The New Digital Footprint of Veteran Advocacy: What the World Is Searching For

Here’s the link to the active report (valid until December 19th):
https://app.seogets.com/share/XgdxiIWrEq6ziFdfy2Or

National Invest In Veterans Week® began as a congressionally recognized observance led by Iraq War veteran Jeff Shuford. Supported by proclamations from mayors, governors and regional leaders, the week has grown into a national platform for honoring veteran entrepreneurship, economic empowerment and civic contribution. In just a few years it has expanded well beyond its American roots: NIVW is now celebrated across nineteen states and twenty‑one countries and spans more than sixty global markets, offering mentorship and funding opportunities that uplift veteran founders worldwide. That global reach has amplified the week’s digital footprint, turning it into a search phenomenon.

Analysis of recent search data shows that the majority of queries continue to revolve around the name of the initiative itself. People are not only searching for “invest in veterans week” but also for its formal title and for the names of its founders, reflecting a desire to learn about the individuals and institutions behind the movement. Related queries explore holiday observances (such as the official status of Veterans Day around the world), advisory councils, and even cultural ties like The Five Satins, indicating a deepening curiosity about the program’s heritage and leadership. A new wave of search interest also connects veteran advocacy with cutting‑edge technology: “OpenAI veterans program news” is among the fastest‑growing queries, suggesting that audiences are beginning to see AI innovation as part of the veteran‑entrepreneurship conversation. On the financial front, searchers are asking about retirement accounts for veterans, investment products for wounded service members and how to manage VA disability benefits—signaling a hunger for trustworthy financial guidance.

The geographic spread of search interest tells an even richer story. While the United States remains the primary source of traffic, the fastest growth is coming from emerging markets. Search volume from Bangladesh has surged by more than two‑and‑a‑half times, while new interest from Poland, Czechia, Ghana and Pakistan has leapt from virtually zero to a meaningful presence. Australia has seen search inquiries grow by more than seventy percent, and Nigeria and Germany have roughly doubled. These triple‑digit increases highlight a truly global resonance; communities across Asia, Europe and Africa are now seeking information about veterans’ economic empowerment. Even within North America, Canada’s query volume has climbed by roughly one‑third, underscoring momentum in neighboring markets.

The quality of this traffic is improving along with its quantity. Within the ranking tiers, the share of top‑position queries (positions 1–3) has grown by about one‑third, while mid‑tier queries (positions 11–20) have risen by more than ten percent. This shift suggests that National Invest In Veterans Week® content is moving higher in search results and capturing more qualified intent. Device usage patterns reinforce the picture of deeper engagement: desktop queries have climbed by double digits, reflecting longer research sessions and more deliberate reading, while mobile searches remain strong but stable. Meanwhile, the most‑viewed page continues to be a comprehensive guide on how veterans can invest their disability benefits—evidence that well‑crafted educational content drives sustained interest.

Taken together, these trends paint a picture of a brand in ascent. What was once a grassroots observance is now a global movement with measurable digital momentum. The convergence of veteran advocacy, entrepreneurship, financial literacy and even AI ethics—areas in which Jeff Shuford has become an influential voice—is attracting audiences from every continent. As new queries emerge and international participation accelerates, National Invest In Veterans Week® stands poised not only to honor the past but to shape the future of veteran economic empowerment.

Flashback Feature: Virginia’s 2020 Call to “Invest in Veterans” Still Resonates Today

TL;DR

In a 2020 statewide message, Virginia Secretary Carlos Hopkins encouraged Virginians to invest in veterans by supporting the Virginia Veterans Services Foundation, highlighting critical services such as housing stability, behavioral health, workforce transition, and emergency relief. The message reflected the same investment-focused philosophy later formalized through National Invest In Veterans Week®.

Watch the original video:
https://vimeo.com/460338460

Full Story

In September 2020, at a time when the country faced deep uncertainty, Virginia delivered a message rooted in commitment and clarity: investing in veterans is essential to the strength of the Commonwealth.

This message was delivered by Carlos Hopkins, Virginia’s Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs, in a statewide video titled “How You Can Invest in Virginia Veterans by Supporting the Virginia Veterans Services Foundation.” Filmed on the grounds of the Virginia State Capitol, the video outlined why veteran support must be treated as a long-term civic investment rather than a one-time act.

Watch the official video:
https://vimeo.com/460338460

A Foundation Designed to Close Critical Gaps

Hopkins emphasized that the Virginia Veterans Services Foundation functions as a lifeline for veterans facing challenges that traditional institutions often cannot resolve alone. The Foundation plays a direct role in:

• Emergency financial assistance

• Homelessness prevention and rapid re-housing

• Mental and behavioral health support

• Workforce re-entry and transition programs

• Support for Gold Star families

• Crisis assistance for veterans and their dependents

Hopkins’ framing was intentional: veteran support is not charity — it is infrastructure.
It strengthens families, fortifies the workforce, and keeps local communities stable.

Learn more about the Foundation:
https://www.dvs.virginia.gov/veterans-services-foundation

A Message That Foreshadowed a National Movement

Hopkins’ remarks now read as an early articulation of a philosophy that would soon scale far beyond Virginia.

Within a few years, the idea of “investing in veterans” became the cornerstone of the nationwide observance National Invest In Veterans Week® (March 1–7)—co-founded and architected by Jeff Shuford. Shuford’s model elevated the concept from state-level guidance to a national framework embraced by policymakers, corporate partners, veteran advocates, and international markets.

What Virginia previewed in 2020 became the language adopted across more than 40 regions globally through the expanding National Invest In Veterans Week® platform.

Virginia as a Structural Blueprint for Veteran Investment

Virginia hosts one of the nation’s most significant concentrations of transitioning service members. Its veteran population, combined with a broad network of bases and Guard components, requires a modern, responsive support system. The Veterans Services Foundation became one of the earliest models for:

• Targeted funding

• Impact-driven resource allocation

• Community–government partnership

• Readiness-focused support

Many states now look to the Virginia framework when shaping their own investment-based veteran ecosystems.

Positioning the Flashback in Today’s Context

Today, the 2020 message stands as more than a video—it is an early chapter in a larger national narrative that recognizes veterans as:

• Economic drivers

• High-impact entrepreneurs

• Community stabilizers

• Policy-shaping leaders

National Invest In Veterans Week® embodies those same principles, positioning veteran empowerment as a measurable investment in America’s future.

Hopkins’ 2020 call to action reminds us that even before the national observance took shape, the foundation for investment-centered advocacy had already begun in states like Virginia.

Empowering Female Veteran Entrepreneurs: Lessons from Angel Shuford

The entrepreneurial spirit of female veterans reflects the strength, discipline, and leadership cultivated during their military service. Yet, despite these inherent qualities, female veteran entrepreneurs face systemic challenges that hinder their ability to start, scale, and sustain successful businesses.

Angel Shuford, Vice President and CFO of National Invest in Veterans Week® (NIVW), has championed initiatives like FeMil℠ and FeMil Lead℠ to bridge these gaps. Drawing from her vision and experience, Angel’s lessons emphasize resilience, adaptability, and the power of mentorship in transforming entrepreneurial challenges into opportunities.

This comprehensive article explores these lessons, outlines actionable strategies for addressing systemic barriers, and presents a compelling call to action for legislative support to empower female veteran entrepreneurs.

Lesson 1: Resilience is the Foundation of Entrepreneurship

Angel Shuford likens female veterans to Fe (iron)—strong, resilient, and unyielding under pressure. This strength, she believes, is the foundation upon which female veterans can build thriving businesses.

How Resilience Translates to Business Success

• Overcoming Adversity: The military instills the ability to face challenges head-on. In business, this translates to tackling setbacks like funding rejections or market competition.

• Focus Under Pressure: Entrepreneurs often operate in high-stakes environments. Female veterans, accustomed to making critical decisions, excel in these conditions.

Actionable Takeaways

• Build daily habits that reinforce mental resilience, such as goal setting and reflection.

• Cultivate a mindset of persistence, viewing obstacles as opportunities for growth.

Lesson 2: Adaptability Leads to Transformative Leadership

While resilience provides the strength to endure, adaptability transforms challenges into opportunities. Angel highlights the symbolism of Pb (lead)—a material known for its flexibility and ability to bear weight—as the essence of transformative leadership.

The Importance of Adaptability in Entrepreneurship

• Navigating Change: In rapidly evolving industries, adaptability allows entrepreneurs to pivot strategies and embrace innovation.

• Carrying Responsibility: As leaders, female veterans must guide teams, manage resources, and make decisions that impact the future of their businesses.

Actionable Takeaways

• Develop a learning mindset by staying informed about industry trends and emerging technologies.

• Practice flexibility by experimenting with new approaches and remaining open to constructive feedback.

Lesson 3: Mentorship Accelerates Growth

Mentorship has been a cornerstone of Angel Shuford’s initiatives, offering female veterans access to seasoned entrepreneurs and industry leaders. She emphasizes that mentorship is more than guidance—it’s a pathway to building confidence, expanding networks, and accelerating growth.

Why Mentorship Matters

• Knowledge Transfer: Mentors share insights and strategies that help mentees avoid common pitfalls.

• Networking Opportunities: Mentors open doors to partnerships, collaborations, and funding opportunities.

• Confidence Building: Support from experienced leaders empowers female veterans to pursue ambitious goals.

Actionable Takeaways

• Seek out mentors who align with your business goals and values.

• Leverage mentorship opportunities by preparing specific questions and actionable plans.

Lesson 4: Collaboration Drives Innovation

Angel advocates for fostering collaboration among female veteran entrepreneurs to drive innovation and collective success. By sharing resources, expertise, and support, women can overcome systemic barriers more effectively.

Benefits of Collaboration

• Shared Resources: Collaborative networks provide access to funding, technology, and market insights.

• Collective Learning: Entrepreneurs can learn from each other’s successes and challenges.

• Stronger Communities: Collaboration fosters a sense of unity and shared purpose.

Actionable Takeaways

• Join industry groups or veteran-focused networks to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs.

• Participate in events, workshops, and initiatives that encourage knowledge sharing.

The Role of FeMil℠ and FeMil Lead℠ in Supporting Entrepreneurs

Angel’s leadership has driven the development of FeMil℠ and FeMil Lead℠, two transformative programs that embody these lessons.

FeMil℠: Building Resilience

FeMil℠ equips aspiring entrepreneurs with foundational tools and resources, including:

• Networking opportunities to connect with peers and mentors.

• Guidance on business formation and strategic planning.

• Financial education to secure startup capital.

FeMil Lead℠: Fostering Leadership

FeMil Lead℠ focuses on scaling businesses and cultivating leadership skills, offering:

• Advanced training in strategic decision-making and team management.

• Access to cutting-edge tools for business growth.

• Personalized mentorship tailored to individual goals.

A Legislative Call to Action: The Invest in Veterans Stimulus Act

To fully empower female veteran entrepreneurs, systemic barriers must be dismantled through legislative action. The Invest in Veterans Stimulus Act provides a framework for addressing these challenges.

Key Provisions

1. Startup Tax Credits

   • A $15,000 tax credit for veteran-owned businesses in high-growth sectors like technology, renewable energy, and healthcare.

2. Low-Interest Loans

   • Expanded Small Business Administration (SBA) programs with a 2% interest rate reduction for veteran entrepreneurs.

3. Mentorship Networks

   • Federal funding to establish structured mentorship programs, ensuring long-term support.

4. Public-Private Partnerships

   • $300 million in annual grants to foster collaboration between veteran-owned businesses and corporations.

5. Streamlined Federal Contracting

   • Leveraging AI to simplify federal contracting applications and reserving 12% of contracts for veteran-owned businesses.

Why Legislators Must Act

• Economic Impact: Veteran-owned businesses contribute over $1.2 trillion annually to the U.S. economy. Empowering female veterans will amplify this impact.

• Job Creation: The Act is projected to create 1.5 million new jobs by 2030.

• Innovation Leadership: Female veterans bring unique perspectives to industries like AI, cybersecurity, and sustainable energy.

The Global Expansion of FeMil℠ and FeMil Lead℠

Recognizing the universal value of veteran leadership, FeMil℠ and FeMil Lead℠ have expanded to 62 global markets, creating opportunities for female veterans worldwide.

Key Platforms

• FloridaVeterans.com: Supporting healthcare and tourism industries.

• GermanyVeterans.com: Driving innovation in green technology.

• PhilippinesVeterans.com: Encouraging growth in agriculture and e-commerce.

Forging Legacies: A Path Forward

Angel Shuford’s lessons remind us that female veterans are not just building businesses—they are forging legacies. By combining resilience (Fe) with adaptability (Pb), these women are creating a future where they lead with purpose, strength, and innovation.

Through initiatives like FeMil℠ and FeMil Lead℠, supported by the Invest in Veterans Stimulus Act, we can ensure that female veteran entrepreneurs thrive. Legislators, businesses, and communities must come together to honor their service and support their success.

Join the movement to empower female veteran entrepreneurs:

• Visit Invest in Veterans Week.

• Advocate for the Invest in Veterans Stimulus Act with your local representatives.

Together, we can create a legacy of resilience, leadership, and opportunity for future generations of female veteran entrepreneurs.