14 Graduate, 12 New Firms Join Virginia’s International Trade Accelerator
RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia continues to strengthen its global trade footprint as 14 companies graduate and 12 new businesses join the Virginia Economic Development Partnership’s (VEDP) Virginia Leaders in Export Trade (VALET) program, a flagship international trade accelerator designed to help Virginia companies expand into global markets.
Announced by Governor Abigail Spanberger, the latest VALET class highlights the Commonwealth’s ongoing focus on export growth, international business development, and economic resiliency.
International trade remains a powerful driver of Virginia’s economy, with the Commonwealth exporting approximately $75 billion in goods and services annually. Programs like VALET help Virginia firms scale internationally, diversify markets, and remain competitive amid evolving global trade dynamics.
“Expanding international trade opportunities is essential to maintaining Virginia’s economic strength,” said Governor Spanberger. “The VALET program equips Virginia businesses with the tools and expertise needed to grow global sales and strengthen their presence in international markets. Congratulations to this newest class of graduates.”
For more than 20 years, VALET has supported Virginia exporters that demonstrate strong domestic performance and a commitment to international growth. Participating companies receive:
- Customized international sales strategies
- Market research and trade intelligence
- Access to vetted global service providers
- International partner matchmaking
- Export education and training events
The program has delivered measurable results, with participating companies reporting an average 78% increase in international sales.
Graduating VALET Companies
The 2026 graduating class includes:
- Aery Aviation, LLC (Newport News)
- Afton Scientific, LLC (Albemarle County)
- AQ Transformer Solutions Inc. (Wythe County)
- BluePrint Automation (Chesterfield County)
- Damon Company (Salem)
- DataXstream, LLC (James City County)
- DZYNE Technologies (Fairfax County)
- Fabritek Company, Inc. (Winchester)
- Learning Tree International (Fairfax County)
- Parsons Government Services (Fairfax County)
- Regulus Global (Virginia Beach)
- Universal Fibers (Washington County)
- Vibrent Health (Fairfax County)
- Yupo Corporation (Chesapeake)
New Companies Joining VALET in 2026
Twelve companies have entered the two-year program this year:
- Amadas Industries, Inc. (Suffolk)
- American Wood Fibers (Smyth County)
- BowerGroupAsia (Fairfax)
- By Light Professional IT Services (Fairfax County)
- FasTech LLC (Danville)
- Greystone of Virginia, Inc. (James City County)
- Info Gain Consulting (Fairfax County)
- Northland Forest Products (Fluvanna County)
- Springbok Analytics (Charlottesville)
- Valkyrie Enterprises (Virginia Beach)
- Virginia Distillery Company (Nelson County)
- Zenith Aviation (Fredericksburg)
Currently, 56 Virginia companies are active participants in VALET.
VEDP President and CEO Jason El Koubi emphasized the broader impact of export growth on the state’s economy.
“Our international trade programs help Virginia companies grow globally while supporting jobs and investment here at home,” El Koubi said. “Export success translates directly into economic opportunity across the Commonwealth.”
Each year, VEDP’s International Trade division assists roughly 500 Virginia companies with global market development. In the past year alone, companies credited VEDP support with generating $2.3 billion in international sales, sustaining more than 20,900 Virginia jobs.
Established in 1995 by the Virginia General Assembly, VEDP leads the Commonwealth’s efforts in business recruitment, expansion, and international trade development.
More information on the VALET program is available through VEDP.
