Breaking into international markets isn’t just about having a great product.
It’s about having access to capital, understanding risk, and knowing how to navigate the complexities of global trade.
That was the focus of NVBDC’s recent Export Readiness Financial Training Webinar, where veteran-owned businesses were given a clear, practical look at the financial tools and protections available to help them scale beyond U.S. borders.
At the National Veteran Business Development Council (NVBDC), the mission continues to evolve, moving veteran-owned businesses from being prepared… to being positioned for global success.
This session delivered exactly that.
The conversation began with insights from U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), highlighting how access to capital remains one of the most critical barriers, and opportunities for businesses looking to export.
Through loan guarantees, working capital programs, and export-specific financing solutions, the SBA is actively reducing risk for lenders while opening doors for small businesses. Programs like 7(a) loans, 504 loans, and export-focused financing tools are designed to give veteran entrepreneurs the flexibility to invest in growth—whether that means expanding operations, purchasing equipment, or entering new international markets.
Just as important, the session reinforced that businesses don’t have to navigate this alone. From STEP grant funding to advisory support through Small Business Development Centers and U.S. Export Assistance Centers, the infrastructure is already in place.
The opportunity is there, if you know how to access it.
That foundation led into a deeper discussion with the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM), where the focus shifted from access… to protection and scale.
Exporting introduces a new level of complexity, payment risk, political instability, currency fluctuations. These aren’t small challenges. They’re the reasons many businesses hesitate to expand internationally.
EXIM exists to remove that hesitation.
Through tools like export credit insurance, working capital guarantees, and buyer financing, EXIM enables U.S. companies to compete globally with confidence. By mitigating risk and improving cash flow, these solutions allow businesses to pursue international opportunities they might otherwise pass on.
And notably, small businesses are at the center of this effort, making up nearly 90% of EXIM’s transactions.
That’s not by accident. It’s a strategic focus.
The session also highlighted forward-looking initiatives like the Make More in America Initiative and the China & Transformational Exports Program, both designed to strengthen domestic manufacturing while expanding global competitiveness.
But beyond the programs and policies, one of the most impactful moments came from real-world experience.
Buck Wheeler, President and CEO of EZ Animal Products, brought the conversation to life, sharing how persistence, adaptability, and relationship-building helped grow his company into an exporter serving more than 70 countries.
His message was simple, but powerful:
Exporting isn’t linear. It’s learned.
From navigating logistics and payment structures to building distributor networks, success in international markets comes from experience—and from leveraging the right resources along the way.
That’s where NVBDC continues to play a critical role.
Through its global initiatives, strategic partnerships, and Services Committee programming, NVBDC is not just educating veteran-owned businesses, it’s actively building pathways into the global supply chain.
Because the future of veteran business success isn’t limited to domestic markets. It’s GLOBAL.
What’s Next
This webinar is part of NVBDC’s broader commitment to digital readiness and international growth, equipping veteran-owned businesses with the tools, knowledge, and connections needed to compete at the highest level.
More sessions are on the way. And for those ready to take the next step, this is where opportunity begins.
Missed the webinar? Don’t miss the insights.
