Small, Women & Minority -Owned (SWaM) Business Certification Virginia Process

The process for Small, Women & Minority (SWaM) certification in Virginia involves several steps. Please note that processes and requirements may change over time, so I recommend checking the official Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity (SBSD) website for the most up-to-date information. Here's a general step-by-step guide:

1. Review Eligibility Criteria: Ensure that your business meets the eligibility requirements for SWaM certification in Virginia. Generally, to qualify, the business must be a small business that is at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more individuals who are U.S. citizens and are either a woman, a minority, or both.

2. Register as a Vendor: Before starting the certification process, you must register as a vendor in the Virginia Procurement System (eVA) by visiting the eVA website (https://eva.virginia.gov/). This registration is necessary for doing business with the state of Virginia.

3. Gather Required Documentation: Collect all necessary documents to support your certification application. This may include business licenses, tax returns, financial statements, articles of incorporation, and other relevant information.

4. Create an Account with the SBSD: Visit the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity (SBSD) website (https://www.sbsd.virginia.gov/) and create an account to begin the certification process.

5. Complete the Online Application: Once you have an account, log in to the SBSD's certification portal and fill out the SWaM certification application form. Be prepared to provide detailed information about your business and its ownership structure.

6. Submit Required Documents: Upload all the necessary documents as per the SBSD's requirements to support your application. Make sure all documents are accurate and up-to-date.

7. Pay Application Fee: There is usually an application fee associated with the SWaM certification process. Payment details will be provided during the application process.

8. Application Review: The SBSD will review your application and supporting documents to verify your eligibility and the accuracy of the information provided.

9. Site Visit (if required): In some cases, the SBSD may conduct a site visit to your business location to ensure compliance with the certification criteria.

10. Certification Decision: Once the review process is complete, the SBSD will notify you of the certification decision. If approved, you will receive your SWaM certification.

11. Maintain Certification: After obtaining your SWaM certification, you may need to renew it periodically. Be sure to keep your business information up-to-date and comply with any renewal requirements.

Keep in mind that the certification process may take several weeks to months, depending on the complexity of your application and the volume of applications being processed by the SBSD.

It's essential to stay informed about any changes to the SWaM certification process or requirements by regularly checking the official SBSD website or contacting their support team for updates.