Virginia Small, Women-owned and Minority-owned Business (SWaM)
Virginia’s certification for small, women-owned, minority-owned and qualifying microbusinesses. [Virginia SWaM guidance]
Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity. Virginia program. Official program information
Sources reviewed .
Who qualifies
Independent businesses meeting Virginia’s small-business or qualifying women/minority ownership criteria. [Virginia SWaM guidance]
- Small-business eligibility uses no more than 250 employees or no more than $10 million average annual gross receipts over three years, with qualifying independent ownership. [Virginia SWaM guidance]
- Women/minority categories require at least 51% qualifying ownership and control. Microbusinesses must meet the separate 25-employee and $3 million limits. [Virginia SWaM guidance]
Cost
SWaM certification is free. [Virginia SWaM guidance]
Processing time
A typical processing time is not stated in the official sources reviewed. [Virginia SWaM guidance]
What it unlocks
- Recognition in Virginia’s SWaM supplier program and certified-business directory. [Virginia SWaM guidance]
How to apply
- Review the SWaM category definitions and the documents required for your business. [Virginia SWaM guidance] Compare SWaM categories.
- Complete the online certification application through the state’s linked portal. [Virginia SWaM guidance] Find the SWaM application.