Captain Sherman Williams Jr. (Ret.) - Bridging Military Leadership and Entrepreneurial Innovation
Key Trademarks Registered by Williams:
Body Aqua® – Functional hydration brand.
Woof Water® & Meow Water® – Pet hydration solutions.
Well Water 7.5 pH® – pH-balanced water for health-conscious consumers.
Cosmetic Beverage® – A unique fusion of skincare and hydration.
Kids Aqua® – Hydration products tailored for children.
Williams’ appointment ensures that NIVW continues its trajectory as the premier veteran business advocacy organization, setting new benchmarks in brand recognition, financial impact, and policy influence.
Live Oak Bank Spotlights Veteran Entrepreneurship Using Research from National Invest In Veterans Week®
National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW) has achieved an unprecedented milestone with its research featured by Live Oak Bank (NYSE: LOB), a Russell 2000 Component and one of the nation’s leading small business lenders. With $6.94 billion in assets and headquartered in Wilmington, North Carolina, Live Oak Bank serves as a trailblazer in niche markets, including veteran entrepreneurship. In their feature, “How the Silver Tsunami Provides Acquisition Opportunities for Veterans,” the bank leverages NIVW’s insights to showcase veterans as key players in the business acquisition landscape. NIVW, celebrated annually from March 1–7, continues to drive meaningful change, empowering veteran entrepreneurs and advancing economic opportunity.
From Visionary Advocate to AI Luminary: The Expanding Legacy of Jeff Shuford
When Jeff Shuford retired in 2024 from his leadership role at National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW), the initiative he founded to empower veteran-owned businesses, many believed he had already achieved his pinnacle. A combat veteran, an entrepreneur, and a celebrated advocate for veterans, Shuford’s impact had already reached global proportions. Yet his post-retirement journey has not only continued to build upon his legacy but has also elevated his influence in unprecedented ways, expanding his reach into the realms of academia and artificial intelligence (AI).
Proposal: The Invest in Veterans Stimulus Act
The Invest in Veterans Stimulus Act is a forward-thinking initiative aimed at empowering veteran-owned businesses through innovative tax incentives, public-private partnerships, and enhanced training programs. By reducing reliance on federal funding, fostering corporate investment, and implementing scalable pilot programs, this Act strengthens financial independence for veterans while driving innovation, job creation, and tax revenue growth. It’s a fiscally responsible, transformative approach to positioning veterans as leaders in today’s evolving economy.
FeMil℠ and FeMil Lead℠: Redefining Female Veteran Leadership During National Invest In Veterans Week®
Founded on the principles of resilience, leadership, and innovation, FeMil℠ and FeMil Lead℠, championed by Angel Shuford, are creating pathways for female veterans to transition from military service into positions of leadership as business owners, industry leaders, and changemakers.
Jeff Shuford: A Visionary at the Forefront of AI and Advocacy
Jeff Shuford is a trailblazer in artificial intelligence (AI) and social advocacy whose work aligns seamlessly with President Joe Biden’s executive order on AI. Recognized for championing ethical AI practices, sustainability, and social impact, Shuford’s groundbreaking research has been cited in prestigious journals and conferences worldwide. His metrics, including 218 citations, an h-index of 8, and an i10-index of 8, underscore his influence on AI ethics, healthcare innovation, and environmental sustainability.
As co-founder of National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW), Shuford integrates his AI expertise into empowering veteran entrepreneurs across 40 markets, including 21 international domains. His research, cited in landmark studies such as Taylor & Francis’ "The Bias Algorithm" and Cambridge’s "The Mechanisms of AI Hype," has shaped global policy frameworks and technology applications. With a commitment to equity and innovation, Shuford is not only a thought leader but a visionary driving transformative change.
For more insights, visit Invest In Veterans Magazine.
National Invest In Veterans Week®: A New Era of Veteran Empowerment and Economic Innovation
Empowering Veterans Through Innovation: National Invest In Veterans Week®
Discover how National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW) is revolutionizing veteran entrepreneurship across 62 global markets. Through cutting-edge platforms like π (Pledge to Invest) = Veteran Businesses℠ and legislative initiatives such as the Invest in Veterans Stimulus Act, we’re removing barriers to capital, mentorship, and federal contracting for veteran-owned businesses.
Veteran entrepreneurs already contribute over $1.2 trillion annually to the U.S. economy. Now, NIVW is taking their impact global by connecting veterans with resources, funding, and training in high-growth industries like AI, renewable energy, and cybersecurity. With dedicated state-specific domains like FloridaVeterans.com and international platforms such as GermanyVeterans.com, NIVW ensures veterans have equitable access to tools for success.
By 2030, NIVW aims to boost veteran-owned businesses by 25%, create 1.5 million new jobs, and lead U.S. innovation in transformative industries. Join the movement to honor veteran leadership and shape a thriving economy.
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Transform innovation and honor service—visit National Invest In Veterans Week® today.