Veteran-focused organization National Invest In Veterans Week is our choice for the 2021 Veterans in Business Award. Founded in 2019, the organization has positively impacted veteran business owners nationwide with great success. What makes National Invest In Veterans Week unique is its innovative marketing and social impact strategy. Named Best Social Impact Initiative of 2021 by The Ritz Herald and winning the Innovative Media Excellence Award from the Belmont Star are two reasons why this innovative social impact brand is one to watch in the upcoming years. Established by veterans of the U.S. Army and the National Football League in 2019, the brand’s innovations are genuinely astounding.
Erik Pelton, founder and managing attorney of Erik Pelton & Associates, PLLC, had this to say regarding National Invest In Veterans Week’s social impact. “National Invest in Veterans Week is a perfect way to help highlight the value of veteran-owned businesses, as well the meaningful impact starting a successful business can have on the veterans and their impact both individually and as a business in our communities.” From a radio show on Spotify and iHeartRadio to award-winning innovative mobile applications on multiple platforms that help veterans start and grow businesses, you wouldn’t believe that this brand is a self-funded startup.
After the organization established National Invest In Veterans Week with the National Day Calendar, the holiday started to make a significant impact instantaneously. The Fisher House Southern California wrote, “March 1-7 is National Invest in Veterans Week, when ​we honor aspiring and established veteran business owners and their contributions to the economy.” American Heroes Foundation also shared their support for National Invest In Veterans Week. The non-profit organization wrote, “Starting today, it’s National Invest in Veterans Week! The Small Business Administration states that veteran business owners employ over 5.03 million people and had an annual payroll of $195 billion. Considering how they only make up only 9% of business owners, there is no question how important they are to our economy and communities. Get out there and show your support of local veteran owned businesses today!” In addition to the thousands of social media posts highlighting the value of veteran business owners nationwide during National Invest In Veterans Week, Senator Ronnie W. Cromer and Senator Katrina Frye Shealy of South Carolina sponsored legislation to honor veteran business owners during National Invest In Veterans Week earlier this year.
Chynelle Washington, a first responder who serves as director of initiatives for National Invest in Veterans Week, was recently interviewed for Flackee Magazine and shared her perspective regarding the reason for establishing the first week of March as National Invest In Veterans Week. Washington stated, “National Invest In Veterans Week’s mission is to hyper-focus on veteran business owners with a singular spotlight, and there is no better month than March to accomplish that mission.” With the impact National Invest in Veterans Week has both socially, technologically, and legislatively, it’s no better organization to award the 2021 Veterans in Business Award.
