The Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity offers one-on-one counseling sessions on how to conduct business with Virginia state agencies by appointment at the Fredericksburg Small Business Development Center.

Learn how to position your company to bid on and win contracts with Virginia state agencies as well as many of the local government agencies across the region.

To schedule and appointment with Courtney Mustin, Business Services Manager for Central Virginia, please email:

Susan Ball at sball2@umw.edu, or call the SBDC at (540) 654-1383.

Are you ready to take advantage of the powerful marketing tools available for selling to Virginia?  Learn how you can get eVA registered and SWaM/Micro certified for free in order to help you sell to the state and local government agencies.

Courtney Mustin, Business Services Manager for Virginia Department of Small Business & Supplier Diversity, will be available to meet one-on-one with clients who would like to become registered in eVA, become SWaM certified, or – for those who are ready- to help navigate and use eVA more effectively.

Please call the SBDC office at 540-568-3227 to set up an appointment on September 21st with Courtney Mustin.

eVA Training 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Presented by: Kimberly Madison, Marketing & Outreach, eVA Bureau Division of Purchases & Supply Department of General Services

eVA is Virginia’s online, electronic procurement system. This web-based vendor registration and purchasing system allows state agencies, colleges, universities and many local governments to use eVA to conduct all purchasing and sourcing activities for goods and services. Learn how eVA can be used to identify the right business opportunities & government buyers, as well as information on B2B Connect (Business-to-Business Connect), a new feature that helps businesses interested in Virginia contracting opportunities meet, connect & collaborate!

• Session 1:
  • Introduction to Purchasing in the Commonwealth—A Vendor’s Perspective
  • How buyers use the eVA system to “shop.”
• Session 2:
  • Navigating eVA’s Free Public Reports
  • Live demo and walk thru of eVA’s Public Reports

To learn more about eVA, go to: http://eva.virginia.gov/

VASCUPP

Presented by: Etta A. Henry, CPPO, CPPB, CUPO, VCCO, VCO; Old Dominion University, Procurement Services

ODU Procurement and the Virginia Association of State College and University Purchasing Professionals

SWaM Certification Clinic 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

(One-on-One Sessions in the Conference Room)

Presented by Angela Barber, Business Service Manager – Hampton Roads, Virginia Department of Small Business Supplier Diversity

The Certification Division is responsible for the administration of Virginia’s business certification programs. Its mission is to ensure only bona fide Small, Woman-owned, and Minority-owned Businesses (SWaM), Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE), and Employment Services Organizations (ESO) are certified to participate in Virginia’s specialized procurement and contracting opportunities. The Division has three units: SWaM Certification, DBE Certification, and Transportation Business Development Assistance.

The Division provides certifications for SWaM, DBE, ESO, and Service Disabled Veteran-owned businesses (SDV). In addition, the Division also provides specialized management and technical assistance to DBE firms participating in projects funded by the US Department of Transportation and other federal sectors.

For more information on SWaM Certification, visit: https://www.sbsd.virginia.gov/certification-division/

CLICK HERE for more information or to register for event.

Are you looking to grow your business?  Learn how to get your business Section 3, SWaM or DBE Certified!

Join us at the Small Business Certification Workshop

presented in partnership with

the Portsmouth Redevelopment and Housing Authority

Please RSVP by September 11th

Ms. Benita Johnson at benita.johnson@pointmgt.us or call 804.357.3981

Certification Workshop Flyer PRHA

FEDERAL CONTRACTING (SAM)

Presented by Cecelia Cotton, Lead PTAP & Veteran (CVE) Certification Counselor
Virginia Procurement Technical Assistance Program

To do business with the federal government, you MUST self-certify by registering your business in the SAM database. The Federal Acquisitions Regulations (FAR) require all prospective vendors to be registered in SAM prior to the award of a contract, basic agreement, basic ordering agreement, or blanket purchase agreement. Doing so also allows you to register business size and socio-economic status, while completing the required solicitation clauses and certification. This certifies that the information provided about your company and its business are correct.

Attendees of this training will be walked through the self-certification requirements of SAM. Please bring your laptops!

STATE OF VIRGINIA (SWaM) 

Presented by Angela Barber, Business Services Manager – Hampton Roads, Virginia Department of Small Business & Supplier Diversity.

If you own and manage a small, women-owned, or a minority-owned business for-profit business and want to increase sales with the Commonwealth of Virginia, then you need to get SWaM’d!

SWaM (Small, Women, and Minority owned firms) certification is one of the most powerful business tools you can use to grow your sales among state agencies, public colleges and universities, local municipalities, and private sector firms that utilize the SWaM database.  Last year, the Commonwealth of Virginia spent more than $6 Billion on goods and services.

To Register for the Federal/State Contracting workshop, CLICK HERE or call Cecelia Cotton (757.570.5052) or Joe Moore (757.585.0672)

SWaM CERTIFICATION APPLICATION SESSIONS (NO FEE)

Following Contracting Workshop!

If you are also interested in becoming certified as a small, women and minority (SWaM) business, SBSD staff will be on-site to provide assistance with the on-line process to apply for the SWaM Certification.  In this session you will create your account, receive assistance with uploading REQUIRED documents and answers to any questions you may have.

This session is for NEW and RE-CERTIFYING state applicants.  You must be an established “For-Profit” business.  No cost, but RSVP is required to pre-qualify.  Seating is limited in each session … please bring your laptops (Chrome works best) and REQUIRED documents on a flash drive (scanning help is also available). CLICK HERE for a list of REQUIRED documents.  Once submitted, application processing time takes a minimum of 60 BUSINESS days.

12:30 – 2:00 PM (Session I)

2:30 – 4:00 PM (Session II)

To register for a SWaM Certification Application Session, email angela.barber@sbsd.virginia.gov for questions and details.

Are you interested in becoming certified as a small, women and minority (SWaM) business?  If you own and manage a small, women-owned, or a minority-owned business for-profit business and want to increase sales with the Commonwealth of Virginia, then you need to get SWaM’d!

SWaM (Small, Women, and Minority owned firms) certification is one of the most powerful business tools you can use to grow your sales among state agencies, public colleges and universities, local municipalities, and private sector firms that utilize the SWaM database.  Last year, the Commonwealth of Virginia spent more than $6 Billion on goods and services.

If you are interested in applying for SWaM Certification, this “Hands On” application session is for NEW and RE-CERTIFYING applicants.  You must be an established “for-profit” business to apply.  SBSD staff will be on-site to provide assistance with creating account, scanning required documents or answer questions during the application process. Once submitted, application processing time takes a minimum of 60 BUSINESS days.

For a list of required documents needed to apply for certification, CLICK HERE.  For additional information on SWaM Certification CLICK HERE.

Please bring your laptops with REQUIRED docs saved or on flash drive.  Document scanning assistance will also be available on-site

Presented in partnership with Virginia Procurement Technical Assistance Program

Session I: 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm

Session II: 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm

No Fee.  Advanced registration is REQUIRED to pre-qualify … SEATING IS LIMITED!

To schedule your session or ask questions … email: Angela Barber at angela.barber@sbsd.virginia.gov

Selling to the Government: eVA is Virginia’s online, electronic procurement system. This web-based vendor registration and purchasing system allows state agencies, colleges, universities and many local governments to use eVA to conduct all purchasing and sourcing activities for goods and services. Learn how eVA can be used to identify the right business opportunities & government buyers, as well as information on B2B Connect (Business-to-Business Connect), a new feature that helps businesses interested in Virginia contracting opportunities meet, connect & collaborate!

Each year the Commonwealth of Virginia spends billions of dollars on goods and services. The Commonwealth wants to do business with small, women owned, and minority-owned businesses. This workshop will provide information about the Virginia procurement process.  The first step to do business with the Commonwealth is to become registered on the eVA system!

The “Hands-On” Lab is designed to extend your knowledge of the eVA Procurement Portal. You will receive assistance to register and create an account … and how to use eVA as a resource tool to aid you in the Virginia Procurement Process… if you are already registered, refresh your skills in navigating the online web application. Other topics include:

– Purchasing in the Commonwealth – A Vendor’s Perspective
– How buyers use the eVA system to “shop.”
– Navigating eVA’s Free Public Reports
– Live demo and walk thru of eVA’s Public Reports

Presented by: Kim Madison, Marketing & Outreach, eVA Bureau, Division of Purchases & Supply, Virginia Department of General Services

Angela Barber, Business Services Manager, Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity – Hampton Roads, will also be available to provide a brief update on the new SWaM Certification Portal.

Hosted by: Isle of Wight Economic Development

Tuesday, September, 2017

Paul D. Camp’s Smithfield Campus
253 James Street, Smithfield, VA 23430

2017 Small, Woman and Minority-Owned Business Forum

Exploring Supplier Diversity Opportunities in
the Healthcare Industry

SEPTEMBER 21, 2017
9 A.M. – 1 P.M.
Sandler Center for the Performing Arts

To register, please go to www.yesvirginiabeach.com/sbdw

No fee. Lunch will be provided. Registration is REQUIRED.
201 Market Street, Virginia Beach

Nina Britton,Transportation Business Development Specialist
Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity (SBSD)
will be available to answer questions regarding DBE/SWaM Certification

EVENT FLYER: SWAM Forum City of Virginia Beach

Last year, the Commonwealth of Virginia spent more than $6 Billion on goods and services. Goods and services that you probably sell! For every $100 the Commonwealth spent on goods and services, $37, went to a certified small business.

If you’re a small business owner and can answer “Yes” to any of the following, you will benefit from this free SWaMming lesson!

1. Have you tried to certify / recertify your firm but have not been able to upload your documents?
2. Do you want to find out whether the Commonwealth purchases goods and services before you go through the certification process?
3. Do you want to know who your key competitors are for state business?

On the Agenda:

Assistance uploading documents for your firm’s SWaM application

Using eVa (the Commonwealth’s procurement portal) to identify:

• How much of what you sell is being purchased by the Commonwealth
• Which state agencies are buying what you sell / How much are they paying
• Who are your key competitors for state business

Last year, the Commonwealth of Virginia spent more than $6 Billion on goods and services. Goods and services that you probably sell! For every $100 the Commonwealth spent on goods and services, $37, went to a certified small business.

If you’re a small business owner and can answer “Yes” to any of the following, you will benefit from this free SWaMming lesson!

1. Have you tried to certify / recertify your firm but have not been able to upload your documents?
2. Do you want to find out whether the Commonwealth purchases goods and services before you go through the certification process?
3. Do you want to know who your key competitors are for state business?

On the Agenda:

Assistance uploading documents for your firm’s SWaM application

Using eVa (the Commonwealth’s procurement portal) to identify:

• How much of what you sell is being purchased by the Commonwealth
• Which state agencies are buying what you sell / How much are they paying
• Who are your key competitors for state business

Entrepreneur Express Moving Your Business Forward is designed to help small business owners take their business to the next level. Workshops provide interactive discussions covering key elements of business practices or business topics to move your business forward.

Agenda:
9:00 AM – 9:15 AM Welcome

9:15 AM – 10:00 AM Why do you need a business plan?

Many people mistakenly believe that having a general business idea in their mind is as effective as writing a business plan. In reality, writing a business plan is essential to starting a business on the right path. Think of it as a roadmap for the future of your business. Just as every business is different, every business plan is different. This session will teach you the fundamental elements that need to be in your business plan.

10:15 AM – 11:00 AM Marketing your business

In this digital age, social media is a cost-effective tool to market your business to potential customers. How can you use the popular social media networks effectively? In this session, you will learn what kinds of engaging, share-worthy content to post to social media, how to get started, and how to use a content calendar to plan your social media posts.

11:15 AM – 12:00 PM Financing your business

Finding the right financing for your small business at every stage of your business requires knowledge of all the financing options available. From start-up capital to expansion capital, every stage of business is unique so the financing for every stage is unique.

No fee. Advance registration is required.

If you have any questions, contact Chris Ley at chris.ley@sbsd.virginia.gov.

The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA), in partnership with the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity (SBSD), the Community Business Partnership (CBP) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), conducts a free monthly workshop for those persons that are interested in starting a business in Fairfax County.

The workshop provides an overview of start-up basics (licenses and permits), workforce services and training programs, and SBA resources including financing and certification programs.  The workshops are typically held the first Tuesday of each month from 7:30 AM – 10:30 AM.   There is no cost to attend the workshops however pre-registration is required.

To register, go to: http://www.fairfaxcountyeda.org/event/clone-entrepreneurship-101-starting-business-fairfax-county

If you need further information, please contact the FCEDA at 703-790-0600 or email: info@fceda.org.

Are you a small, women-owned, or minority-owned business who wants to do business with the Commonwealth of Virginia? Small business owners who are looking to participate in Virginia’s specialized procurement and contracting opportunities are encouraged to become SWaM, Micro or DBE certified. These certifications are a vehicle to promote economic growth of Virginia’s businesses. Each year the state buys goods and services totaling more than $8 billion. The Commonwealth of Virginia wants to do business with you and increase participation of small, women owned, and minority-owned businesses.

This workshop will be hosted at the Lord Fairfax Community College – Middletown Campus, Corron Community Development Center
173 Skirmisher Lane, Middletown VA 22645.
Phone: 540-868-7093

To register: http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=i9s7micab&oeidk=a07eeduecy337317640

Have you been thinking about starting your own business, and don’t know where to start? Attend our Starting a Business 1.0 workshop, and you’ll learn everything you need to know in order to launch a new business. Find out how to get a business license, acquire a certificate of occupancy, and complete state registration. From licensing requirements to marketing to financing options – this program covers all the fundamentals you’ll need to do business successfully in Northern Virginia. You’ll also have the unique opportunity to meet and greet staff from support agencies throughout the region.

SBSD is happy to participate in this event with Arlington County Economic Development BizLaunch.

Are you a small, women-owned, or minority-owned business who wants to do business with the Commonwealth of Virginia? Small business owners who are looking to participate in Virginia’s specialized procurement and contracting opportunities are encouraged to become SWaM certified. The SWaM certification is a vehicle to promote economic growth of Virginia’s businesses.

Becoming SWaM certified is just the first step in doing business with the Commonwealth. Each year the state buys goods and services totaling more than $8 billion. The Commonwealth of Virginia wants to do business with you and increase participation of small, women owned, and minority-owned businesses. Virginia’s eProcurement portal – eVA is Virginia’s online, electronic procurement system.

This workshop will show small business owners how to get SWaM certified and register on the eVA system so they can do business with the Commonwealth.

To register: https://vaptap.ecenterdirect.com/events/signup/1833

Are you a small, women-owned, or minority-owned business who wants to do business with the Commonwealth of Virginia? Small business owners who are looking to participate in Virginia’s specialized procurement and contracting opportunities are encouraged to become SWaM certified. The SWaM certification is a vehicle to promote economic growth of Virginia’s businesses.

In this workshop, you will learn about the SWaM certification program, the new SWaM certification portal and how to apply for the SWaM certification.

Please note: This workshop is for businesses not yet SWaM certified and have not already applied for their SWaM certification.

If you have any questions, contact Chris Ley at chris.ley@sbsd.virginia.gov.

Are you a small, women-owned, or minority-owned business who wants to do business with the Commonwealth of Virginia? Small business owners who are looking to participate in Virginia’s specialized procurement and contracting opportunities are encouraged to become SWaM, Micro or DBE certified. These certifications are a vehicle to promote economic growth of Virginia’s businesses. Each year the state buys goods and services totaling more than $8 billion. The Commonwealth of Virginia wants to do business with you and increase participation of small, women owned, and minority-owned businesses.

This workshop will be hosted at the Culpeper Economic Development Center located at 803 South Main Street, Culpeper, VA 22701.
Phone: 540-727-0638

To Register:
http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=i9s7micab&oeidk=a07eedumhkt6efcd334