The National Veteran Business Development Council (NVBDC) recently hosted another impactful session in its Export Webinar Series, presented in partnership with the U.S. Commercial Service (ITA), Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM), and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Building on the momentum of our inaugural event, this session focused on equipping service-disabled and veteran-owned businesses (VOBs) with the tools, insights, and financial resources they need to succeed in international markets.
The webinar emphasized the tremendous potential that exporting holds for veteran entrepreneurs. With 95% of consumers located outside the United States, expanding into international markets offers unmatched opportunities for growth, diversification, and long-term success. Panelists provided clear pathways to help service-disabled and veteran-owned businesses take advantage of these opportunities.
A distinguished panel of experts from ITA, EXIM, and SBA shared practical strategies and government-backed resources designed to lower barriers and reduce risks for exporters. Key highlights included:
- U.S. Commercial Service (ITA): Helping connect veteran businesses to international markets through advocacy, matchmaking, and global market access programs.
- Export-Import Bank of the U.S. (EXIM): Offering risk mitigation tools and financing solutions to support U.S. exporters. Notably, 87% of EXIM’s transactions benefit small businesses.
- U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA): Providing capital access and reducing loan guarantee fees for veterans. The SBA also introduced a new $5 million loan program tailored to manufacturers.
The SBA also highlighted how its loans can be applied to export-related activities, such as working capital for marketing, employee costs, and international expansion. Through the Export Working Capital Program, lenders can access up to 90% of receivables for international sales, giving service-disabled and veteran-owned businesses the liquidity they need to thrive in foreign markets. Additionally, the State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) was showcased as a valuable resource, providing funds to help cover costs like trade missions, international travel, and market development.
These exporting webinars are just one element of a larger international strategy designed to open doors for certified service-disabled and veteran-owned businesses worldwide. Through its Global Initiatives, NVBDC is building partnerships with global organizations—including chambers of commerce, trade associations, and government agencies—that help extend the reach of certified veteran-owned businesses beyond U.S. borders. By aligning with trusted international partners such as the SBA, EXIM and ITA, NVBDC ensures that our SD/VOBs are positioned to take advantage of cross-border trade opportunities, supplier diversity programs abroad, and export financing resources.
Stay tuned for future sessions in our Export Webinar Series, and continue leveraging the full range of NVBDC’s international resources to help your business thrive on the world stage. With NVBDC certification as your foundation, the opportunity to go global is within reach.
