Veterans Economic Impact, National Invest In Veterans Week®, Public-Private Partnerships, Veteran-Owned Businesses, Economic Development, Small Business Lending, Military Spouse Businesse Captain Sherman Williams, U.S. Army/USA, Retired Veterans Economic Impact, National Invest In Veterans Week®, Public-Private Partnerships, Veteran-Owned Businesses, Economic Development, Small Business Lending, Military Spouse Businesse Captain Sherman Williams, U.S. Army/USA, Retired

Veteran Loan Fund Surpasses $100 Million—A Defining Moment for Veteran Entrepreneurship

The Veteran Loan Fund has surpassed $100 million in small business lending nationwide, marking a defining milestone for veteran and military spouse entrepreneurship in the United States. Since launching in 2021, the fund has supported more than 1,350 veteran-owned businesses, helped create or retain over 7,500 jobs, and strengthened local economies through mission-driven capital, technical assistance, and cross-sector collaboration. As momentum builds with a new round of funding in 2026, this milestone underscores the growing recognition that investing in veteran entrepreneurs is not just a moral imperative—but an economic strategy.

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CEOcircle, National Invest In Veterans Week®, Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF), JPMorgan Chase Veterans Program Captain Sherman Williams, U.S. Army/USA, Retired CEOcircle, National Invest In Veterans Week®, Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF), JPMorgan Chase Veterans Program Captain Sherman Williams, U.S. Army/USA, Retired

Veterans Don’t Need Handouts — They Need Capital: What Happens When Investors Treat Them Like Growth Partners

A recent House hearing revealed what happens when banks and corporations stop treating veteran-owned businesses as checkbox suppliers and start investing in them as long-term growth partners. Testimony highlighted how a private-sector program helped veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs raise more than $1.3 billion in capital, create hundreds of jobs, and generate sustained revenue growth—demonstrating that investing in veterans isn’t charity, it’s smart economic development.

“Demonstrate what is possible when banks and corporations invest in veteran-owned firms not just as suppliers, but as long-term growth partners.”

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State Proclamations, Montana Veterans Proclamation, National Invest In Veterans Week®, U.S. House of Representatives, Rep. Mike Levin Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Rickey L. Pope State Proclamations, Montana Veterans Proclamation, National Invest In Veterans Week®, U.S. House of Representatives, Rep. Mike Levin Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Rickey L. Pope

Investing in Veterans Is Economic Policy: Why National Invest In Veterans Week® Continues the Federal Blueprint

On July 24, 2020, Congressman Mike Levin released an appropriations statement that used the phrase:

“Invest in servicemembers and veterans.”

This was not rhetorical language—it appeared in the official title of the federal funding package and was reinforced by direct fiscal commitments:

$90 billion for Veterans Medical Care

$10 billion for mental health

Nearly $2 billion for homeless assistance

$12.5 billion in emergency VA healthcare appropriations

$1.9 billion for suicide prevention programs

$1.8 billion for VA construction

$1.49 billion for military family housing

Language strengthening the HUD–VASH program

The message was unmistakable:

To invest in veterans is to invest in national health, workforce capacity, housing stability, and long-term economic resilience.

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“I'm Beau, Emmy Award-winning journalist and television host.

Every year, from March 1st to 7th, we celebrate National Invest In Veterans Week—a time to honor the incredible men and women who've served our country and now drive our economy forward as entrepreneurs.

Veteran-owned businesses employ millions and generate over a trillion dollars in revenue. They're innovators, leaders, and job creators who deserve our investment.

Let's invest in them: Shop veteran-owned. Partner with veterans. Ask your local legislators to honor local veteran entrepreneurs.

Because when we invest in veterans, we invest in America's future.

Join the movement at InvestInVeteransWeek.com.

Thank you for your service—and a salute to those who are investing in it.”

  • Logo of The Reis-Davis Graduate School in Los Angeles, California, featuring a black circle with white initials 'RD GS' and a light blue border with the school's name.

    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.”

  • Purple and beige Purdue University logo with the text "Military Family Research Institute" below.

    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.”

  • A black and white logo featuring the letters E and U in bold, stylized font.

    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 logo with the slogan "Ready for the Workday" in red.

    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.”

  • Logo for GCIA Gary/Chicago International Airport.

    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!”

  • Logo with a bald eagle's head, the text 'ARMED FORCES' with a small American flag between the words, and 'vacation club' underneath.

    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 logo with blue text and an orange star-like symbol

    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.”

  • Logo of the National Academy of Sciences featuring a woman holding a balance scale inside a gold circle.

    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 logo with a shield and sunburst design

    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”