On July 24, 2025, the National Veteran Business Development Council (NVBDC) launched a groundbreaking initiative to expand the global footprint of Veteran-Owned Businesses (VOBs) and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses (SDVOBs). The live webinar, Unlocking Global Opportunities, kicked off NVBDC’s global trade platform—an ambitious effort that goes beyond certification to help veterans take their businesses across borders.
For more than a decade, NVBDC has led the way in ensuring SD/VOBs have access to the $122 billion supplier diversity marketplace, partnering with over 200 corporations committed to doing business with certified veteran suppliers. Now, NVBDC is extending that mission by actively helping certified businesses break into international trade—unlocking new revenue streams and long-term growth through exports.
“This is not just about exporting goods—it’s about exporting leadership, discipline, and innovation,” said NVBDC Founder & CEO Keith King. “Veteran-owned businesses have what it takes to lead in international markets. We’re here to make sure they get the access and support they deserve.”
A Commanding Kickoff
The session was introduced by Brigadier General (Ret) Richard Miller, President of NVBDC, who welcomed attendees and emphasized that this initiative is the natural evolution of NVBDC’s mission to empower veteran entrepreneurs.
“Veteran business owners bring a sense of mission, resilience, and integrity to everything they do,” said General Miller. “With the right guidance and global support, there is no limit to what they can accomplish. NVBDC is proud to stand at the forefront of helping them rise to that potential.”
The webinar highlighted that while NVBDC remains committed to building access to domestic supplier pipelines, its evolving partnerships with federal agencies are now opening doors globally—providing certified SD/VOBs with real-world export education, financing tools, matchmaking support, and international connections.
Featured Experts Empowering the Export Journey
Attendees heard from a dynamic panel of trade and export finance professionals who are working hand-in-hand with NVBDC to support veteran businesses ready to go global:
- Anthony Sargis, Senior International Trade Specialist, U.S. Department of Commerce – Sargis leads the VetsGoGlobal initiative, connecting VOBs to the U.S. Commercial Service’s international resources. “Our VetsGoGlobal initiative was designed to empower the veteran business community by providing export guidance and support for U.S. goods and services,” he said.
- Brian Beams, Director, Global Financial Services Team, U.S. Department of Commerce – A co-founder of VetsGoGlobal, Beams helps firms navigate commercial diplomacy, compliance, and international business development.
- Miguel Peñaloza, Export Finance Manager, SBA – Miguel shared how SBA export loan programs can fund equipment purchases, working capital, and international expansion for SD/VOBs.
- Jonathan Brady, Senior Business Development Officer, EXIM Bank – Brady explained how EXIM’s financial tools like credit insurance and buyer financing can protect veteran-owned exporters and help them scale confidently.
Real Dialogue from the Front Lines
The webinar wasn’t just a lecture—it was a live, candid conversation between experts and veteran entrepreneurs. Attendees brought their challenges and questions forward:
- Exporting to countries like Russia and Azerbaijan
- Securing private capital for bulk international orders
- Facility Clearance Level (FCL) barriers in DoD and corporate contracts
- Connecting with the right partners in global markets
- Understanding how NVBDC certification fits into international trade
Veteran-owned companies from industries as diverse as coffee, energy storage, logistics, and consulting engaged in deep discussions with the experts, signaling strong interest and high demand for continued education and support.
Leveraging the U.S. Commercial Service for Success
Anthony Sargis provided a robust walkthrough of the U.S. & Foreign Commercial Service, part of the Department of Commerce, which offers a wide range of services:
- International Buyer Matchmaking
- Gold Key Services for in-country meetings with vetted partners
- Initial Market Checks and Virtual Partner Introductions
- Due Diligence Reports, Tariff Tools, and Country Commercial Guides
- eCommerce Optimization for global reach
- Trade Missions and Promotion Events for exposure to international buyers
With more than 100 offices across the U.S. and 70+ embassies and consulates worldwide, the Commercial Service offers certified SD/VOBs unprecedented reach. Companies that meet the 51% U.S. Content Rule are eligible for these export services, helping them accelerate growth without navigating complex markets alone.
Financing Global Growth: SBA and EXIM Bank
Miguel Peñaloza detailed the SBA’s export loan options—tailored specifically for small businesses looking to finance overseas contracts and operations. SBA’s support can help certified veteran-owned businesses manage long-term risk while expanding confidently.
Jonathan Brady emphasized EXIM’s commitment to small businesses, noting that 90% of its transactions support emerging exporters. Whether it’s protecting against buyer nonpayment or offering working capital, EXIM ensures U.S. businesses—especially veteran-owned ones—remain competitive in a crowded global arena.
NVBDC: From Certification to Global Acceleration
As NVBDC President General Dick Miller noted in his opening remarks, this webinar wasn’t a standalone session—it was the launch of a new chapter in veteran business development.
“Veteran business owners are among the most driven, ethical, and capable entrepreneurs in the country,” said Miller. “Now it’s time to make sure the world knows it.”
Mark Your Calendar – Next Webinar: September 9, 2025
If you missed this first session, don’t worry – another opportunity is coming!
Join us for Part 2 of Unlocking Global Opportunities on Monday, September 9, 2025. The next webinar will go deeper into tools, case studies, and advanced export planning. Whether you’re just getting started or ready to grow your international sales, you don’t want to miss this.
Key Takeaways
- NVBDC-certified SD/VOBs now have access to both domestic and international markets.
- Through partnerships with the U.S. Commercial Service, SBA, and EXIM Bank, certified veteran-owned businesses receive export support and real opportunities for growth.
- The $122 billion supplier diversity marketplace is just the beginning—global trade is the next frontier.
- NVBDC is not only opening doors—we’re walking through them with you.
Your Global Journey Starts Here
If you’re a veteran entrepreneur ready to explore global markets, NVBDC and our federal and corporate partners are ready to help.
Register for the next webinar: nvbdc.org/events
Veterans built to serve are now built to scale. Let’s go global—together.
