.digital, π.guru, and π.solutions, which connect veterans with resources, mentorship, and funding opportunities globally.

Through initiatives like VetsGoGlobal, NIVW is enabling veteran-owned businesses to expand into international markets, achieving significant success by securing global partnerships.

By combining digital innovation, global partnerships, and legislative advocacy, NIVW is reshaping veteran entrepreneurship, ensuring veterans lead with resilience, creativity, and purpose.

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Veteran Business Empowerment Proposals 1-3

  • Purpose: Translate military skills into recognized civilian certifications, supporting career growth or entrepreneurial ventures in technical fields.

    Benefits: Enhances veterans’ qualifications for competitive industries, creating new career pathways and opportunities for veteran-owned businesses.

  • Purpose: Offer tax incentives to veteran-owned businesses to encourage entrepreneurship, ease financial burdens, and stimulate growth in veteran-led enterprises.

    Benefits: Reduces startup costs, enhances profitability, and enables veteran-owned businesses to reinvest in expansion and job creation, boosting local economies and supporting veterans in building lasting businesses.

  • Purpose: Provide fast-track training for veterans to transition into high-demand careers, with immediate placement in essential industries.

    Benefits: Supports veterans in building stable, fulfilling careers, and strengthens the workforce with dedicated, skilled professionals.