As the original certification organization that is dedicated to promoting and supporting service-disabled and veteran-owned businesses National Veteran Business Development Council (NVBDC) strongly believes that entrepreneurship is another form of employment and that helping veterans succeed in business can have a positive impact on not just the individual veterans, but also their families and the communities in which they reside.
There are many reasons why entrepreneurship is an attractive option for veterans. For one, it allows veterans to use the skills and experience they gained in the military to create their own businesses. Additionally, entrepreneurship can provide veterans with a sense of purpose and fulfillment, which can be difficult to find in traditional employment settings. Moreover, entrepreneurship can provide veterans with a greater degree of control over their work and their lives, which can be especially appealing for those who have experienced the rigidity and structure of military life.
Despite these advantages, starting a business can be challenging for veterans. Some of the obstacles many veterans will face are navigating the complex world of entrepreneurship and a lack of business connections and networks. This is where the National Veteran Business Development Council comes in.
NVBDC offers a range of resources and services to help veterans start and grow their businesses. These include Certification, training, and education opportunities via the NVBDC Services Learning Forum, and assistance with certifications and contracts. Additionally, the NVBDC provides a network of support for veteran-owned businesses, connecting them with other businesses and organizations that can help them succeed.
Another important way that NVBDC helps veterans is by organizing two annual events, the Federal Reserve Matchmaker and the National Veteran Matchmaking Conference. These events provide an unparalleled opportunity for veteran-owned businesses to connect with potential buyers and partners, and to learn about new opportunities in the world of supplier diversity. These industry-leading conferences include a variety of panel discussions, educational sessions, networking opportunities, and of course 1:1 matchmaking with supplier diversity professionals, all designed to help veterans grow and succeed in business. One of the key features of these conferences is the 1:1 matchmaking sessions, which allow service-disabled and veteran-owned businesses to meet one-on-one with supplier diversity professionals from large NVBDC member corporations that are interested in working with certified veteran-owned businesses. During these sessions, veteran-owned businesses can showcase their products and services, discuss potential partnerships or contracts, and make valuable connections that can lead to long-term business relationships.
By supporting veteran-owned businesses, NVBDC is not just helping individual veterans, but also their families and communities. When veterans succeed in business, they create jobs and stimulate economic growth. They also serve as role models and inspirations for other veterans, showing them that entrepreneurship is a viable and rewarding option. Furthermore, veteran-owned businesses often have a strong sense of social responsibility and are committed to giving back to their communities, which can have a positive impact on the overall well-being of the community.
In conclusion, NVBDC’s belief that entrepreneurship is another form of employment is not just a theoretical concept, but a practical approach to helping veterans succeed in business. By providing resources and support to veteran-owned businesses, we are proud to fuel economic opportunities for veterans, their families, and their communities. Furthermore, by promoting entrepreneurship as a viable option for veterans, the NVBDC is helping to empower and inspire a new generation of veteran entrepreneurs.