To encourage more small, women- and minority-owned (SWaM) businesses to compete for contracting opportunities with Newport News, the city’s Purchasing Office is offering free, monthly workshops to help such businesses better understand the procurement process, SWaM certification, and the types of projects and contracts awarded to vendors.
Educational opportunities, guidance, and assistance are available through a coordinated effort between city, state, and regional partners. Offerings include SWaM certification through Small Business Supplier Diversity; understanding insurance and bonding requirements; the development of business plans; and much more.
Small businesses are invited to participate in free monthly workshops beginning with the first one on Tuesday, Jan. 10, titled Small Business Pre-Certification & How To Do Business With Newport News. Classes will be online and/or at Brooks Crossing Innovation Lab, 550 30th St., Suite 101-102, in Newport News. To learn more about this and other opportunities visit nnswam.eventbrite.com.
The new SWaM Business Services initiative aims to widen opportunities for participation in city contracts for SWaM businesses as both prime and sub-contractors, and to help companies gain an understanding of the benefits of obtaining certification as a SWaM business for all government contracting.
Business owners with questions about this initiative can contact Pamela Croom, SWaM Business Services Coordinator, at 757-926-8039 or croompb@nnva.gov. For the list of current solicitations, visit www.nnva.gov/purchasing.km