The 2026 NVBDC National Conference is bringing veteran-owned businesses together with corporations, procurement professionals, and organizations committed to expanding supplier opportunities—and State Compensation Insurance Fund (SCIF) will be part of this year’s event.
SCIF will attend and exhibit at the conference, taking place October 4–6, 2026, at MotorCity Casino Hotel in Detroit, Michigan.
Themed Mission: POSSIBLE, the conference is designed to help veteran entrepreneurs build relationships, strengthen their procurement readiness, and connect directly with organizations that may have a need for the products and services they provide.
Creating Access to New Opportunities
One of the greatest values of the NVBDC National Conference is access.
For many veteran-owned businesses, connecting directly with procurement professionals and representatives from large organizations can be difficult. The conference helps close that gap by bringing both sides together in an environment designed for meaningful business conversations.
SCIF’s participation gives attendees an opportunity to introduce their companies, discuss their capabilities, learn more about potential procurement needs, and better understand where their products or services may fit within a large organization.
“Participation from organizations like State Compensation Insurance Fund is critical to creating meaningful opportunities for veteran-owned businesses,” said Elaine M. Taylor, Executive Director of NVBDC. “The NVBDC National Conference is about creating access—bringing qualified veteran business owners and procurement professionals together so they can build relationships that lead to real business opportunities.”
Turning Certification Into Relationships
Certification can help establish credibility, but certification alone does not create a contract.
Veteran-owned businesses also need relationships, knowledge, preparation, and a clear understanding of how their capabilities align with organizational needs.
Through NVBDC 3.0 and Mission: POSSIBLE, NVBDC continues to expand its focus beyond certification and help veteran entrepreneurs become better prepared, better connected, and better positioned to compete within corporate and institutional supply chains.
The National Conference is one of the most important ways NVBDC brings that mission to life.
What Veteran Business Owners Can Expect
The 2026 NVBDC National Conference will provide three days of opportunities to learn, network, and build relationships with organizations from across the country.
Conference activities will include:
- One-on-one matchmaking
- Networking with procurement professionals
- Educational sessions
- Expert-led panels
- Breakout sessions
- Veteran Marketplace
- Direct engagement with corporate and organizational representatives
Attendees are encouraged to visit the State Compensation Insurance Fund exhibit and take advantage of the opportunity to introduce their companies and start conversations that could continue long after the conference.
Come Ready to Talk About Your Business
The best way to take advantage of an opportunity like this is to come prepared.
Veteran entrepreneurs should be ready to clearly explain what their businesses do, the markets they serve, the problems they solve, and what makes their companies different.
Bring your capability statement. Know your value proposition. Be prepared to ask questions and learn about potential organizational needs.
The goal is not simply to make an introduction—it is to begin building a relationship.
About State Compensation Insurance Fund
State Compensation Insurance Fund is a California-based provider of workers’ compensation insurance and related services. The organization serves employers throughout California and supports workplace safety, injury prevention, and effective workers’ compensation programs.
Its presence at the NVBDC National Conference provides another opportunity for veteran-owned businesses to connect with a large organization and gain greater insight into potential procurement needs.
Join SCIF and NVBDC in Detroit
The 2026 NVBDC National Conference – Mission: POSSIBLE will bring together veteran business owners, procurement professionals, corporations, supplier inclusion leaders, and other decision-makers for three days focused on creating connections and opening doors.
Veteran entrepreneurs looking to expand their networks, strengthen their procurement readiness, and explore new business opportunities are encouraged to attend.
2026 NVBDC National Conference – Mission: POSSIBLE
October 4–6, 2026
MotorCity Casino Hotel
Detroit, Michigan
