where it all began

In 2020, NaVOBA launched Marching Forward Mondays (MFM) in response to the COVID restrictions to facilitate virtual connections. “Our Marching Forward Mondays VBE Showcase was a great program for what we could do during COVID, but we decided to take a fresh approach for 2024,” said NaVOBA President Matthew Pavelek.

“This exciting new format dramatically increases conversations between capable veteran-owned suppliers and interested buyers. Everything we do is geared to helping veterans compete for contracts with Corporate America and this program is going to make great strides in helping us achieve and measure that impact.”

By far, the most pressing issue facing VBEs during COVID was the lack of business opportunities. The resounding theme was clear. Veteran-Owned Businesses were not looking for handouts. Rather, they were looking to keep providing value to their customers and keep their businesses and their employees working.

In order to keep moving ahead, NaVOBA launched Marching Forward Mondays (MFM), an ongoing series of virtual meetings between NaVOBA’s Certified Veteran's Business Enterprises® (VBEs), Service-Disabled Veteran's Business Enterprises® (SDVBEs), and NaVOBA’s Corporate Allies®. These sessions are segmented into two distinct categories: Operation Matchmaker and Corporate Ally Engagement.