Laurel Ridge SBDC Launches Workshop Series to Help Small Businesses Pursue State Contracts

Small businesses interested in working with the Commonwealth of Virginia will soon have a chance to learn how to navigate the process.

The Laurel Ridge Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is launching a new workshop series titled “Intro to State Government Contracting: eVA Registration & SWaM Certification Hands-on Lab.” The program is designed to help business owners understand how to compete for state government contracts.

The series begins March 25 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Laurel Ridge Community College’s Middletown Campus, with additional sessions planned throughout the year. Another workshop is scheduled for April 22 at the college’s Fauquier Campus in Warrenton.

The workshops will be led by Chris Ley, business services manager with the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity. Participants will receive step-by-step guidance on registering in Virginia’s eVA procurement system, the state’s online platform for posting contract opportunities and managing purchasing.

The program will also cover the benefits and application process for Small, Women-owned, and Minority-owned (SWaM) certification, which can open additional contracting opportunities for qualifying businesses.

Participants will work through the early stages of registration and certification during the session, allowing business owners to begin the process with expert support.

“Doing business with the commonwealth can create meaningful growth opportunities for small businesses,” said Andy Gyurisin, director of the Laurel Ridge SBDC. “This series is designed to simplify the process and provide practical guidance to help business owners take the next step.”

Organizers encourage attendees to bring a laptop so they can complete registration steps during the workshop. Advance registration is recommended.

Additional information about this workshop and other upcoming SBDC events is available through the Laurel Ridge SBDC event listings.

For more information, contact Katrina Mosley with the Laurel Ridge SBDC at Laurel Ridge Community College at kmosley@laurelridge.edu or 540-868-7090.