In today’s interconnected economy, opportunities for growth no longer stop at America’s borders. For veteran-owned businesses, the qualities that define military service — discipline, leadership, and adaptability — are the same traits that drive international success. Now, thanks to the National Veteran Business Development Council (NVBDC) and its powerful new partnerships with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM), International Trade Administration (ITA), and the Global Chamber, those opportunities are expanding like never before.
These strategic collaborations are designed to help NVBDC-certified Service-Disabled and Veteran-Owned Businesses (SD/VOB’s) break into international markets, access funding, and build relationships with global buyers. Here are 10 ways certification with NVBDC can elevate your business on the global stage.
- Unlock Direct Access to Global Trade Experts
Through NVBDC’s partnership with the International Trade Administration (ITA), certified veteran business owners gain access to specialized export advisors, market research tools, and U.S. Commercial Service resources — including introductions to trade missions and overseas buyers ready to do business with American suppliers.
- Build Instant Credibility Worldwide
NVBDC certification is recognized as the gold standard in veteran business verification. It tells corporate partners and international buyers that your company has met the highest standards of ownership and control. That credibility builds trust — an essential currency in global business.
- Access Export Financing Through EXIM Bank
Global expansion often requires capital. NVBDC’s collaboration with the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) gives certified businesses a pathway to export credit insurance, working capital guarantees, and financing solutions that help reduce risk and fuel international growth.
- Connect with a Worldwide Business Network
Through the Global Chamber, NVBDC-certified SD/VOB’s gain entry into an expansive network spanning 525 metropolitan areas worldwide. This connection opens doors to international partners, trade leaders, and multinational corporations seeking to work with certified veteran suppliers.
- Leverage SBA Programs for International Expansion
The SBA continues to champion veteran entrepreneurship through programs like the State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) and export counseling for small businesses. NVBDC certification enhances eligibility for these programs, giving veterans access to government-backed resources that simplify global entry.
- Compete for International Supplier Diversity Contracts
More than 100 NVBDC corporate members — many with global operations — already recognize NVBDC certification. As a result, veteran-owned companies can position themselves for international procurement opportunities, expanding their reach beyond U.S. borders and into multinational supply chains.
- Learn From Experts Through NVBDC’s Global Webinars
Education remains central to NVBDC’s mission. Through the Global Initiatives Webinar Series, certified businesses learn how to navigate export logistics, develop an export plan, secure financing, and engage with international trade officials. These sessions feature subject matter experts from the SBA, EXIM, and ITA, providing veterans with firsthand guidance from the best in the business.
- Gain a Global Advocate for Veteran Entrepreneurs
NVBDC is not just a certifier — it’s an advocate. By working closely with U.S. trade agencies and global partners, NVBDC ensures that veteran entrepreneurs are represented at every level of international commerce and recognized for their contribution to global supply diversity and economic development.
- Receive Guidance at Every Stage of Global Readiness
Whether you’re just starting to explore exporting or already fulfilling overseas contracts, NVBDC’s partnerships provide tailored guidance at every stage. From compliance training to market selection and international matchmaking, veterans receive the support they need to grow with confidence.
- Leave a Legacy That Crosses Borders
Every veteran-owned business carries a story of service, sacrifice, and leadership. Expanding into global markets allows those stories — and the products and services behind them — to inspire and impact people worldwide. With NVBDC certification, that mission becomes a legacy that reaches across continents.
Certification That Opens the World
Becoming NVBDC-certified is more than a badge of honor — it’s a gateway to global opportunity. Through these groundbreaking initiatives with the ITA, SBA, EXIM, and Global Chamber, NVBDC is ensuring that certified veteran-owned businesses are equipped to compete, connect, and thrive on an international scale.
