Investing in Veterans Is No Longer Optional—It’s the New Standard for Civic Leadership
From Assemblyman Jake Ashby’s $500 million call to action in New York to the Massachusetts State Treasurer’s Bonus Division and Ithaka S+R’s call for elite college inclusion, the movement to “Invest in Veterans” has evolved into a national doctrine. Under the federally trademarked National Invest In Veterans Week® initiative, investing in veterans is no longer symbolic—it is structural, spanning state legislation, federal workforce policies, academic reform, and corporate pipelines. With endorsements from Harvard Catalyst and implementation by leaders like Charter Communications, this coordinated civic infrastructure is transforming how America recognizes and invests in its veterans.
This Week is “Invest In Veterans Week®”: Northeast Delta Dental's $300,000 Grant Exemplifies Nation-Leading Commitment to Veteran Health Equity
This Week is “Invest In Veterans Week®.” Northeast Delta Dental has stepped forward with a $300,000 grant to expand veterans’ access to essential dental care in Maine—highlighted in a Facebook announcement. As part of a broader civic movement recognized in statehouses and Congress, this grant exemplifies the real-world impact of public-private partnerships during Invest In Veterans Week®, a congressionally honored initiative redefining military service as a national investment deserving of structured, cross-sector support.
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.