As the premier agency for business development, SBSD has in its toolbox resources ranging from Outreach Services and Financing to Certification for both state and federal programs that support the growth and sustainability of small businesses. The agency’s subject matter experts are professionals that have years of experience and training to assist small businesses in navigating state government successfully. In addition, SBSD has access to collaborative partners that share in the same value system of investing in the advancement of small businesses.
The agency provides support through Business Development and Outreach Services as well as technical assistance. The Business Development and Outreach Services (BDOS) division of SBSD supports economic development in Virginia by working with both new and existing small businesses. The BDOS team serves as a one-stop for facilitation of licensing and registration for small businesses through the Business One Stop Portal (BOS), https://bos.sbsd.virginia.gov.
The division offers a variety of business development training including a StreetWise MBA, called Scaling4Growth, which is a national program that takes qualified businesses through an intensive seven-month program to scale their business to the next level. The division hosts a variety of other development programs across the Commonwealth. For a listing of upcoming trainings/events see below:
Selling to the Commonwealth
This is most often a three-hour workshop with an overview of the Commonwealth’s electronic procurement system, electronic Virginia, or eVA. Key in this session is a demonstration on finding a targeted market for a specific commodity or service; which agencies most often purchase that commodity/service and the dollars historically spent in those categories as well as identifying opportunities for businesses to sell their products/services. In addition, key information on the Commonwealth’s SWaM certification is offered with an overview of the marketing advantage of the SWaM and Micro business certifications and steps needed to apply for these certifications.
Entrepreneur Express
This is a half-day workshop targeting individuals researching a business start-up or small business owners who have been in business less than three years. Some of the topics covered are business plans; marketing your business; financing your business and an invaluable overview of additional government resources available to small businesses.
Growing Sales Conferences
These are half-day events targeting a more mature small business audience. These events offer three time slots for workshops and each time slot offers anywhere from 3-5 different topics. By event’s end, each business owner will have attended 3 workshops out of 12-15. In addition, key business resources will be exhibiting, providing added benefit for attendees.
Regional Connect Events
These events are a prime networking opportunity for state buyers and small businesses to have one-on-one conversations about what the buyers are purchasing and how best to navigate this process. These events are intended to be limited in size to allow for meaningful one-on-one conversations. Generally four events are held each year and are held throughout the state.
One-on-One Business Counseling
Another vital service provided by the BDOS team is the one-on-one business counseling sessions. Through a local Business Services Manager, small businesses are able to set up a one-on-one appointment to go over the individual business growth plan.
The SBSD BDOS team connects the small businesses, government procurement officials and the economic development community
throughout Virginia as well as other resources vital to small business owners.
Virginia Business Information Center handles contacts with business owners by phone and email.
Email: vbic@sbsd.virginia.gov or call the Hotline: 804-786-6585.
Business One Stop helps entrepreneurs determine the new business formation requirements for their specific business.
This electronic portal accelerates new business formation by minimizing confusing processes and duplicate paperwork.
