SWaM Certification
Boost Your Business. Get Certified. Win State Contracts.
The SWaM Certification—administered by the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity (SBSD)—helps small, women-owned, and minority-owned businesses gain greater access to state contracts and procurement opportunities across Virginia.
Key Points about VA SWaM Certification:
Types of SWaM Certifications
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Small Business (SB): Meets VA size standards based on revenue or employee count
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Women-Owned Business (WBE): 51% woman-owned, controlled, and managed
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Minority-Owned Business (MBE): 51% minority-owned, controlled, and managed
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Micro Business: Subset of SB with fewer than 25 employees and less than $3M in revenue
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, your business must:
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Be a for-profit, independently owned and operated entity
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Be owned by U.S. citizens or legal residents
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Have active owner involvement in daily management
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Meet the state’s definition of a small business
How to Get Certified
1. Apply online via the Virginia SBSD portal
2. Submit required documents:
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Ownership verification
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Financial statements & tax returns
Business licenses
3. Application is reviewed by SBSD; an on-site visit may be conducted
4. Upon approval, receive your SWaM certificate (valid for 5 years)
Benefits of SWaM Certification
1. Access to state-funded contract opportunities
2. Priority consideration in Virginia procurement
3. Listing in the official SWaM vendor database
4. Invitations to training, networking, and support programs
Maintaining Your Certification
1. Valid for 5 years, with renewal required
2. You must report ownership or management changes to SBSD
Need Help Applying for SWaM Certification?
BNG Contractor Support Services is here to walk you through the process—from gathering your documents to submitting a complete and accurate application.