What Virginia Economic Development Partnership does

Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) is a state authority created by the Virginia General Assembly in 1995 to encourage, stimulate, and support the development and expansion of the Commonwealth's economy. Its International Trade division, operating under the "Export Virginia" brand, provides export development services to Virginia-based companies seeking to enter or expand in international markets. The organization is governed by a board of directors appointed by the Governor and the Virginia General Assembly, headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, and operates five regional offices across Virginia plus six international offices in China, Germany, Mexico, Japan, India, and the United Kingdom.

VEDP's core service portfolio centers on two flagship programs: the Virginia Leaders in Export Trade (VALET), a two-year international business acceleration program launched in 2002 offering up to $30,000 in reimbursement funds per participant, and the Supply Chain Optimization Program (SCOP), launched in 2021 as the nation's first state-led supply chain assistance program offering up to $10,000 in reimbursements. Additional offerings include organized trade missions and trade shows, international market research, certificates of free sale, federal STEP grants administration, and a network of in-country market research consultants covering 85+ countries. The organization does not develop proprietary technology products; its competitive offering is fundamentally service-based and human-capital-driven.

VEDP's business model is structured as a publicly funded state authority rather than a commercial enterprise. Services are provided at little to no cost to Virginia businesses, with funding flowing from state budget appropriations and federal grants. In FY25, 519 companies participated in VEDP International Trade programs, generating $2.3 billion in attributed international sales and supporting 20,960 jobs. The VALET program has produced an average 78% increase in international sales for participating companies, with 350+ graduates since 2002. VEDP received the President's "E Star" Award from the U.S. Department of Commerce in both 2007 and 2024, the highest federal recognition for export service providers.

Name

Virginia Economic Development Partnership

Legal name

Virginia Economic Development Partnership

Website

https://exportvirginia.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1995

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) is Virginia's state economic development authority operating the Export Virginia initiative, providing free export development services, trade missions, market research, and supply chain optimization to Virginia-based companies seeking international growth.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Economic Development and International Trade Services

NAICS

Business, Professional, Labor, Political, and Similar Organizations (8139), Grantmaking and Giving Services (81321)

SIC

Services-Help Supply Services (7363)

akta.pro primary industry

Economic Growth, Trade & Private Sector Development Programs (BPADABAF)

akta.pro secondary industry

National Development Banks & State Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) (BPADACAC)

Keywords

• Export development services
• International trade consulting
• Trade missions
• Market research services
• Supply chain optimization

Headquarters

HQ city

Virginia

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices7 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Government Appropriations: VEDP is a state authority created by the Virginia General Assembly in 1995. The organization is funded primarily through state government appropriations and federal grants, not through revenue-generating commercial activities.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP), operating its Export Virginia initiative, is a state authority that helps Virginia-based companies enter and grow in international markets. It delivers the two-year VALET (Virginia Leaders in Export Trade) acceleration program, the nation's first state-led Supply Chain Optimization Program (SCOP), trade missions and shows, international market research, STEP export grants, and Certificates of Free Sale.

Product overview

Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) is Virginia's state economic development authority that operates the Export Virginia initiative to increase the number of Virginia companies selling overseas and their volume of international business. The organization offers a suite of programs and services centered around the VALET (Virginia Leaders in Export Trade) two-year acceleration program and the Supply Chain Optimization Program (SCOP). The portfolio also includes trade missions, international market research, export grants, and certificates of free sale. These services work together to help both new and experienced exporters enter new international markets by identifying potential markets, developing market entry strategies, and locating distributors and representatives—all at little to no cost to participating companies.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Supply Chain Optimization Program (SCOP): Nation's first state-led supply chain optimization program helping Virginia companies evaluate and streamline supply chain management and import processes
• Virginia Leaders in Export Trade (VALET)
• International Trade Programs

Products and services

• Virginia Leaders in Export Trade (VALET) Program A two-year international business acceleration program providing participating Virginia companies with international sales plan development services, assistance from experienced international service providers, business meetings with potential partners, educational events, customized market research, and access to up to $30,000 in reimbursement funds from the Commonwealth of Virginia. Since 2002, more than 350 companies have graduated with an average 78% increase in international sales.
• Supply Chain Optimization Program (SCOP) The nation's first state-led supply chain optimization program, helping Virginia companies evaluate and streamline supply chain management and import processes through counseling, strategy development, and resources. Provides up to $10,000 in reimbursements for supply chain-related expenses. Recognized with the 2026 NASBITE International Program Excellence Award.
• Trade Missions and Shows Organized trade missions and trade show participation opportunities that connect Virginia companies with international markets, potential distributors, and partners through VEDP's global network of in-country market research experts covering 85+ countries.
• International Market Research Market research services and reports that help Virginia companies identify potential new markets, develop market entry strategies, and understand competitive landscapes in international markets. Delivered through VEDP's in-country consultants and dedicated research team.
• Programs and Grants (STEP) Financial assistance programs including the State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) Grant Program that supports small businesses with travel to international markets, trade shows, and independent international sales trips.
• Certificates of Free Sale Certification services that verify products are legally sold and manufactured in the United States, required for exporting certain products to international markets.

Quantifiable outcome

• 519 companies participated in VEDP International Trade programs in FY25
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• LX Pantos AmericascoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 May 2026LX Pantos Americas, a South Korean freight forwarder ranked among the world's top 10, signed separate MoUs with VEDP and Port of Virginia to deepen investment in Virginia and establish strategic framework for collaboration covering operational coordination, infrastructure investment, data integration, and talent development.
• City of RoanokecoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerThe City of Roanoke partnered with VEDP to secure RINGANA's $85 million investment to establish U.S. headquarters in Roanoke, including $5 million state opportunity fund grant.
• Roanoke Regional PartnershipcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerRoanoke Regional Partnership collaborated with VEDP to secure RINGANA's investment creating 435 jobs in Roanoke, Virginia.
• Shenandoah Valley PartnershipminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerShenandoah Valley Partnership worked with VEDP to secure MSolar's $23.8 million solar panel manufacturing facility investment in Mount Jackson.
• Fairfax County Economic Development AuthoritycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFairfax County EDA partnered with VEDP on Virginia Jobs Investment Program to support Scout Space's expansion creating 31 jobs.
• Brussels AirportcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVEDP signed MoU with Brussels Airport and United Airlines to establish dedicated pharmaceutical air cargo corridor connecting Brussels with Washington Dulles International Airport, supporting Virginia's growing pharmaceutical manufacturing sector.
• United AirlinescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUnited Airlines serves as primary carrier on pharma air cargo corridor between Brussels Airport and Washington Dulles, with daily flights transporting pharmaceuticals and medical supplies.
• Chesterfield CountycoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerChesterfield County partnered with VEDP supporting Solstice Advanced Materials' $220+ million expansion creating 100 jobs for ballistic fiber manufacturing.
• The Port of VirginiacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPort of Virginia partnered with VEDP on logistics and trade initiatives, supporting LX Pantos MoU and general port operations serving Virginia's export economy.
• Port of VirginiacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVEDP connects Virginia exporters with Port of Virginia for international shipping and logistics services.
• Private Sector Trade PartnerscoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerVEDP partners with approximately 25 private sector service providers offering accounting, advertising, web development, customs brokerage, financial services, legal services, translation, and other export support functions.
• City of PortsmouthminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerCity of Portsmouth collaborated with VEDP on Radian Forge's $10.5 million wire arc additive manufacturing expansion creating 53 jobs.
• Hampton Roads AllianceminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerHampton Roads Alliance worked with VEDP to secure Radian Forge's manufacturing expansion in Portsmouth.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves3 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Regional players

• California Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz): California's state-level economic development and international trade promotion agency, directly comparable to VEDP as a peer state EDO running export assistance, trade missions, and foreign investment attraction programs for California-based exporters.
• Empire State Development (New York): New York's primary state economic development authority operating international trade, export promotion, and business attraction programs. Directly comparable as a state EDO with a global trade division serving in-state exporters.
• Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office: Texas's state economic development and tourism division, which includes international trade promotion for Texas exporters. Comparable to VEDP as a large-state EDO operating export programs through a public-private model.
• Georgia Department of Economic Development: Georgia's state economic development authority with an active International Trade division running export assistance, trade missions, and partner-identification services for Georgia-based companies — directly analogous to VEDP's mandate.
• North Carolina Department of Commerce (Economic Development): North Carolina's state economic development arm providing international trade services, export assistance, and foreign direct investment attraction. A direct state EDO peer with similar mission and program structure to VEDP.
• Ohio Department of Development: Ohio's state-level economic development agency operating export and international trade programs serving Ohio manufacturers and service exporters. Comparable as a peer state authority with a comparable portfolio.
• Maryland Department of Commerce (Office of International Investment & Trade): Maryland's state economic development and trade authority, offering export assistance, market research, and trade-mission services to Maryland-based exporters. A neighboring Mid-Atlantic state EDO with the same mandate and program mix as VEDP.

Broad incumbents

• U.S. Commercial Service (International Trade Administration): The federal export-promotion arm of the U.S. Department of Commerce's International Trade Administration, which provides export assistance, market research, and trade-mission services through the Global America Business Initiative. A broader incumbent that partners with — and partially funds — state EDOs like VEDP via the STEP grant program.
• Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM): The official U.S. export credit agency providing financing, loan guarantees, and insurance to support U.S. exporters. Adjacent to VEDP's mission as a federal ecosystem participant supporting the same exporters VEDP recruits into trade programs.

Others

• National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) / NASBITE International: NASBITE International is the U.S. trade association for state-based export assistance programs; VEDP itself won NASBITE's 2026 Program Excellence Award. NASBITE is an ecosystem enabler / peer network rather than a direct competitor, comparable to VEDP's positioning within the U.S. state-export community.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/virginiaexports
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/showcase/virginia-exports
• Facebookfacebook.com/VirginiaExports

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Virginia Economic Development Partnership