Helping Veteran Entrepreneurs Reach New Heights

National Invest in Veterans Week® is a week-long celebration of the contributions and sacrifices of America's unwavering veteran entrepreneurs. This year, we invite you to join us in honoring the men and women who have selflessly served our country and now lead in business.

Impact-Driven Veteran Advocates

  • USDA Food Safety & Inspection Service

    “Attention transitioning Service Members and Veterans! Get highly skilled training for a career in the Federal civilian workforce through our apprenticeship programs. Learn more and apply for a career with FSIS https://bit.ly/3ZnqgGO #FoodSafety #NationalInvestInVeteransWeek”

  • U.S. Army Soldier For Life

    “National Invest in Veterans Week is happening this week, so we wanted to re-highlight a resource we shared several weeks back that can help you do just that. One way to support and invest in our veteran and military-owned business owners is to shop military.”

  • Bucknell University Small Business Development Center

    “In celebration of National Invest in Veterans Week, the Bucknell SBDC recognizes Robert Showers, founder of Abe's Custom Woodworking, LLC: building woodworking products deep in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country that enhance the beauty in and around your home.”

  • NYS Homes and Community Renewal

    “Gov. Kathy Hochul announced $21M for 67 grants to support critical repairs for #veterans, #seniors, adults with disabilities & people on fixed/limited incomes so NYers can remain living safely & affordably in their own homes. #NationalInvestInVeteransWeek”

  • Oklahoma Small Business Development Center

    “To celebrate Invest in Veterans Week, Air Force veteran and Oklahoma SBDC advisor Larry Siebert offers this advice to veteran entrepreneurs. If you are a veteran and need help moving your business along, contact the Oklahoma SBDC for assistance.”

  • K9s For Warriors

    “Run, don’t walk, to go show your support for your local veteran businessmen & women! It’s #NationalInvestInVeteransWeek, which means it’s time to show up and show out for our Warriors.”

#InvestInVeteransWeek Campaigns

"Whereas, the South Carolina General Assembly is pleased to celebrate National Invest In Veterans Week with the Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center; and Whereas, established in 2019, Invest In Veterans Week is meant to honor aspiring and established veteran business owners and their contributions to the economy."

— South Carolina General Assembly [Read More]

"The proclamation recognizes the important role that United States military veterans play in the economic and social vitality of the county. Commissioner Freeman read the proclamation and presented 17 county businesses and 5 citizens with “Invest in Veteran’s Week” certificates to honor their service - and their veteran-owned businesses.”

— Douglas County, Oregon [Read More]

"To honor Montana veterans who served our country and now lead in business, Governor Greg Gianforte today proclaimed March 1-7, 2023, Invest in Veterans Week in Montana. NOW, THEREFORE, I, - Governor of the State of Montana, do hereby proclaim the week of March 1–7, 2023 Invest In Veterans Week”

— Montana.gov [Read More]

Small business firms owned by veterans employed 5.03 million people and had an annual payroll of $195 billion.

READ THE REPORT

Veteran Business Facts

  • According to the U.S. Census Bureau's Survey of Business Owners, there were 2.52 million businesses majority-owned by veterans in 2012.

  • These veteran-owned businesses employed over 5.03 million people, making a significant contribution to the country's economy.

  • Veteran-owned firms represented 9.1 percent of all U.S. firms, and the top 10 industries with the highest percentage of veteran-owned businesses included transportation and warehousing, construction, and professional, scientific, and technical services.

  • Veterans still face unique challenges when starting and growing a business, including difficulty accessing capital, lack of business experience, and navigating complex regulations. This highlights the need for increased support and resources to help veteran entrepreneurs succeed.

Financial Impact Advocates

  • Fort Bragg Federal Credit Union

    “The FHLB is offering a grant of up to $10,000 towards down-payment or closing costs on qualifying VA purchases! #InvestInVeteransWeek.”

  • Ameris Bank

    “Your service, sacrifice and patriotism make our nation great. Your experience has a place at Ameris Bank. #InvestInVeteransWeek”

  • Origin Bank

    “It's #InvestInVeteransWeek + we're proud to share we have a Hero Mortgage program for veterans + other community heroes that waives admin + processing fees on home loans. THANK YOU to those who have served!“

  • Armed Forces Benefit Association

    “Whether celebrating the week or empowering veterans to start and grow their business enterprises, there are many ways to observe and celebrate National Invest In Veterans Week.”

  • AllSouth Federal Credit Union

    "Did you know: March 1-7 is National Invest in Veterans Week! This week honors aspiring and established veteran business owners and their contributions to the economy.”

  • Southside Bank

    “The first week of March is National Invest in #Veterans Week, designed to support the efforts of veterans building lives for themselves and their families through their work and businesses.”

  • Berkshire Bank

    “Today marks the final day of Invest In Veterans Week, and we want to take a moment to recognize the important work being done by Purple Heart Homes. Founded in 2008, Purple Heart Homes is a non-profit organization that works to provide housing solutions to veterans and their families who are in need.”

Born Primitive: Veteran Entrepreneurship

We are thrilled to feature Born Primitive, a dynamic veteran-owned business, and share their inspiring story with you. Born Primitive embodies the spirit of veteran entrepreneurship and the unique skills and experiences that veterans bring to the business world.

NIVW Honors

  • Advocates

    Governor Greg Gianforte

    Bruce Thompson

    Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel

    Businesses

    EnergyUnited

    JDog Brands

    Action Zone Tampa

    A&A All The Way Foundation

  • Impact Advocates

    Aaron Jones of the Green Bay Packers

    Business Impact Advocates

    Luminary Global

    Body Aqua

  • Businesses Who Hire Veterans

    Michael Kurtz, U.S. Army Veteran, Human Resources Director, Douglas County Government

    John Phillips, U.S. Air Force Retired, Emergency Manager, Roseburg VA

    Nikol Hansen, Public Affairs Specialist, Roseburg VA

    Sarah Baumgartner, Communications Director, CHI Mercy Medical Center

    KC Bolton, U.S. Army Veteran, CEO Aviva Health

    Jim Baird, General Manager, Roseburg Urban Sanitary Authority

    Steve Lusch, U.S. Army Veteran, Collection Systems Superintendent, Roseburg Urban Sanitary Authority

    Andy Owens, Owner, A&M Transport

    Joe Moody, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran, Safety & Personnel Director, A&M Transport

    Steve and Kelly Burton, Owners Roseburg Grocery Outlet

    Toby Luther, CEO, Lone Rock Timber and Abby’s Pizza

    Chris Allmendinger, U.S. Army Veteran, Lone Rock Timber/Abbys’ Pizza

    Allen Seamans, U.S. Navy Veteran, Lone Rock Timber/Abbys’ Pizza

  • Veterans Who Invest In Veterans

    Jim Little, Chief Warrant Officer, U.S. Navy, Retired, DC Veterans Advisory Council

    John Pierson, Staff Sgt. U.S. Air Force, Retired, Military Honors by the Pipes, DC Veterans Advisory Council

    Mary Newman-Keyes, Douglas County Veterans Service Officer

    Carol Hunt, Wings of Love, Douglas County Veterans Day Parade Committee, Douglas County Veterans Forum

    Douglas County Advisory Council

    Dan Loomis, Chief Warrant Officer, U.S. Army, Retired, Douglas County Veterans Day Parade Committee

    Mel Cheney, U.S. Army Veteran, Retired from the Community Cancer Center

  • Veteran-Owned Businesses

    Rusty and Elena Lininger, U.S. Army Veteran, Owners, Source One Serenity

    Cecilia McMullen, U.S. Army Veteran, Volunteer, Source One Serenity

    Josh Murphy, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran, Umpqua Survival, Invictus Technical Solutions, Triptych

    Construction and Kester Foods

    Chris Lamont, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran, Umpqua Survival, Invictus Technical Solutions, Triptych

    Construction and Kester Foods

    Jason Ainslie, U.S. Army Veteran, Owner Wagonhoffer Meats

    Kerry White, U.S. Navy Veteran, Owner Wagonhoffer Meats

    John Woods, Owner Wagonhoffer Meats

    Sam Gross, U.S. Army Veteran, Logger’s Pizza.

Corporate Business Impact Advocates

  • Reiss-Davis Graduate School

    “Reiss-Davis Graduate School recognizes National Invest in Veterans Week (March 1-7, 2023). We asked noted veterans advocate and editor-in-chief of the Journal of Veterans Studies, Mariana Grohowski, PhD, to share her thoughts on advancing the cause of veterans and their families.”

  • Military Family Research Institute

    “The first week of March is National Invest in #Veterans Week, designed to support the efforts of veterans building lives for themselves and their families through their work and businesses.”

  • EnergyUnited 

    “Today marks the final day of Invest In Veterans Week, and we want to take a moment to recognize the important work being done by Purple Heart Homes. Founded in 2008, Purple Heart Homes is a non-profit organization that works to provide housing solutions to veterans and their families who are in need.”

  • Cintas Corporation

    “It's National Invest in Veterans Week! At Cintas we are proud to be a Top Veteran-Friendly Company and are committed to recruiting military talent. For all the sacrifices they have made, we are dedicated to providing opportunities for Veterans to succeed.”

  • Gary/Chicago International Airport

    “Happy #NationalInvestInVeteransWeek! Back in November, GYY received the prestigious HIRE Vets Medallion Award, an honor bestowed by the @USDOL for our efforts to create jobs that recruit, employ and retain veterans’ who have served our country!”

  • Armed Forces Vacation Club

    "#DidYouKnow it's National Invest In Veterans Week? National Invest In Veterans Week is observed every year from March 1 through March 7. This is a week where we support and honor aspiring and established veteran business owners!”

  • Columbia Gas of Ohio

    “We're proud to support our veterans, and especially those on our team! #InvestinVeteransWeek is a good reminder to invest in veterans after all they've invested in our country.”

  • National Academy of Sciences

    “#DYK It’s #NationalInvestinVeteransWeek! In this touching #TheScienceBehindIt video, meet Ray, Casey, and Raymond as they share their coming home stories and talk about the challenges facing millions of veterans.”

  • Waubonsee Community College

    “#Waubonsee is proud to serve those students who have served our country, and we'll do everything we can to streamline the process, start you on the right foot, and support your endeavors every step of the way. #NationalInvestInVeteransWeek”

Our Advocacy

  • National Invest in Veterans Week aims to empower veterans to achieve their full potential in civilian life. Our vision is a world where veteran-owned businesses thrive, veterans have access to education and career development resources, and mental health challenges are addressed with compassion. We believe that investing in the success of our veterans creates a better future for them, their families, and strengthens our communities and our nation.

  • We work tirelessly to encourage investment in veteran-owned businesses, provide educational and career development opportunities, and offer support for veterans dealing with mental health challenges. Our business sustainment program provides veterans with access to capital, training, mentorship, and networking opportunities. By supporting veteran-owned businesses, we honor their service and drive economic growth and job creation.

  • Through our advocacy efforts and programs, we have helped countless veterans achieve their entrepreneurial and career goals, providing them with the resources and mentorship they need to succeed. We have also worked to raise awareness about mental health issues affecting veterans and promote access to support and resources for those in need.

  • In our 2017 survey, we found that 81% of respondents needed more support for their business ventures, while 67% required more funding. Lack of access to capital was the biggest challenge faced by 37% of respondents, and 27% said that lack of knowledge or experience was their biggest obstacle. Respondents desired more information on funding, start-up costs, and networking opportunities.

Discover the various ways to help celebrate National Invest In Veterans Week®

GET INVOLVED

Veteran Business Impact Advocates

  • "Veterans are leaders and entrepreneurs in our communities, employing more than 5.3 million Americans Supporting vet businesses ensures we keep our sacred promise #InvestInVeteransWeek"

    Maryland Attorney General

    Anthony G. Brown

  • “As we honor veterans through National Invest in Veterans Week, it is important that scholars as well as the general public reconsider their understanding of this population.“

    Journal of Veterans Studies Founder/Editor

    Dr. Mariana Grohowski

  • "The first week of March we observe National Invest in Veterans week. This week, we take the time to invest in the Veteran population by doing things such as supporting veteran owned businesses, educational development, and mental health empowerment."

    Orange County District Attorney

    Todd Spitzer

  • "According to the Small Business Administration, there is about one veteran-owned business for every ten veterans, & veteran-owned businesses employ 5.8 million individuals. #NationalInvestInVeteransWeek is about empowering the public to invest in these businesses."

    Michigan Attorney General

    Dana Nessel

  • “March 1 through March 7 is National Invest in Veterans Week. During the week we honor aspiring and established veteran business owners and their contributions to the economy.“

    Pennsylvania State Representative

    Sara Innamorato

  • "This week, March 1-7 is National Invest in Veterans Week! This week stands as a time to honor and support veteran business owners and their contributions to our state's economy."

    Senator Rita Sanders

  • "The first week of March is National Invest in Veterans Week, so I wanted to share one of my favorite veteran-owned businesses with you — Chesterton Brewery."

    Senator Todd Young

  • "Let's support our vets, this week and every week! #Investinveteransweek."

    United States Representative

    Burgess Owens

  • “This week, we're taking a moment to honor our #FL03 veteran entrepreneurs for National Invest in Vererans Week! Our veterans make significant contributions and sacrifices in service to our nation - who have selflessly served our country and now lead in business."

    Congresswoman Kat Cammack

  • "This week, we honor and invest in our veterans, who have sacrificed so much to protect our freedoms and way of life. Let's show our appreciation by providing them with the support and resources they need to thrive in civilian life."

    Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen

  • "It's always a good time to support our veteran-owned businesses. This Invest in Veterans Week, I encourage folks to support veterans who served our country and now lead in business, like Willie Blazer of Willie's Distillery in Ennis."

    Governor Greg Gianforte

  • “Veterans are among America’s most industrious workers and successful entrepreneurs. Please join me in always supporting veteran business leaders like Shield Arms owner Seth Berglee, but especially during National Invest in Veterans Week.“

    Representative Matt Rosendale

  • "It is Invest in Veterans Week through March 7th. Support the men and women who have given so much to this great country and invest in their hard work!"

    Montana State Representative

    Marta Bertoglio

  • "Those who serve and risk their lives in the name of our freedom deserve our total support when they return home. I encourage you to empower these brave patriots by investing in them, especially during #InvestInVeteransWeek."

    Former United States Representative

    Jaime Herrera Beutler

  • "This week is National Invest in Veterans Week, and I want to take this opportunity to thank all veterans for their service to our country."

    United States Representative

    Dan Newhouse

  • "Those who serve and risk their lives in the name of our freedom deserve our total support when they return home. I encourage you to empower these brave patriots by investing in them, especially during #InvestInVeteransWeek."

    Congressman Gus Bilirakis

  • "This week, join us in supporting local businesses that are owned by and hire vets! #investinveteransweek"

    United States Representative

    Tom Emmer

  • "Our freedom is in large part thanks to the dedication and service of our heroic veterans and their families. They deserve our honor, respect, and support. I will always fight for investment in our veterans! #InvestInVeteransWeek."

    Congressman John Moolenaar

Our Research

  • Our 2017 survey revealed that 37% of respondents said that lack of access to capital was the biggest challenge facing their businesses, while 27% said that lack of knowledge or experience was their biggest challenge. Respondents expressed a desire for more opportunities to network and connect with other veteran entrepreneurs.

  • Our 2017 survey found that 81% of respondents either strongly agreed or agreed that they needed more support for their business ventures. Additionally, 67% of respondents either strongly agreed or agreed that they need more funding for their businesses. Respondents also noted a desire for more information on where and how to get funding, as well as more emphasis on start-up costs.

  • Our 2018 survey found that 70% of respondents indicated that they were planning to start a business within the next two years, while 68% of respondents indicated that they had not yet started their business. Additionally, 47% of respondents said that they had already applied for funding for their business, indicating a need for increased access to capital for veteran entrepreneurs.

  • Legislative opportunities can provide vital support to veteran entrepreneurs, as highlighted by survey data. In a survey conducted by National Invest In Veterans Week in partnership with the City of Jacksonville, Florida, 81% of respondents said they need more support for their business ventures, while 67% indicated a need for more funding for their businesses. Lack of access to capital was cited as the biggest challenge by 37% of respondents, while 27% said that lack of knowledge or experience was their biggest challenge.

National Invest In Veterans Week Brand Advocate

Share your favorite veteran business on Social Media.

#NationalInvestInVeteransWeek

#InvestInVeteransWeek

  • “March 1-7 is National Invest in Veterans Week! Show your support for local, veteran-owned businesses here in Wisconsin during National Invest In Veterans Week! The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs recognizes the important role that veteran-owned and disabled veteran-owned businesses play in the Wisconsin economy.“

    Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs

  • "National Invest in Veterans Week takes place annually March 1-7 and was established to empower the public to celebrate and support the economic contributions of veterans in the United States."

    Hancock County Veterans Service Office

  • "National Invest In Veterans Week March 1 - 7th is a Veteran-owned, award-winning social impact organization dedicated to advocating for Veteran entrepreneurs nationwide."

    Detroit VA

  • "Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a leading contributor to the homelessness of nearly 40,000 American veterans. Another 1.4 million are at-risk. Today marks the beginning of "National Invest in Veterans Week", and DAV encourages veterans to invest time in their mental wellbeing and we remind you that it is okay to need help."

    DAV

  • "During this #NationalInvestInVeteransWeek, check out our marketplace full of 60+ #veteran & #militaryspouse made products. While it's no longer the holidays, it's always time to invest in veterans and yourself or a friend."

    Bunker Labs

  • "In honor of National Invest in Veterans Week, we are highlighting Elks Lodges that use CIP grants to invest in veterans in their community. Hopkins Elks Lodge #2221 used part of its Gratitude Grant to provide care packages for veterans living at the local veterans home and veterans who attend the home’s day rehabilitation programs."

    Elks National Foundation

Government Impact Advocates

  • Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture

    “In celebration of National Invest in Veterans Week, the Bucknell SBDC recognizes Robert Showers, founder of Abe's Custom Woodworking.”

  • Lexington Chamber

    "𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗜𝗻 𝗩𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗯𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗻! This week is all about honoring aspiring and established veteran business owners and their contributions to the economy.”

  • Wyoming Department of Workforce Services

    “#NationalInvestInVeteransWeek: March 1-7 is National Invest In Veterans Week. This is a week-long celebration to honor the men and women who have selflessly served our country and now lead in business.”

  • PA Department of Labor & Industry

    “This week is #NationalInvestInVeteransWeek! #Pennsylvania offers many resources that allow veterans to build their skill sets + transition to civilian life.”

  • South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation

    “National Invest In Veterans Week March 1 - 7th is a Veteran-owned, award-winning social impact organization dedicated to advocating for Veteran entrepreneurs nationwide.”