FREE WORKSHOP ALERT

In the competitive world of business, securing every possible advantage is critical for growth and success. For small businesses in Virginia, the Small, Women-owned, and Minority-owned Business (SWaM) Certification provides a unique opportunity to stand out, access lucrative State and city government contracts, and build strong networks in the public and private sectors.

Small business owners who are looking to participate in Virginia’s specialized procurement and contracting opportunities are encouraged to become SWaM certified. The SWaM certification is a vehicle to promote economic growth of Virginia’s businesses. Becoming SWaM certified is just the first step in doing business with the Commonwealth. Each year the state buys goods and services totaling more than $8 billion. The Commonwealth of Virginia wants to do business with you and increase participation of small, women owned, and minority-owned businesses.

This workshop will cover the SWaM Program and certification/designation types, on-line application process, required documents needed to apply, and how to use the certification to do business with the Commonwealth (intro to eVA, Virginia’s Online Procurement Portal).  Bring your laptop and do it receiving one on one assistance. 

What is SWaM Certification?
SWaM certification is a designation provided by the Commonwealth of Virginia, designed to promote economic opportunities for small businesses, women-owned businesses, and minority-owned businesses. This program connects these businesses to a wide array of state-funded procurement opportunities.

Why is SWaM Certification Important?

1. Access to State Contracts
   Virginia spends billions annually on goods and services. A portion of this spending is allocated specifically for SWaM-certified businesses. Certification opens the door to these opportunities, giving your business a competitive edge.

2. Enhanced Visibility  
   Being listed in the SWaM database makes it easier for government agencies and larger companies to find and partner with your business. Many organizations actively seek SWaM-certified vendors to meet their diversity and inclusion goals.

3. Networking Opportunities
   SWaM certification allows you to attend specialized networking events, workshops, and expos. These platforms are designed to connect you with key decision-makers and industry leaders, offering a direct route to new partnerships.

4. Strengthened Credibility
   The SWaM designation is more than just a certification; it’s a statement of trustworthiness and capability. It signals to potential clients and partners that your business meets rigorous state standards, enhancing your reputation in the market.

5. Support for Growth
   Certified businesses gain access to training programs, mentoring, and resources aimed at helping them scale and compete effectively in larger markets.

Who Should Get SWaM Certified?
Any small business in Virginia that qualifies as small, women-owned, or minority-owned should consider applying for SWaM certification. Whether you are a startup or an established enterprise, this certification can amplify your growth potential.  For Virginia small businesses, SWaM certification is more than a credential; it’s a gateway to new opportunities. By leveraging the program, you can unlock contracts, enhance your visibility, and establish a foothold in a highly competitive marketplace. Don't miss the chance to grow your business—start your SWaM certification journey today and position your business for long-term success.

Want to share with your network?  Share with others Presented by Chris Ley, Business Services Manager, Northern Virginia Region. 


 

From Curious to Empowered: An AI Conference 
Discover the transformative world of Artificial Intelligence! Whether you're just starting out or an experienced professional, this conference is your chance to explore AI’s potential to elevate your personal and professional life. Don’t miss out—unlock new opportunities and harness the power of AI today!

Join the Northern Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for the 2025 Professional Sales Bootcamp: Your Path to Sales Mastery!

Are you ready to elevate your sales skills and maximize your career potential? The Northern Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce invites you to participate in the 2025 Professional Sales Bootcamp: Your Path to Sales Mastery, a transformative program designed to empower professionals like you with the tools and strategies needed to excel in today’s competitive marketplace.

This comprehensive program is packed with five interactive modules, each meticulously crafted to address the most critical aspects of the sales process. Here’s what you’ll gain:

1. Master the Initial Interaction: Learn how to make impactful first impressions that build trust and lay the foundation for long-term relationships with your prospects.

2. Enhance Your Prospecting Skills: Gain actionable insights on what to do during and after prospecting to keep your pipeline robust and active.

3. Complete the Sales Cycle with Confidence: Discover proven techniques to move from initial contact to closing the deal, ensuring a smooth and successful sales process.

4. Leverage Cutting-Edge Technologies: Explore the latest tools and technologies that can streamline your workflow, enhance client engagement, and boost your productivity.

5. Interactive and Practical Learning: Engage in hands-on exercises, real-world case studies, and expert-led discussions to solidify your understanding and application of these concepts.

By joining this program, you’ll not only refine your skills but also gain access to an invaluable network of peers, mentors, and industry leaders through the Chamber’s dynamic community. This is more than a training program—it’s an opportunity to accelerate your career and become a sales leader in your field.

Seats are limited, so don’t miss your chance to be part of this impactful experience. Take the next step toward achieving your professional sales goals. Join us at the 2025 Professional Sales Bootcamp: Your Patch to Sales Mastery —where your success begins!

Secure your spot today! Contact us to learn more or visit our website to register. Let’s achieve sales excellence together!




Thomas Ellis – President & Chief Sales Coach – EWC Consultants

With over 35 years of hands-on sales experience, Thomas Ellis is a seasoned sales management veteran and the driving force behind EWC Consultants. Thomas launched his professional sales career in the competitive copier industry and later moved into telecommunications with leading companies like Motorola and Nextel. Following the merger with Sprint in 2005, Thomas dedicated 13 years to Sprint Nextel, excelling in various Sales Manager and Director of Sales roles. His exceptional performance earned him Sprint/Nextel’s highest accolade, the President's Council award, for an impressive 10 consecutive years.
During his tenure, Thomas not only led successful sales teams but also coached and developed sales representatives and managers across diverse sectors including SMB, Enterprise, Education, State and Local Government, and the Federal Government. A graduate of Fordham University in New York City, Thomas holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. He is widely regarded as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in coaching and developing Business-to-Business (B2B) sales professionals.  Today, as the Chief Sales Coach for EWC Consultants, Thomas partners with small business owners and sales professionals, guiding them to master core sales strategies that consistently lead to closing BIG deals. His philosophy is simple: Master the basics, and success will follow. His passion for empowering others led to the release of his book, B.U.D. Better, Unique, & Desirable: The Sales Process That Gets Results, along with several other e-books on sales techniques.

Thomas frequently facilitates workshops for organizations like Northern Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce,  Maryland Small Business Development Center, Women's Business Center, Project Opportunity, and the Bowie Innovation Center, where he shares his expertise in coaching, consulting, and developing sales personnel and managers.

In 2024, Thomas launched The B.U.D. Sales Academy, a comprehensive platform designed to equip sales professionals with the tools they need to excel. The Academy offers a robust network of professionals, engaging webinars with industry experts, and seven specialized online courses tailored to the evolving needs of the modern sales landscape. His leadership in the field earned him a spot on the list of Top 15 Coaches in Washington, D.C., by Influence Digital Media in 2024.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Thomas is an avid golfer, a mentor to young adults, and a dedicated family man. He believes in making every interaction count, whether it’s on the golf course or in the boardroom.


THIS EVENT IS POSSIBLE THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS:  NORTHERN VIRGINIA HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, CAPITAL READINESS PROGRAM, UNITED STATES HISPANIC CHAMBER and MINORITY BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AGENCY




 

Join us for the March Lunch and Learn: KPIs for Success: Measuring What Matters in Your Business

Do you have the real-time answers you need to run your daily business operations and ensure year-over-year growth?

In this presentation, you will learn:

• How to choose optimal KPIs that align with your business needs
• How to utilize all available data across your business systems
• How to use business intelligence to ensure that you have the real-time insights you need to perform optimally and grow your business

Meet Your March Speaker: Melanie Elliott, PhD

Melanie Elliott, PhD has over 20 years of experience with achieving transformational growth for businesses through both direct leadership and as a consultant. Dr. Elliott utilizes her expertise in data and analytics to assist businesses with end-to-end data strategy & implementation, including software selection and implementation, data warehousing, data cleaning/transformation, research, planning and calculation of Key Performance Indicator (KPI) and other metrics, as well as data analysis, visualization, interpretation, and action planning. She works with companies at all levels from small businesses and start-ups to large organizations. In her spare time, she also enjoys providing curated wine tastings as Certified Wine Educator.

Register here.

Join us for an informative procurement session tailored for small business owners, where you’ll gain valuable insights into contracting opportunities and how to navigate the procurement process. Representatives from Loudoun County Procurement, LCPS (Loudoun County Public Schools), Loudoun Water, and the Town of Leesburg will share key information on bidding, compliance, and how small businesses can effectively compete for local government contracts. This session is a unique opportunity to connect directly with decision-makers, ask questions, and learn how to grow your business by tapping into public sector opportunities. Don’t miss out on this chance to expand your network and knowledge!

Register using THIS LINK.

Tresha Taylor – Contract Administration Specialist, Loudoun County Division of Procurement

Tresha Taylor is the Contract Administration Specialist in the Department of Finance and Procurement, Division of Procurement, based in Loudoun County, Virginia. She plays a crucial role in supporting departmental Contract Administrators (CAs) by addressing contract issues and disputes, providing training on contract administration, guiding departments and contractors in fulfilling contract duties, and facilitating communication between the business community and the County’s Procurement Division.

With over 30 years of experience in federal, state, and local procurement, Tresha brings a wealth of knowledge to her role. Prior to joining the County, she worked at George Mason University’s Enterprise Center/Virginia Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC), where she assisted, counseled, and trained business owners on government contracting. Tresha’s background also includes over 25 years as a Senior Business Manager for a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) and Minority-Owned Small Business IT Services Contractor.

Andrea Philyaw – Director of Procurement & Risk Management Services, LCPS

With 25+ years of experience, Andrea Philyaw leads Loudoun County Public Schools’ Procurement/Risk Management department. She’s also a trainer for procurement professionals and the incoming president of the state procurement association.

Amy Bevins – Procurement Manager, Loudoun Water

With 18 years of experience, Amy Bevins leads Loudoun Water’s procurement team, ensuring efficient and compliant acquisition of essential resources. A Certified Public Procurement Buyer (CPPB), Amy leverages her expertise to support her team of 4 procurement professionals.  She’s actively involved in NIGP and VAGP, demonstrating her commitment to excellence in public procurement.

Kelly Neff – Buyer, Town of Leesburg

Kelly Neff has an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration and over ten years of experience in Finance, specifically nine of those years in government finance. For the last seven years, she has served as a buyer for the Town of Leesburg, Virginia. She is a Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB), Virginia Contracting Officer (VCO) and Virginia Contracting Associate (VCA). She is also an active member of the National Institute of Government Purchasing (NIGP), and the Virginia Association of Governmental Purchasing (VAGP).