Resources:
 

•  https://www.sbsd.virginia.gov/certification-division/swam/
  - The SBSD offers the SWaM certification program. This allows small women and minority owned businesses improved opportunities for participation in state-funded endeavors.
   

• https://nmsdc.org/
  -The National Minority Supplier Development Council helps connect minority businesses with organizations wishing to purchase their products. They also offer networking opportunities.
   

  • https://www.mbda.gov/who-we-are/overview
    - The Minority Business Development agency offers many services to minority-owned businesses. They can help connect these organizations to capital, government contracts, and foreign markets.
     

• https://www.score.org/find-mentor
  - SCORE provides access to volunteer experts who mentor current and prospective small business owners through the process of running and creating their business.
   

• https://learn.sba.gov/learning-center-plan
  - This resource offers courses on business plan creation, navigation of technical legal requirements, and business acquisition.
   

• https://www.sba.gov/business-guide
  - This resource offers written guidelines for dealing with a variety of common business challenges including funding, market research and more.