International Trade Administration Announces Partnership with National Veteran Institute for Procurement
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, December 20, 2023
Contact: Office of Public Affairs
Email: publicaffairs@trade.gov
Phone: 202-482-3809
WASHINGTON - Aiming to increase global competitiveness for service-disabled and veteran-owned U.S. businesses, the International Trade Administration (ITA) has entered into a strategic partnership with the National Veteran Institute for Procurement (VIP).
Through this strategic partnership, ITA and VIP will conduct virtual export education programs for veteran businesses across the United States and develop a joint enhanced digital presence to ensure easy access to information. Furthermore, the partnership supports a shared mission of empowering service-disabled and veteran business owners to grow and scale their businesses by providing training and resources to succeed in global markets.
“What better way to empower veteran-owned businesses than partnering with the Veteran Institute for Procurement and its business certification program for veterans,” said Marisa Lago, Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade. “At ITA, we’re constantly working not only to increase U.S. exports but also to expand the pool of exporters. This is why we are committed to helping veteran-owned and other diverse businesses across the United States access opportunities across the global marketplace.”
“Through this alliance, VIP and ITA will leverage expertise and resources in our collective effort to propel our Veteran entrepreneurs toward success in the global marketplace,” said Barbara Ashe, National Director at the Veteran Institute for Procurement (VIP). “We are honored to embark on this journey with ITA and excited about the impact we can make together.”
Promotion of ITA and VIP programs and resources, including the VetsGoGlobal program and VIP’s no-cost veteran business training, will be a cornerstone of the partnership. VetsGoGlobal is a U.S. Commercial Service initiative designed to educate and inform veteran businesses on the export process and international trade opportunities. The program has resulted in export successes by veteran businesses across the United States. VetsGoGlobal is a key part of ITA’s Global Diversity Export Initiative’s (GDEI) work with veteran businesses. The Global Diversity Export Initiative helps increase exports by businesses owned or led by Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders and other persons of color; Black, Latino, LGBTQIA+ persons; Native American and Alaska Natives, persons with disabilities; persons who live in rural areas; veterans; or women.
VIP’s programs touch a diverse veteran population, with graduate companies comprising 79% service-disabled and veteran-owned small businesses, 60% minority-owned, % U.S. SBA-certified 8(a) business, 22% woman-owned, and 15% HUBZone.
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About the International Trade Administration
The International Trade Administration (ITA) at the U.S. Department of Commerce is the premier resource for American companies competing in the global marketplace. Operating in more than 100 U.S. locations and 80 markets worldwide, ITA promotes trade and investment, assists U.S. businesses and workers to export and expand globally, and ensures fair trade and compliance by enforcing U.S. trade laws and agreements. For more information on ITA, visit www.trade.gov.
About the National Veterans Institute for Procurement
VIP is a training program for owners, principals, and C-level executives of service-disabled and Veteran-owned small businesses. The 3-day, 27-hour comprehensive certification programs are taught by subject matter experts from industry and government. VIP programs are offered at no cost to Veterans nationwide. Since the creation of VIP in 2009, over 2,300 Veteran-owned small businesses from all 50 states, DC, Puerto Rico, and Guam have graduated from the program. Learn more about National VIP.
