How to Get a Proclamation for National Invest In Veterans Week® (2026)

Empowering Communities and Legislators to Honor Veteran Entrepreneurs

National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW) is an impactful global initiative celebrated from March 1–7, honoring the contributions of veteran entrepreneurs. Proclamations amplify this cause by formalizing recognition, mobilizing communities, and securing legislative support.

This guide will walk you through securing proclamations, provide advanced pro-tips for success, and offer an exclusive action plan for legislators to honor veteran entrepreneurs in the Congressional Record during NIVW 2026.

Steps to Secure a Proclamation

1. For Communities Without Legislative Action (Executive Proclamations)

Mayors and Governors often issue executive proclamations without the need for a vote.

• Contact Local Leaders: Call your mayor’s or governor’s office to understand their specific proclamation process. Contact information is typically available on your city or town’s official website. Note the required timeline—proclamations can take several months to issue.

• Find a Sponsor: Identify a supportive mayor, city council member, or governor. Utilize personal connections or ask the office for recommendations. Provide supporting materials, such as examples of previous proclamations (e.g., South Carolina’s NIVW proclamation).

• Clarify the Process: Work closely with your sponsor to establish a roadmap for approval. Offer additional resources, such as letters of support, veteran speakers, or presentation materials.

• Mobilize Community Support: Encourage friends, co-workers, and local organizations to write letters or schedule visits to advocate for the proclamation. Share veteran success stories and data regarding the economic impact of veteran-owned businesses.

• Follow Up Persistently: Maintain contact with your sponsor to ensure the proclamation moves forward. Be proactive in offering assistance to address any delays or concerns.

2. For Communities Requiring Legislative Action (Resolutions)

Some cities and states require a council or assembly vote to pass a resolution.

• Begin Immediately: If legislative action is necessary, start early. Resolutions requiring city council or state legislature approval can take significant time to draft, debate, and pass.

• Secure a Legislative Sponsor: Identify a state senator, representative, or council member who champions veteran entrepreneurship. Leverage existing relationships or educate potential sponsors about the initiative.

• Prepare for Hearings: Provide materials emphasizing the contributions of veteran entrepreneurs and their impact on the economy. Arrange for speakers—such as local veterans or business owners—to testify during hearings.

• Elicit Community Backing: Encourage local leaders and constituents to write letters or advocate for the resolution. Legislators value hearing from their communities; highlight this constituent support.

• Track Progress: Regularly check in with your sponsor and offer additional resources or assistance as needed.

Advanced Pro-Tips for Success

• Leverage Media and Social Proof: Highlight the initiative’s prior recognition by Congress and its success in 40 markets worldwide. Share testimonials from veteran business owners and local leaders who have benefited from NIVW.

• Create a Sense of Urgency: Position the proclamation as an opportunity to align with a globally recognized initiative in 2026. Emphasize the limited window to celebrate this milestone event during its designated week (March 1–7).

• Personalize Your Pitch: Tailor your messaging to resonate with local values. For example, emphasize the unique contributions of veterans in your specific region or state.

Action Plan for Legislators

Entering Veteran Entrepreneurs in the Congressional Record During NIVW 2026

As a legislator, you hold the power to create lasting recognition for veteran entrepreneurs by honoring them in the Congressional Record. This step not only solidifies your commitment to veterans but also aligns your leadership with a movement recognized worldwide.

Compelling Legislators to Act: The Drivers

• Social Validation: Point to the growing number of cities, states, and countries issuing proclamations to highlight their leadership in veteran advocacy.

• Reputation Building: Position their support as a legacy move—cementing their name in history as a champion of veteran entrepreneurs.

• Patriotic Duty: Frame this act as an essential part of their responsibility to honor those who have served and continue to contribute economically.

Steps for Entering the Congressional Record

1. Introduce a Resolution: Work with staffers to draft language recognizing veteran entrepreneurs. Include their economic contributions and the significance of National Invest In Veterans Week®.

2. Collaborate with NIVW Leaders: Partner with National Invest In Veterans Week® organizers to provide supporting data and testimonials.

3. Amplify the Announcement: Host a press conference or public event announcing the entry into the Congressional Record. Invite local veteran entrepreneurs to share their stories during the announcement.

Sample Language for the Congressional Record

General Recognition:

"Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize the extraordinary contributions of veteran entrepreneurs as part of National Invest In Veterans Week. These individuals have not only served their country with honor but continue to drive innovation, create jobs, and strengthen our economy. As we observe this week, I encourage my colleagues to join me in celebrating the resilience, dedication, and success of these outstanding veterans."

Specific Recognition for a Veteran Entrepreneur:

"Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the exceptional contributions of [Veteran Entrepreneur’s Name], a distinguished member of our veteran community and an outstanding entrepreneur whose work exemplifies the spirit of National Invest In Veterans Week.

Having served our country with unwavering dedication, [Name] has carried the values of integrity, leadership, and resilience into the business world. As the founder of [Business Name], [Name] has not only built a thriving enterprise but has also created opportunities for others, employing [number] individuals and driving economic growth in our community.

Their commitment to innovation and their dedication to giving back to fellow veterans embody the essence of this week’s celebration. I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing [Name’s] achievements and the broader veteran entrepreneur community for their indispensable role in shaping our economy and inspiring the next generation of leaders. Let us ensure that their contributions are forever etched in the history of this great nation."

Key Elements to Include in the Record:

• Veteran’s Background: Highlight their military service and how they transitioned those skills into entrepreneurship.

• Business Success: Mention the name of their business, notable achievements, and their impact on the local or national economy.

• Community Impact: Emphasize their role in supporting other veterans or contributing to community development.

• Call to Action: Encourage colleagues to join in celebrating the veteran’s achievements and the significance of NIVW.

Why Proclamations and Congressional Entries Matter

Proclamations and Congressional Record entries do more than just provide recognition—they:

• Support Veteran Entrepreneurs: Amplify their voices and provide them with opportunities to thrive.

• Foster Community Pride: Encourage local and global communities to unite in honoring veterans.

Join the Movement

By working together, we can make National Invest In Veterans Week® 2026 a historic event recognized by leaders across the globe. Whether you are an individual advocating for a proclamation or a legislator entering names into the Congressional Record, your efforts help create a brighter future for veteran entrepreneurs.