Veteran-Owned Company Provides Life Saving Technology Around the Globe
SpecOps aimed for a global reach from the start. With help from the U.S. Commercial Service, they expanded internationally, building relationships with foreign representatives and enhancing their ability to provide aid in disaster areas.
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Veteran Owned Company Increases Exports to Allied Nations
Headquartered in Vine Grove, Kentucky, Universal Spartan is a service-disabled veteran-owned small business specializing in tactical, IT, electrical, industrial, and medical equipment for the federal government and the global defense industry.
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Global Logistics Service Provider Supports U.S. Manufacturers Export
In 2024, R.L. Swearer was recognized with a President’s “E” Award for Export Service. The President’s “E” Award is the highest distinction for U.S. exporters and those who serve them and is a testament to the work R.L. Swearer has done to support U.S. manufacturers and exporters’ growth through increased international sales.
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Veteran-Owned Company’s Technology “Protecting those who Protect us” Globally
Founded in 2006 and based in Crofton, Maryland, IR Tools is a family and veteran-owned company that manufactures infrared identification products compatible with night vision and thermal imaging devices. Tom Boyer, CEO of IR Tools, started to explore expanding internationally and reached out to the U.S. Commercial Service in Baltimore, Maryland. To help develop an export strategy. IR Tools used the matchmaking resources of the U.S. Commercial Service to identify and meet vetted foreign partners at International Trade Shows. Additionally, IR Tools leverages the expertise of the commercial staff at the U.S. Embassies to evaluate the suitability of foreign firms to serve as their resellers. Today IR Tools serves customers in over 20 countries protecting those who protect us globally!
Read IR Tools’ Export Story
Contiem Rapidly Expands Global Footprint
Contiem, Inc. has fully integrated exporting into its corporate culture to establish itself as an international full-service content management company. Contiem used a wide range of U.S. Commercial Service export programs to help it achieve international success.
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Carroll International Pivots to Gain Market Diversity
As a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business, Carroll International has utilized U.S. government resources to create pathways to diversify its sales channels.
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First Export Lands Veteran-Owned Company in Greece
By using CS counseling, export education, and overseas trade missions combined with the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) small business loan and grant programs, NVTS made its first export sale to the Greek Coast Guard in 2015.
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Cincinnati Crane & Hoist Sees Exports Rise
Cincinnati Crane & Hoist, a locally owned, veteran small business, is one of the fastest growing companies in the Cincinnati area. The firm is now expanding internationally with the help of the U.S. Commercial Service and other federal government resources.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) helps small business owners and entrepreneurs pursue the American dream. The mission of SBA’s Office of International Trade (OIT) is to enable small business expansion into the global economy. OIT helps businesses in three main ways:
- Grants: The State Trade Expansion Program provides grants to small businesses though State trade offices to help business begin or expand exporting. Click on the link to find your State or Territory.
- Counseling: A trade hotline and Fast Track Service for small businesses to discuss unique challenges with going global and identify potential resource solutions. To schedule a consultation, call 1-855-722-4877 or email international@sba.gov. Find more information on www.sba.gov/tradetools.
- Loans: Access to capital to support global sales growth through a nationwide network of Export Finance Managers housed in U.S. Export Assistance Centers (USEACs) around the country. Click on the link to find the Center closest to you.
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The Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) program is designed to provide entrepreneurial development services such as business training, counseling and resource partner referrals to transitioning service members, veterans, National Guard & Reserve members and military spouses interested in starting or growing a small business. The SBA has 22 organizations participating in this cooperative agreement and serving as Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOC).
For more information visit https://www.sba.gov/page/veterans-business-outreach-center-vboc-program
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The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) is the official export credit agency of the United States. EXIM is an independent Executive Branch agency with a mission of supporting American jobs by facilitating the export of U.S. goods and services.
When private sector lenders are unable or unwilling to provide financing, EXIM fills in the gap for American businesses by equipping them with the financing tools necessary to compete for global sales. In doing so, the agency levels the playing field for U.S. goods and services going up against foreign competition in overseas markets, so that American companies can create more good-paying American jobs.
Because it is backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, EXIM assumes credit and country risks that the private sector is unable or unwilling to accept. The agency’s charter requires that all transactions it authorizes demonstrate a reasonable assurance of repayment; EXIM consistently maintains a low default rate, and closely monitors credit and other risks in its portfolio.
For more information visit EXIM.gov
National Veteran Business Development Council (NVBDC) is the original veteran-owned business certification organization developed by veterans for veterans. The purpose is to provide a credible and reliable certifying authority for all-size businesses ensuring that valid documentation exists of Veteran ownership and control. Through various initiatives and partnerships, NVBDC plays a pivotal role in enhancing opportunities for veterans in the business world by opening a $122 Billion Supplier Diversity Marketplace, ensuring that their valuable contributions are recognized and valued. We are the only accepted Veteran Business Certification body by the members of the Billion Dollar Roundtable who have spent over $4.3 Billion with NVBDC Certified Veteran Owned Businesses in 2023.
The Veteran Institute for Procurement (VIP) offers an exclusive (no cost) training program for Veteran-owned small business owners or C-level executives. Since its establishment in 2009, VIP’s training approach has been grounded on exchanging real-world government contracting knowledge. Led by industry leaders and federal government experts, the in-person sessions deliver hands-on instruction tailored to current market demands across five (5) distinct curriculums. Each class covers over 20 critical topics during a comprehensive three-day, 27-hour classroom instruction period. The objective is straightforward: provide invaluable insights and strategies to empower Veteran entrepreneurs to thrive in every stage of their federal contracting journey. The VIP Program is more than just an educational opportunity - it’s a vibrant support community. Graduates have access to an extensive knowledge network of more than 2,300 alums. Additionally, they can engage with a forum of instructors and supporters who offer ongoing guidance and are crucial resources to support continued growth.
