NVBDC’s 2026 Mission: POSSIBLE Conference Launches New Era of Veteran Business Development

Three-Day Detroit Conference Connects Veteran Entrepreneurs with Corporate America, Celebrates Business Excellence, and Introduces NVBDC 3.0

TROY, MI, UNITED STATES, October 19, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — The National Veteran Business Development Council (NVBDC) successfully concluded its 2026 National Conference, Mission: POSSIBLE, held October 4–6 at MotorCity Casino Hotel in Detroit. The three-day event united veteran business owners, corporate executives, procurement professionals, military leaders, and strategic partners to strengthen relationships and expand economic opportunities for veteran-owned businesses.

Built around the theme Connect. Compete. Grow., the conference marked the official introduction of NVBDC 3.0 — Same Mission. Greater Impact., a renewed strategic vision focused on moving beyond certification to deliver stronger corporate connections, procurement readiness, technological innovation, and sustainable business growth.

“Mission: POSSIBLE marks a defining moment for NVBDC. With NVBDC 3.0, we are moving beyond certification to create stronger corporate connections, drive innovation, and help veteran-owned businesses compete, grow, and succeed,” said Elaine M. Taylor, Executive Director of NVBDC.

Corporate matchmaking was a centerpiece of the conference, connecting certified veteran-owned businesses with procurement and supplier development representatives from leading corporations, including Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Toyota, Stellantis, DTE Energy, Consumers Energy, Johnson & Johnson, Target, Verizon, and JPMorgan Chase.

Educational programming addressed access to capital, supply chain resilience, international business opportunities, federal procurement, and artificial intelligence. An expert-led access-to-capital panel explored financing strategies and resources to help veteran entrepreneurs secure funding and scale their operations. The AI in Action workshop demonstrated how emerging technologies and automation can improve efficiency and business competitiveness.

The conference also featured veteran business success stories, entrepreneurial elevator pitches, and keynote speaker Keni Thomas, a decorated former Army Ranger whose military experience was depicted in Black Hawk Down. Thomas delivered an inspiring message about leadership, resilience, and teamwork.

A special tribute honored NVBDC founder Keith King, recognizing his lasting legacy of creating greater access to corporate procurement opportunities for veteran-owned businesses.

As Presenting Sponsor, PuroClean, through its PuroVet program, reinforced its commitment to veteran entrepreneurship. Retired Brigadier General Douglas “Odie” Slocum helped open the conference, highlighting the importance of translating military leadership into business ownership.

The Mission: POSSIBLE Awards Ceremony recognized exceptional leadership and contributions to veteran business development. Frank Torre, Vice Chairman of PuroClean, received the Mission Partner of the Year Award in recognition of his commitment to veteran entrepreneurship and corporate partnerships.

“PuroClean is proud to support NVBDC and its mission to empower veteran entrepreneurs. I am honored to receive the Mission Partner of the Year Award, and through PuroVet, we remain committed to helping veterans build successful businesses and stronger futures,” said Frank Torre, Vice Chairman of PuroClean.

Additional award recipients included Paul Forgey of Target, recipient of the Mission Impact Award; Lawrence Miller of Treks for Vets Coffee, recipient of the Veteran Business Excellence Award; Jim Evans of Sevan Multi-Site Solutions, recipient of the Excellence in Collaboration Award; and Kelly Neirynch of the Small Business Association of Michigan, recipient of the Regional Resource Partner Award.

Jeremy Miller of Coravant received the Veteran Entrepreneur or Franchise of the Year Award, while Suhey Fisher of Inner North LLC was recognized with the Rising Star Veteran Business Award. Matt Feldhaus of Disabled American Veterans received the National Mission Partner Award, and Dan Muschong of DTE Energy was honored with the Mission Champion Award.

With more than 3,000 certified service-disabled and veteran-owned businesses and over 180 corporate members, NVBDC continues to build on its established certification standards while expanding business development resources, corporate engagement, and market opportunities.

“Mission: POSSIBLE honored our legacy while launching an exciting new chapter for NVBDC. Our focus is on turning certification into real business opportunities, strengthening corporate partnerships, and delivering lasting economic impact for veteran entrepreneurs,” said Jim Cowper, Chairman of the NVBDC Board of Directors.

The 2026 National Conference demonstrated the power of bringing corporate America and veteran entrepreneurs together around a shared mission. Through NVBDC 3.0, the organization is committed to transforming certification into meaningful relationships, greater competitiveness, and lasting economic impact.

About NVBDC
The National Veteran Business Development Council (NVBDC) is a nationally recognized third-party certification organization dedicated to creating corporate contracting opportunities for veteran-owned and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses. Through rigorous certification standards, corporate partnerships, education, and business development initiatives, NVBDC helps veteran entrepreneurs compete and grow.

Learn more: www.nvbdc.org

Paul Edelstein
National Veteran Business Development Council
+1 248-747-2392
Visit us on social media:
LinkedIn
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube
X

Media gallery