Newport News has launched the SWaM Initiative, aimed at increasing contracting opportunities for small, women- and minority-owned businesses (SWaM). The city’s purchasing office will be offering free monthly workshops as part of this initiative, with the aim to help these businesses understand the procurement process, SWaM certification, business plan development, and the types of contracts awarded to vendors. The first workshop, “Small Business Pre-Certification & How To Do Business With Newport News,” will be held both online and in-person. The SWaM Initiative is designed to broaden the participation of SWaM businesses in city contracts and to promote the benefits of SWaM certification for government contracting.

Introduction

If your company qualifies as small — or is owned by a woman or minority — Newport News wants to do business with you.

Initiative for Small, Women, and Minority-Owned Businesses

The city’s purchasing office launched an initiative to encourage more small, women- and minority-owned (SWaM) businesses to compete for contracting opportunities with Newport News.

Workshops and Resources

The office will offer free monthly workshops to help these businesses better understand the procurement process, SWaM certification, developing business plans and the types of projects and contracts awarded to vendors, according to a press release from the city.

The first workshop, titled “Small Business Pre-Certification & How To Do Business With Newport News,” is set for 9 a.m. Tuesday. Classes will be online and in person at Brooks Crossing Innovation Lab, 550 30th St., Suite 101-102.

Further Information and Contact

To learn more about the workshops, visit nnswam.eventbrite.com.

The initiative aims to widen opportunities for participation in city contracts and to help companies understand the benefits of obtaining certification as a SWaM business for all government contracting.

For more information about the initiative, contact SWaM Business Services Coordinator Pamela Croom at 757-926-8039 or croompb@nnva.gov. For the list of current solicitations, visit www.nnva.gov/purchasing.

Josh Janney, joshua.janney@virginiamedia.com

Question & Answer

What is the SWaM Initiative launched by Newport News?

The SWaM Initiative is aimed at increasing contracting opportunities for small, women- and minority-owned businesses in Newport News.

What kind of workshops will the city’s purchasing office offer as part of the SWaM Initiative?

The city’s purchasing office will offer free monthly workshops to help businesses understand the procurement process, SWaM certification, business plan development, and the types of contracts awarded to vendors.

When and where will the first workshop, “Small Business Pre-Certification & How To Do Business With Newport News,” be held?

The first workshop will be held at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, both online and in person at Brooks Crossing Innovation Lab, 550 30th St., Suite 101-102.