SWaM Certification

SWaM certification: The Small, Women-owned, and Minority-owned Business (SWaM) certification program is a state program of the Commonwealth of Virginia. The purpose is to enhance procurement opportunities for SWaM businesses participating in state-funded projects. The Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity certifies and supports SWaM businesses.

8(a) Business Development Program

The 8(a) program administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration is a nine-year program created to help firms owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. Businesses that participate in the program receive training and technical assistance designed to strengthen their ability to compete effectively in the American economy. Also eligible to participate in the 8(a) program are small businesses owned by Alaska Native corporations, Community Development Corporations, Indian tribes, and Native Hawaiian organizations. Small business development is accomplished by providing various forms of management, technical, financial, and procurement assistance.

Once certified, 8(a) program participants are eligible to receive federal contracting preferences and receive training and technical assistance designed to strengthen their ability to compete effectively in the American economy.

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)

The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) certification program is a Federal program. Certification and assistance is available through the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity. The purpose is to increase the participation of certified DBEs in projects funded by the US Department of Transportation and other federal sectors. Projects typically include heavy construction, such as building and designing roads, bridges, railroads, ports, and airports

Minority Business Development Agency

The U.S. Department of Commerce, Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) is the only federal agency solely dedicated to the growth and global competitiveness of minority business enterprises. MBDA, invests in a national network of MBDA Business Centers, Specialty Centers, and Grantees. Their programs offer customized business development and industry-focused services to provide greater access to capital, contracts and markets.

• MBDA Business Centers
• MBDA Advanced Manufacturing Centers
• MBDA Export Centers
• MBDA Federal Procurement Center

Boots to Business (B2B)

Two day “Introduction to Entrepreneurship” course to introduce participants to key elements of small business ownership to assist in determining if entrepreneurship is feasible and practical. Participants will be introduced to business concepts, resources, technical assistance, contracting opportunities and writing a business plan.

Bunker Labs

Bunker Labs has three different programs for veterans to participate in dependent upon their business stage. Veterans in Residence for early-stage startups and growth-oriented small businesses, CEO Circle for post-revenue, growth-stage companies looking to scale and the Ambassador Program connects local entrepreneurs and small business owners. There are also courses covering finances, business basics and idea validation.

DPOR Military and Veterans Services

Offers licensing assistance through expedited issuance, credit for experience toward licensing requirements and extensions to those serving overseas.

Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans (EBV)

A free 3-phase program that partners with universities to offer post 9/11 veterans entrepreneurship training.

Patriot Boot Camp (PBC)

A program that trains military members, veterans and military spouses to become creators, innovators, and entrepreneurs leading the new economy. Provides access to mentors, educational programming and experts to help them build impactful businesses. There are also pre-recorded lunch and learn webinars available on the website.

Service-disabled Veteran Status

Veterans who are small business owners can obtain Service Disabled Veteran-owned “status” in the SWaM vendor database. This is not a separate certification; it is a designation of those businesses that are owned by Service-disabled veterans who are certified as such by the Virginia Department of Veteran Services.

Veteran Institute for Procurement

VIP offers four accelerator training programs that specifically address the complexities of federal procurement: Start, Grow, International and Aerospace. VIP graduates receive exclusive contracting opportunities and are some of the fastest growing companies in the nation. Mentor opportunities are available.

VETRN

A free 28-week MBA cohort program for veteran business owners. The program covers topics such as, business development strategies, government contracts, accessing capital, strategic planning, finance and human resources.

Veterans Business Outreach Center (SBA)

For veterans looking to start or grow a small business. The program covers areas such as business training, counseling, and resource partner referrals. Workshops, training, counseling, mentorship opportunities, business plan preparation, concept assessments, feasibility analysis are just some of the services VBOC offers.

Vets First Verification Program

The US Department of Veterans Affairs website offering contracting, marketing and networking opportunities. You’ll also find small business events, news, and on-demand webinars.

Fairfax County Office for Children

The Office for Children is dedicated to the care, education and healthy development of children, from birth through elementary school age. OFC collaborates with early childhood professionals, families, schools and community partners to support children in reaching their fullest potential.

Institute for Early Learning

The Institute for Early Learning offers professional learning opportunities for educators working with children. Courses, workshops and online sessions provide educational opportunities that support quality learning experiences and quality learning environments for children of all ages. These continuing education classes also help meet professional development requirements for permitting and licensing.

Virginia Department of Social Services

Resources and licensing information for adult and child care centers.

Virginia SBDC Child Care Financing Program

This is a direct loan from the VSBFA to a child care center or a family home provider. Bank participation is not required, though often times the bank will provide financing for the center’s land and building and the VSBFA can provide a loan for the other necessary items the center needs such as cots, fencing, playground equipment, buses, etc.

Cybersecurity Check

The Mason Enterprise Center offers special assistance to businesses via a one-on-one assessment with Cybersecurity expert, Tom Stamulis. The goals of the assessment are to:

• Outline the technical needs of client.
• Develop efficient recommendations to protect the client’s systems, the networking infrastructure, data, and information systems against potential cyber risks.
• Assist the client in defining their cybersecurity criteria and validation procedures.
• Perform One external vulnerability assessment performing threat analysis, system checks and security checks.
• Provide professional suggestions and guidance to IT teams.

Cybersecurity Livestreams

Cybersecurity expert, Tom Stamulis, offers weekly tips to understand the basics and what it takes to keep data secure. Join us every Tuesday at 12:30 PM EST: facebook.com/VASBDC – for our Cyber Security Livestreams.

Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity

The Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity certifies Employment Services Organizations in the Commonwealth of Virginia. “Employment services organization” means an organization that provides community-based employment services to individuals with disabilities that is an approved Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) accredited vendor of the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services.

Craft Beverage Assistance Program

CBA services are designed to promote sustainable growth and resilience among Virginia-based producers, from start-ups to established and expanding companies.

Fairfax Food Council

A coalition of citizens, nonprofits, faith partners, county agencies and businesses that advocate and promote food system and policy changes benefitting Fairfax communities, especially underserved communities. Promotes healthy, accessible, affordable food for all to access.

Produces a seasonal newsletter, map of food resources, Urban Agriculture Workgroup, and Food Access and Literacy Work Group.

Frontier Kitchen

A for-profit entity with two locations in Fairfax County. They also offer food safety training and frontier kitchen university comprised of video modules covering a variety of topics.

Future Harvest - Chesapeake Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture

Provides education, networking, advocacy, and research to help build a sustainable Chesapeake foodshed. Membership opportunities available, as well as a tool sharing platform, webinar recordings, annual conference, Beginner Farmer Training Program and more.

Made in Fairfax

A Fairfax County initiative to support entrepreneurs who make tangible, reproducible products within Fairfax County. Members of the network can add their product(s) the online directory, and participate in networking, spotlighting and collaboration events. Join Made in Fairfax here.

STAMP – Small Town & Merchant Program

Offered by the Mason Enterprise Center, STAMP is a comprehensive collection of webinars, workshops, virtual one-on-one sessions, hands-on initiatives, and resources designed to address the specific needs of main street retail and restaurant businesses.

Virginia Agribusiness Council

A nonprofit member organization committed to representing the agriculture and forestry industries in the Commonwealth with a unified voice through effective government relations efforts. Join to have representation, resources, updates and networking within the local farming industry.

Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS)

VDACS promotes the economic growth and development of Virginia agriculture, provides consumer protection and encourages environmental stewardship. Supports the state’s varied agricultural community by assisting producers and processors locate the best markets for their products, both domestically and involved.

Virginia Restaurant, Lodging, Travel Association - Fairfax/Loudoun Chapter

VRLTA works to promote and further the hospitality and tourism industry in the Commonwealth through educational offerings, networking opportunities, the sharing of information, and other support.

Global Defense Program

GDP helps Virginia’s defense companies diversify into new international markets. Eligible defense-related companies receive assistance with strategy, export compliance, matchmaking, translation, and market research. They also participate in vendor days with U.S. Combatant Commands overseas.

Be sure to also review the Procurement resources listed in the Entrepreneurship Resources section on this page.

Northern Virginia Technology Council

Supports and promotes emerging technology businesses focused on growth and entrepreneurs launching businesses by providing content-driven programs that address the challenges of establishing, growing and scaling businesses. The community educates, promotes strategic alliances, addresses business concerns and provides networking opportunities.

ICAP Lean Startup Introductory Course via VASBDC

Free training programs and counseling services. An ideal program for early-stage companies trying to prepare for eventual venture investment. This program should be considered a required first step for anyone interested in commercializing a technology or product, whether through a startup or licensing arrangement. This program can help teams develop better submissions for SBIR and CRCF grants from Virginia’s Center for Innovative Technologies.

Mach 37

Mach 37 is a start-up accelerator designed to facilitate the creation of the next generation of cyber product companies. Ninety-day program emphasizes on the validation of product ideas, development of relationships, producing initial customer base and investment capital.

New Virginia: Scaling for Growth (SBSD)

An MBA cohort program designed for business owners to learn how to scale their business by assessing their business model and becoming more efficient in areas of human resource, finance, social media, procurement and bank speak.

Virginia Leaders in Export Trade (VALET)

A two-year program created to assist companies in the Commonwealth that are committed to international exporting as a growth strategy. The program was designed to help companies propel international sale efforts, increase export sales, offer export planning services, and execute export plans. Only 25 companies per year are accepted into the program.

Startup Grind

Startup Grind strives to help entrepreneurs, founders, and startups succeed through education and opportunities to build, grow, and scale your company. With over 600 chapters worldwide, Startup Grind offers local events, flagship conferences, startup membership, partner membership, student and investor programs, online video library, podcast, and a blog.

Virginia Trade Show Program

VEDP provides reimbursements, up to $10,000, to Virginia companies participating as exhibitors at international trade shows. To qualify for eligibility, the trade show must occur overseas or, if domestic, have demonstrated an international component. Companies may also choose to participate with VEDP at select international trade shows. Virginia’s booth provides the ideal base for co-exhibiting companies, allowing participants to exhibit products and services and network with prospective customers.

Breakout Capital

More than just a lender providing access to capital, Fairfax-based Breakout Capital also educates business owners through their series “Breakout Bites” and is an advocate for small businesses by fighting to retain access to working capital.

The Business Finance Center (BFC) at the Community Business Partnership

The BFC has funded small and emerging businesses who were unable to obtain financing due to credit or other limitations. The BFC’s goal is to provide consistent financing opportunities to promising entrepreneurs. The BFC staff works with clients to help them develop their creditworthiness to become financially strong enterprises.

Community Foundation for Northern Virginia

The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia strives to build a community that works for everyone. We use a data-driven approach to understand the greatest needs of the region and manage competitive and transparent grants and scholarship processes that bolster our community.

Grants.gov

Federal funding opportunities published on Grants.gov are for organizations and entities supporting the development and management of government-funded programs and projects.

Grants Research and Training Center (GRTC) at the Fairfax County Public Library

The GTRC is home to Candid, a funding information center. Trained staff is available at three Fairfax County Public Library branches to assist entrepreneurs in researching available grants and funding opportunities.

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

Loans guaranteed by SBA range from small to large and can be used for most business purposes, including long-term fixed assets and operating capital. Some loan programs set restrictions on how you can use the funds, so check with an SBA-approved lender when requesting a loan. Your lender can match you with the right loan for your business needs . Contact the SBA to learn about 7(a), 504 and micro loans.

Virginia Community Capital

A bank that provides lending to businesses in the Commonwealth. VCC also offers free advisory services to ensure the success of the projects they support.

Virginia Small Business Financing Authority

VSBFA is the Commonwealth of Virginia’s business and economic development financing arm. Provides direct financing to businesses and nonprofits for economic growth and expansion. Also offered is an equity incentive grant program, small business investment grant fund. Some of the loan programs listed as follows: Economic Development Loan Fund, SWaM Business Loan Fund, Child Care Financing Loan Fund, Cash Collateral Program, Loan Guaranty Program, Capital Access Program and Private Activity Bond Issuances.

1 Million Cups /Fairfax

A nationwide program based on the notion that entrepreneurs discover solutions and engage with their communities over a cup of coffee. Established in 2012, 1 Million Cups is a free program designed to education, engage and inspire entrepreneurs. Empowers with tools and resources to break down barriers that stand in the way of starting and growing a business. Come prepared to bring ideas to life.

ICAP Lean Startup Introductory Course via VASBDC

Free training programs and counseling services. An ideal program for early-stage companies trying to prepare for eventual venture investment. This program should be considered a required first step for anyone interested in commercializing a technology or product, whether through a startup or licensing arrangement. This program can help teams develop better submissions for SBIR and CRCF grants from Virginia’s Center for Innovative Technologies.

Startup Grind

Startup Grind strives to help entrepreneurs, founders, and startups succeed through education and opportunities to build, grow, and scale your company. With over 600 chapters worldwide, Startup Grind offers local events, flagship conferences, startup membership, partner membership, student and investor programs, online video library, podcast, and a blog.

Alternative Workspaces

Forty different spaces across the region provide a variety of shared office space options available by the hour, day, or longer. This curated list of shared office space with amenities such as IT infrastructure, conference rooms and concierge service.

Community Business Partnership Incubator

The Community Business Partnership Incubation Center offers a variety of spaces and services to support entrepreneurship including private office space, shared space, virtual services, and conference and training room space available for rent.

Community Cultural Center at Northern Virginia Community College, Annandale Campus

The Community Cultural Center is a 66,000 square foot rental facility containing a 525 seat, state-of-the-art theater with satellite downlink and video projection capability; an 11,000 square foot gymnasium/exhibition hall, a welcoming atrium entrance, meeting and training rooms, a two-story art gallery, and a large forum suitable for lectures, conferences, receptions, hearings, dinner parties and performances with smaller audiences. The following areas are available to rent:

Frontier Kitchen

A private, for-profit business with two locations in Fairfax County. They also offer food safety training and frontier kitchen university comprised of video modules covering a variety of topics.

The Kitchen Door

A website promoting commercial, commissary, and shared kitchens for rent. Site includes networking and education information intended for food production businesses.

Mason Enterprise Center Incubator

The Mason Enterprise Center in the City of Fairfax offers a variety of spaces and services to support entrepreneurship including private office space, shared space, coworking space, virtual services, and conference and training room space available for rent.

Export Virginia

Grow international sales with VEDP. VEDP offers international market research, grants such as tradeshow reimbursement (and others see STEP & VALET), locates distributors, and develops market entry strategies. VEDP also introduces companies to potential customers through international business trips and trade shows, and issues Certificates of Free Sale.

The Export Import Bank of the United States

EXIM is an independent federal agency that fills gaps in private export finance in order to bolster U.S. job growth at no cost to American taxpayers. EXIM provides trade financing solutions – including export credit insurance, working capital guarantees, and guarantees of commercial loans to foreign buyers – to empower exporters of U.S. goods and services.

International Business Development Program

The Virginia SBDC International Business Development Program works with Virginia based firms to enhance their global success. Our Certified Global Business Professionals provide confidential counseling, training, and customized research to help companies mitigate risks, prioritize markets, identify financing, and grow export sales.

State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) Grant

The STEP grant is designed to increase the number of small businesses that are exporting and to raise the value of exports for those small businesses that are currently exporting. The program is funded through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Association. Program benefits vary by the year depending upon federal grant guidelines.

U.S. SBA’s Office of International Trade

Works in cooperation with other federal agencies and public- and private-sector groups to encourage small business exports and to assist small businesses seeking to export. Through 21 U.S. Export Assistance Centers, SBA district offices and a variety of service-provider partners, we direct and coordinate SBA's ongoing export initiatives to encourage small businesses going global. One such effort is the SBA’s Step Grant.

Virginia Leaders in Export Trade (VALET)

A two-year program created to assist companies in the Commonwealth that are committed to international exporting as a growth strategy. The program was designed to help companies propel international sale efforts, increase export sales, offer export planning services, and execute export plans. Only 25 companies per year are accepted into the program.

Virginia Trade Show Program

VEDP provides reimbursements, up to $10,000, to Virginia companies participating as exhibitors at international trade shows. To qualify for eligibility, the trade show must occur overseas or, if domestic, have demonstrated an international component. Companies may also choose to participate with VEDP at select international trade shows. Virginia’s booth provides the ideal base for co-exhibiting companies, allowing participants to exhibit products and services and network with prospective customers.

Northern Virginia Pro Bono Law Center

Provides legal assistance to low-income individual residents of Fairfax County, as well as existing and established Northern Virginia nonprofits.

Smart Small Think Big

Start Small Think Big is a non-profit that helps small businesses with high potential and limited access to the resources needed to create thriving businesses. Offers free legal advice, finance and marketing services.

U.S. Department of Labor - eLaws Advisors

A set of interactive, online tools to help employers and employees learn more about their rights and responsibilities under numerous Federal employment laws.

Start Small Think Big  

Start Small Think Big is a non-profit that helps small businesses with high potential and limited access to the resources needed to create thriving businesses. Offers free legal advice, finance and marketing services.

Mason SBDC

Mason Enterprise Center

Provides Northern Virginia small businesses with business training and counseling services at no cost. Offers mentoring and assistance in the following areas: business plan and strategy, financing, government contracting, marketing, sales, and live webinar workshops.

SCORE

Headquartered in Herndon, VA, SCORE is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals through education and mentorship. Offers free mentoring for any stage of business, training and resources to grow through funding, and digital readiness platforms. LiveChat is available, as well as live and recorded webinars.

Doing Business with Fairfax County

Find information regarding procurement opportunities currently advertised by Fairfax County departments and Schools, vendor resources, solicitation notifications, invoice and payment information.

e-VA the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Electronic Procurement

An electronic platform used by the Commonwealth to buy goods and services. The platform is used by more than 245 state agencies and institutes of higher education and 900+ local governments and public bodies to announce bidding opportunities, receive quotes, order placement and approvals, contract management and more.

Selling to Fairfax Workshops

Free workshops hosted by Fairfax County’s Department of Procurement and Material Management. You will learn about how the County’s business opportunities are advertised, the mechanics of the County’s procurement process and the County’s supplier diversity program. Participants will also learn about the criteria for approaching County agencies directly, and the path to do so.

Vendor Pitch Portal

Interested in doing business with Fairfax County? Connect with department staff buyers through the Vendor Pitch Portal, an easy way to present your business idea, product or service offering to county agencies and departments and Fairfax County Public Schools all at the same time!

Virginia Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC)

Do you want to participate in the federal, state or local government procurement process? Headquartered in Fairfax, VA and run by George Mason University, PTAC partners with local public and private organizations to offer counseling and training on how to respond to RFPs, the advantages of priming and subcontracting opportunities, and assist with more intricate company-specific challenges.

Fairfax County Demographics

A repository of statistic and demographic data. Small-area economic and demographic estimates, special studies, research and forecasts for are conducted annually for Fairfax County. See data by occupation, community profiles, internet accessibility and much more.

Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA)

Fairfax County Public Library – Business Resources

FCPL provides free access to a variety of information resources that will help you create or grow a successful business or nonprofit in Fairfax County, including15 databases to support company, industry or market research. FCPL has specially trained librarians to assist with this research.

U.S. Census /Small Business Data

Amazon Small Business Academy

ICAP Lean Startup Introductory Course via VASBDC

Free training programs and counseling services. An ideal program for early-stage companies trying to prepare for eventual venture investment. This program should be considered a required first step for anyone interested in commercializing a technology or product, whether through a startup or licensing arrangement. This program can help teams develop better submissions for SBIR and CRCF grants from Virginia’s Center for Innovative Technologies.

New Virginia: Scaling4Growth (SBSD)

An MBA cohort program designed for business owners to learn how to scale their business by assessing their business model and becoming more efficient in areas of human resource, finance, social media, procurement and bank speak.

Fairfax County Surplus Property Auctions

Fairfax County Government and Fairfax County Public Schools are committed to responsibly disposing of a wide variety of surplus equipment through online sale/auction, donation and trade. You will find everything from heavy machinery to office supplies. All sales are final.

Green Business Partners Program

Fairfax County’s Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination (OEEO) recognizes businesses that are committed to reducing their carbon footprint. Join as a member to be listed in the Green Business Partners directory. OEEO periodically features members in press releases and articles.

Internal Revenue Service Small Business and Self-Employed Tax Center

Resources for taxpayers who file Form 1040 or 1040-SR, Schedules C, E, F or Form 2106, as well as small businesses with assets under $10 million.

Virginia Tax

Fairfax County Economic Development Authority

The FCEDA promotes Fairfax County as one of the world’s best business centers and offers an array of services and information to assist new, expanding, and relocating companies and organizations, whether domestic or international. Some of the services it offers to small businesses: demographics/statistics, entrepreneur workshop, alternative office space and location services, small business start-up guide, counseling, COVID-19 resources and more.

• FCEDA Talent Attraction

Virginia Career Works