About the Virginia Department of Small Business & Supplier Diversity

Helping Virginia Small Businesses Start, Grow, and Succeed

Small businesses are the backbone of Virginia’s economy, and the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity (SBSD) exists to help them thrive.


Whether you are starting a new business, looking for funding, pursuing government contracts, growing your customer base, or navigating the next stage of expansion, SBSD connects Virginia businesses with the tools, guidance, resources, and opportunities needed to move forward with confidence.


Our mission is simple: help small businesses overcome barriers, create economic opportunity, and strengthen communities across the Commonwealth.


How We Help

SBSD supports Virginia businesses through certification programs, business development resources, financing programs, technical assistance, and statewide outreach initiatives designed to help entrepreneurs succeed at every stage of business growth.


We work closely with:


  • small businesses and startups,
  • women-owned and minority-owned businesses,
  • veteran-owned businesses,
  • nonprofit organizations,
  • lenders and financial institutions,
  • and public and private sector partners across Virginia.


Whether you need help understanding procurement opportunities, accessing capital, connecting with resources, or building long-term business capacity, SBSD is here to help guide the process.

a small business owner reads a packing slip while shipping goods

Business Development & Support

For many entrepreneurs, SBSD serves as a first stop for business guidance and support.

 

Through business outreach, education, and technical assistance programs, SBSD helps business owners:

 

  • explore growth opportunities,
    connect with contracting resources,
  • understand certification benefits,
  • identify financing options,
  • and build stronger, more competitive businesses.

 

SBSD also manages Virginia’s Business One Stop platform, which streamlines access to business registration, licensing, permitting, and certification resources across multiple state agencies. 

Certification Programs

SBSD administers Virginia’s certification programs for Small, Women, and Minority-owned (SWaM) businesses and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs), helping eligible businesses gain greater visibility and access to procurement and contracting opportunities throughout the Commonwealth.

 

Certified businesses may:

 

  • compete for specialized contracting opportunities,
  • connect with state and local procurement officials,
  • appear in searchable vendor directories,
  • and strengthen their ability to pursue new business opportunities.

 

SBSD certifications now include multiple designation types that support a wide range of Virginia businesses and supplier diversity initiatives.

a small business owner works in a home office and speaks to a client on the telephone

Specialized Support for Transportation & Infrastructure Businesses

SBSD’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) programs provide specialized support for businesses participating in federally funded transportation and infrastructure projects.


These services include:


  • business development assistance,
  • training and technical support,
  • networking and subcontracting connections,
  • and guidance designed to help DBE firms grow, compete, and succeed in federally assisted projects and procurement opportunities.

Financing Programs Through VSBFA

Through the Virginia Small Business Financing Authority (VSBFA), the financing arm of SBSD, businesses and nonprofit organizations can access financing programs that support growth, expansion, job creation, and long-term economic development throughout Virginia.

 

VSBFA programs include:

 

  • direct loans,
  • lender support programs,
  • bond financing,
  • equity incentive programs,
  • and other financing tools designed to help businesses bridge funding gaps and access the capital they need to grow.

 

For more than 30 years, VSBFA has helped Virginia businesses and communities secure financing that creates jobs, supports innovation, and strengthens local economies.

Supporting the Future of Virginia Business

At SBSD, we believe small businesses deserve clear guidance, meaningful opportunity, and strong support systems. Every day, we work to help Virginia entrepreneurs overcome challenges, reach new markets, secure resources, and build businesses that contribute to a stronger Commonwealth for everyone.

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