The National Veteran Business Development Council (NVBDC) concluded the month of February with a dynamic session hosted by the NVBDC Services Committee, uniting veteran-owned businesses with corporate leadership from BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) to explore supplier inclusion opportunities and pathways into global supply chains.
John E. Taylor opened the webinar by welcoming participants and reinforcing NVBDC’s commitment to creating meaningful access to corporate opportunities for certified veteran-owned businesses. The session featured Anisha Jackson of BD, who provided a comprehensive overview of the company’s mission to advance healthcare while strengthening its supplier inclusion strategy.
Jackson highlighted BD’s strong commitment to diverse suppliers, noting that the company’s supplier inclusion program has generated an impressive $1.98 billion economic impact. She emphasized that BD continues to expand its efforts beyond the United States, with growing opportunities in the United Kingdom and Latin America, creating new avenues for veteran-owned businesses to engage internationally.
Throughout the session, Taylor reminded participants that NVBDC certification serves as a powerful gateway to opportunity, offering credibility and visibility within corporate procurement ecosystems. However, he stressed that certification alone does not guarantee business success. Preparation, capability alignment, and relationship-building remain essential components of securing contracts and long-term partnerships.
Jackson provided valuable insights into what BD looks for in potential suppliers, including adherence to its supplier code of conduct, commitment to sustainability, and compliance with operational standards. She encouraged veteran entrepreneurs to approach engagement strategically by researching BD’s business priorities and understanding how their capabilities align with the company’s needs.
Suppliers interested in working with BD were advised to register through the company’s Viva supplier portal and upload key materials such as capability statements and case studies to support evaluation and matchmaking efforts. The importance of case studies was emphasized as a critical tool for demonstrating real-world problem-solving capabilities, measurable results, and past performance that can differentiate suppliers in a competitive procurement environment.
In addition to strong documentation, BD encouraged suppliers to maintain ongoing engagement with procurement teams and category managers. Building relationships and staying connected helps suppliers remain informed about evolving needs, upcoming opportunities, and areas where their capabilities may align with BD’s strategic priorities.
To foster collaboration among attendees, the webinar also featured a QR-enabled networking tool, allowing participants to share their capabilities and connect with fellow veteran entrepreneurs. Looking ahead, Jackson shared that BD will continue participating in national and regional conferences, offering additional opportunities for veteran-owned businesses to build relationships with procurement leaders and explore future partnerships.
The webinar underscored NVBDC’s ongoing mission to bridge the gap between veteran-owned businesses and corporate America by providing education, access, and strategic connections. As the 2026 programming year progresses, NVBDC remains focused on empowering veteran entrepreneurs with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate supplier inclusion programs and compete successfully in today’s dynamic marketplace.
NVBDC encourages veteran-owned businesses to continue building knowledge, expanding connections, and positioning for corporate opportunities by participating in upcoming educational webinars and corporate engagement sessions.
Register for upcoming NVBDC webinars and events: https://nvbdc.org/events/
These sessions provide direct access to corporate partners, practical supplier readiness guidance, and valuable networking opportunities designed to help veteran entrepreneurs grow and succeed.
