Fresno Invests in Veteran-Owned Businesses: A Local Ordinance Echoing a National Movement

www.investinveteransweek.com

When Fresno City Councilmembers Nick Richardson and Nelson Esparza introduced the Small-Enterprise Relief for Veteran Entrepreneurs (SERVE) Act on May 22, 2025, they were not simply drafting a local ordinance—they were activating a philosophy long championed by our organization: investment as a civic imperative.

Councilmember Esparza’s words captured this ethos clearly:

“When we invest in those who have served, we’re investing in leadership, innovation, and the values that define our community.”

At National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW), this belief defines everything we do.

The SERVE Act—offering exemptions from business tax license fees and waiving up to $1,000 in startup costs for new veteran entrepreneurs—affirms what our movement has long understood: that empowering veteran-owned businesses isn’t a subsidy, it’s a strategic investment in American resilience.

It is also a concrete example of what we call investing in veterans by investing with veterans.

The National Legacy Behind the Local Policy

The SERVE Act in Fresno joins a growing tide of local and regional legislation aligned with the mission of National Invest In Veterans Week®, a movement we launched in 2017 and federally trademarked in 2019. Since our founding:

• We have been recognized in the U.S. Congressional Record (March 8, 2024)

• Expanded across 19 U.S. states and 21 international markets

• Established observances like International Veterans Day℠ (March 3) and Jeff Shuford Impact Day℠ (March 7)

• Inspired regionally aligned efforts such as National Invest In America Week℠ (July 1–7)—a modern revival of President Nixon’s 1970 proclamation on economic patriotism

This is more than symbolism. It’s infrastructure—digital, legislative, and community-based.

Fresno’s SERVE Act exemplifies this national infrastructure in motion. By removing fiscal and bureaucratic barriers for veteran entrepreneurs, the city is not just honoring military service; it is activating economic service—with veterans at the helm.

The Shuford Legacy: From National Anthem to Economic Doctrine

This idea of “investing in those who’ve invested in us” has deep roots in our founding team. Jeff Shuford, co-founder of NIVW and retired veteran, is the grandson of Jim Freeman, founding member of The Five Satins and co-author of “In the Still of the Night.”

Jim Freeman was selected to support President Nixon’s 1972 reelection campaign through a patriotic revival music tour—a cultural strategy recorded in the Nixon Presidential Library.

Three years earlier, Nixon had declared the original National Invest-in-America Week:

“Without the private investor, America would simply not be the country we know and love.” — President Nixon, April 27, 1970

Decades later, Jeff Shuford would reinterpret this doctrine into civic infrastructure: trademarking National Invest In Veterans Week®, building Veterans.International, and codifying the Invest In America Challenge™, all while remaining an independent, self-funded advocate of veteran empowerment.

Fresno's Model: Micro-Investment, Macro-Impact

The SERVE Act may seem modest in fiscal scope—waiving fees, covering initial licenses—but it unlocks a broader paradigm:

• Cost relief becomes growth capital

• Policy becomes partnership

• Local government becomes an investor in national capacity

Veteran entrepreneurs like Navy veteran Austin Naes, founder of MAYHEM Fitness in Fresno, understand this deeply:

“That’s more money we can invest into equipment, hopefully expand our facility so we can cater more to the community.”

This local action resonates with the ethos we’ve cultivated across every domain, podcast, magazine, and regional alliance under our umbrella.

Conclusion: The Future of Veteran Empowerment Is Regionalized Investment

Fresno’s proposed ordinance may begin as a city-level act—but its philosophy belongs to a much larger movement. One where cities, counties, and regions actively invest in leadership, not just commemorate it.

From a single ordinance in California to national observances recognized by Congress, we continue to affirm:

To invest in veterans is not charity. It is strategic civic capital.
And Fresno’s SERVE Act is investing wisely.

For more on how National Invest In Veterans Week® supports veteran-led economic development, visit:
www.investinveteransweek.com

Or explore how your city can activate the Invest In America Challenge™ at:
www.investinamericaweek.com

Let us help your region invest in the future—by investing with those who served.

National Invest In Veterans Week® Expands Global Reach with New Veteran-Focused Domains

National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW), co-founded by visionary entrepreneur and Iraq War veteran Jeff Shuford, continues to broaden its impact with the addition of several new veteran-focused domains. This strategic expansion, led by Shuford’s foresight and commitment to supporting veterans, strengthens the organization’s mission to provide localized resources for veterans both across the United States and internationally. These domain acquisitions are a testament to NIVW’s leadership in veteran advocacy and its dedication to serving the veteran community on a global scale.

A Strategic Move for Global Support

Under Jeff Shuford’s leadership, National Invest In Veterans Week® has successfully connected a vast array of domains, creating an unparalleled network of support for veterans. This strategic move allows veterans, veteran-owned businesses, and their supporters to access resources, information, and community engagement specific to their region or country. These connected domains, spanning both U.S. states and international locations, are designed to meet the unique needs of veterans in diverse areas, offering specialized support tailored to each location.

The newly connected domains under the NIVW umbrella include a comprehensive list of U.S. states and key international regions, marking a significant milestone in the organization’s growth. Notable among these are DistrictOfColumbiaVeterans.com, PuertoRicoVeterans.com, OklahomaVeterans.com, and several international platforms such as SwedenVeterans.com and ColombiaVeterans.com, reinforcing the organization's goal of providing veterans with a global support system.

Expanding U.S. and International Veteran Domains

With the addition of these domains, National Invest In Veterans Week® now covers an extensive range of U.S. states and territories, including:

• FloridaVeterans.com

• KansasVeterans.com

• RhodeIslandVeterans.com

• MarylandVeterans.com

• LouisianaVeterans.com

• PennsylvaniaVeterans.com

• SouthCarolinaVeterans.com

• MississippiVeterans.com

• WyomingVeterans.com

• NorthDakotaVeterans.com

• NewJerseyVeterans.com

• TennesseeVeterans.com

• WestVirginiaVeterans.com

• IowaVeterans.com

• DistrictOfColumbiaVeterans.com

• OklahomaVeterans.com

• PuertoRicoVeterans.com

Internationally, the NIVW brand has also expanded its influence with new domains such as:

• PolandVeterans.com

• TurkeyVeterans.com

• SpainVeterans.com

• GermanyVeterans.com

• NorwayVeterans.com

• AustraliaVeterans.com

• SouthKoreaVeterans.com

• JapanVeterans.com

• FranceVeterans.com

• UnitedKingdomVeterans.com

• ItalyVeterans.com

• NatoVeterans.com

• UnitedNationsVeterans.com

• Veterans.International

• SwedenVeterans.com

• ColombiaVeterans.com

This global portfolio ensures that veterans from all corners of the world have access to vital information, support services, and resources, creating a sense of community and belonging no matter where they are located.

Jeff Shuford’s Visionary Leadership

The success of this expansion can be directly attributed to the leadership and vision of Jeff Shuford. His unwavering dedication to veteran advocacy has driven National Invest In Veterans Week® to become one of the most prestigious initiatives supporting veterans worldwide. By securing these domains, Shuford ensures that veterans are not only recognized and supported but are also empowered to connect with others who share their experiences, challenges, and aspirations.

Shuford’s insight into the importance of digital platforms in today’s world has allowed NIVW to be at the forefront of technological advancements. By establishing these connected domains, Shuford is positioning NIVW as a leader in the digital space, creating a lasting infrastructure that will continue to serve veterans for years to come. His leadership in acquiring and managing these domain assets exemplifies his commitment to providing veterans with accessible, region-specific platforms where they can find the resources they need.

A Testament to Digital Stewardship

The addition of these domains highlights National Invest In Veterans Week’s role as a digital steward for veterans globally. By investing in these digital assets, Jeff Shuford and NIVW are ensuring that veterans have access to the tools and support networks they need to thrive. This expansion is more than just a growth strategy; it is a pledge to serve veterans more effectively by bridging the gaps between them and the resources they deserve.

With this ever-growing network, National Invest In Veterans Week® continues to set new standards for veteran support. These domains provide a foundation for future growth, ensuring that the veteran community has access to a robust digital infrastructure that will enable them to flourish both in their personal and professional lives.

Looking Forward

As National Invest In Veterans Week® moves forward, it remains dedicated to expanding its network and finding new ways to support veterans worldwide. Under the guidance of Jeff Shuford, the organization will continue to grow, innovating new methods to engage with and assist veterans. With these connected domains, NIVW solidifies its place as a global leader in veteran advocacy, ensuring that no veteran is left behind.

Shuford’s vision of a connected, supportive global veteran community is now closer to reality, thanks to this remarkable expansion. His efforts are a beacon of hope for veterans everywhere, providing them with the tools, resources, and networks they need to succeed in civilian life.

National Invest In Veterans Week® is proud to be at the forefront of this movement, and under Jeff Shuford’s leadership, it will continue to lead the way in providing comprehensive support to veterans worldwide.