Global Diversity Export Initiative Strategic Partners

Global Diversity Export Initiative - Our Strategic Partners

The U.S. Commercial Service recognizes the importance of collaboration for international business success.  We partner strategically to enhance our ability to serve underserved communities in support of our mission to assist U.S. exporters develop new markets and expand internationally.

Strategic Partner	Organization Description
	Founded in 1998, AIANTA was established by tribes for tribes to address inequities in the tourism system. Governed by an all-Native board of directors, AIANTA serves as a united voice for the $14 billion Native hospitality sector.
	The Asian American Chamber of Commerce (AACC) encourages, facilitates, and supports the economic growth and sustainability of the greater Washington D.C. area community by building bridges and serving as a resource for the Asian Pacific American business community. AACC achieves this mission through business networking programs, summits, expos, business development workshops, seminars, and other special programs and events. Dedicated to improving economic development, AACC is an advocate for the minority- and women-owned business community, providing opportunities, resources, and mentorship to foster professional growth, business development, and leadership in the community.
	The 22 Fund is an early-growth, impact fund investing in climate/clean tech, and sustainable U.S. manufacturing companies to increase their international sales. Our investment strategy and impact are correlated leading to non-concessionary returns. Our mission is multifaceted to create the clean, quality jobs of the future in underserved and low-and-moderate income (LMI) communities and grow mobility and generational wealth for Woman and Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC). We intentionally invest in firms led by Women and BIPOC. We deliver both high returns and high social/economic impact.
	Lendistry is a minority-led fintech that provides innovative lending products and access to grant programs for small businesses nationwide. Small business owners come to Lendistry for a flexible financing partner that can serve their needs for their entire business lifecycle, from early and growth phases, to established years when they’re staples of their communities. Based on its reputation for deploying funds efficiently and equitably, public and private organizations come to Lendistry to help their programs impact communities that need them most. As a fintech and a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), Lendistry is uniquely able to give borrowers both speed and convenience, and personal assistance with the application process.
	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 National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), the business voice of the LGBTQ community, is the only national advocacy organization dedicated to expanding economic opportunities for the LGBTQ business community. NGLCC is the exclusive third-party certifying body for Certified LGBT Business Enterprise® (Certified LGBTBE®) companies. Over 1/3 of Fortune 500 recognize this certification and partner with NGLCC to create fully LGBTQ-inclusive supply-chains. The LGBTQ business owners NGLCC represents generate over $1.7 trillion in economic impact, create jobs and innovate business solutions nationwide. Additionally, NGLCC is the leading public policy advocate working to include Certified LGBTBE® businesses in procurement opportunities at the federal, state and local level. NGLCC Global is expanding its reach to five continents, bridging economic opportunity and LGBTQI human rights worldwide.
	The National Black Chamber of Commerce® (NBCC) is dedicated to economically empowering and sustaining African American communities through entrepreneurship, capitalistic activity within the United States, and via interaction with the Black Diaspora. Empowering the Black Business Community for 30 Years, the NBCC is the largest Black business association in the world. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., NBCC was founded in 1992 by Harry Alford and Kay DeBow. Today the organization has over 200 chambers across 40 states and 50 nations.
	The National Business League is the first and largest, independent, not-for-profit, trade association for Black-owned businesses and professionals in the United States, founded by Dr. Booker T. Washington on Aug. 23, 1900. The NBL serves as a global catalyst toward the economic development, empowerment and liberative freedom of Black businesses. The NBL promotes the interest of more than 3.2 million Black American businesses that contribute $128 billion in economic output and produce 1.18 million jobs to the U.S. economy. The NBL has regional offices in Atlanta, Detroit, and Los Angeles, national headquarters in Washington, D.C., since 1966 and an international office in Cape Town, South Africa. Approaching 125 years of service, the NBL is a proud partner to more than 125 Fortune 500 companies, including public and private sector organizations worldwide, looking to provide Black economic equity and inclusion in the racially diverse global marketplace.
	With over 50 years of assisting American Indian Tribes and tribal people with business and economic development, The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development has evolved into the largest national Indian specific business organization. Our motto is: “We Mean Business” as we are actively engaged in helping Tribal Nations and Native business people realize their business goals and are dedicated to putting the whole of Indian Country to work to better the lives of American Indian people- both now and for generations to come.
	Founded in 1972, the National Minority Supplier Distribution Council is the longest-operating business growth engine for the broadest group of systematically excluded communities of color (Asian-Indian, Asian-Pacific, Black, Hispanic, and Native American), and its impact goes far beyond the supply chain. It’s about upward mobility for the emerging majority of Americans, an equal shot at participating in the American experiment of free-market capitalism and entrepreneurship. Its work is about correcting the unequal access to wealth-building opportunities.
	United around the globe, the Organization of Women in International Trade’s goal is to foster international trade and the advancement of women in business. Our growing network continues to provide a collective forum to support education, to facilitate information exchange and to promote networking. In pursuing these goals, OWIT strives to provide a rewarding volunteer environment, to stay at the forefront of trade and technological developments, and to build partnerships and alliances with peer organizations and associations.
	The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) actively promotes the economic growth, development, and interests of more than five million Hispanic-owned businesses, that combined, contribute over $800 billion to the American economy every year. It advocates on behalf of its network of more than 260 local chambers and business associations nationwide, and also partners with more than 200 major American corporations.
	The Veteran Institute for Procurement (VIP) offers exclusive, no cost training for owners, principals, and C-level executives of service-disabled and veteran-owned small businesses. Since its establishment in 2009, VIP’s training approach has been grounded in exchanging real-world government contracting knowledge. Led by industry leaders and federal government experts, VIP’s 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. VIP 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.
	The WMarketplace Inc. is an innovative e-commerce accelerator and online marketplace dedicated to empowering women-owned businesses and driving economic growth. We provide comprehensive support, technical assistance, and a robust online sales platform to accelerate the success of women entrepreneurs in the digital marketplace. WMarketplace is proud to partner with the International Trade Administration in bringing resources, information and connections to small businesses and microenterprises exploring growth through international e-commerce sales. Through our accelerator program, the WMarketplace introduces small businesses to the benefits of exporting along with the resources available through federal, state, and local government programs.