The 2026 NVBDC National Conference is bringing veteran-owned businesses together with some of the nation’s most recognized corporations and procurement leaders—and Ford Motor Company will be part of this year’s event.
Ford 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 meaningful relationships, strengthen their procurement readiness, and connect directly with organizations that may become future customers, partners, or resources.
A Major Opportunity for Veteran-Owned Businesses
Ford’s participation gives veteran business owners the opportunity to engage directly with representatives from one of the world’s most recognized automotive companies.
For suppliers looking to break into or expand within major corporate supply chains, that access can be incredibly valuable.
Attendees will have the chance to introduce their businesses, discuss their capabilities, learn more about potential supplier opportunities, and better understand how their products and services may align with Ford’s procurement needs.
“Having Ford participate in the NVBDC National Conference is especially meaningful as we bring Mission: POSSIBLE to Detroit,” said Elaine M. Taylor, Executive Director of NVBDC. “Our goal is to create direct access between qualified veteran-owned businesses and organizations that are actively looking to build strong, capable, and competitive supply chains. These are the connections that can open doors and create long-term opportunities.”
Bringing Mission: POSSIBLE to the Motor City
Ford’s participation is especially fitting as the NVBDC National Conference returns to Detroit.
The Motor City has long been a center of manufacturing, innovation, mobility, and supply chain opportunity. Bringing veteran-owned businesses together with a company like Ford creates a powerful environment for new relationships to begin.
The conference is not simply about collecting business cards. It is about understanding what corporations need, communicating your value clearly, and building relationships that can continue long after the event ends.
More Than Certification
Certification is an important first step, but it is only part of the journey.
Through NVBDC 3.0 and Mission: POSSIBLE, NVBDC is expanding its focus beyond certification and helping veteran-owned businesses become better prepared, better connected, and better positioned to compete.
That means helping entrepreneurs understand corporate procurement, strengthen their capability statements, communicate their differentiators, and create relationships with the people responsible for identifying and evaluating suppliers.
The National Conference brings all of those elements together in one place.
What to Expect at the 2026 NVBDC National Conference
Veteran entrepreneurs attending this year’s event will have access to three days of business development, education, and networking opportunities, including:
- One-on-one matchmaking
- Corporate procurement networking
- Educational sessions
- Expert-led panels
- Breakout sessions
- Veteran Marketplace
- Direct engagement with corporate representatives and decision-makers
Veteran-owned businesses are encouraged to visit the Ford Motor Company exhibit, introduce themselves, share their capabilities, and learn more about potential opportunities.
Come Prepared to Make the Connection
The opportunity to meet a major corporation is only valuable if you are ready for the conversation.
Veteran business owners attending the conference should come prepared with a clear explanation of what their company does, who they serve, what makes them different, and how they can bring value to a potential customer.
Bring your capability statement. Know your strengths. Understand the problems your business solves.
A single conversation at the Ford exhibit could be the beginning of a much larger relationship.
Join Ford and NVBDC in Detroit
The 2026 NVBDC National Conference – Mission: POSSIBLE will bring veteran-owned businesses, corporations, procurement professionals, supplier inclusion leaders, and business decision-makers together for three days focused on creating real opportunities.
If you are a veteran entrepreneur looking to expand your corporate relationships and take the next step beyond certification, this is where you need to be.
2026 NVBDC National Conference – Mission: POSSIBLE
October 4–6, 2026
MotorCity Casino Hotel
Detroit, Michigan
