# Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity > American state government department **Wikidata**: [Q106437397](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q106437397) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/virginia-department-of-small-business-and-supplier-diversity ## Summary The Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity (SBSD) is a state government agency responsible for promoting small business development and supplier diversity within Virginia. It operates under the executive branch of the government of Virginia and provides certification, advocacy, and contracting opportunities for small, minority-, women-, and veteran-owned businesses. SBSD plays a central role in fostering economic equity and inclusive growth across the Commonwealth. ## Key Facts - Official short names include "SBSD" (preferred) and "DSBSD" (used in Executive Order 20 of 2014). - Parent organization: Government of Virginia. - Headquarters: 101 N. 14th Street, 11th Floor, Richmond, VA 23219, United States. - Phone: +1-804-786-6585. - Fax: +1-804-786-9736. - Email: mailto:sbsd@sbsd.virginia.gov. - Website: https://www.sbsd.virginia.gov/ (in English). - Official blog/news page: https://www.sbsd.virginia.gov/about-us/news/. - Classified as a government agency and accrediting body. - Established under Executive Order 20 (2014). - Part of the broader ecosystem of state-level economic development and supplier diversity initiatives. ## FAQs ### What is the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity? It is a state government agency that supports small businesses and promotes supplier diversity in Virginia by offering certifications, advocacy, and access to state contracting opportunities. ### What is its relationship to the Virginia state government? It is part of the executive branch of the government of Virginia and was formalized under Executive Order 20 issued in 2014. ### What services does it provide? It offers certification programs for small, minority-, women-, and veteran-owned businesses, facilitates access to state procurement opportunities, and provides advocacy and support services to foster business growth. ### How can businesses contact the department? Businesses can reach the department via phone at +1-804-786-6585, fax at +1-804-786-9736, or email at mailto:sbsd@sbsd.virginia.gov. The mailing address is 101 N. 14th Street, 11th Floor, Richmond, VA 23219. ### Where can I find official updates or news from the department? Official news and updates are published on the department’s blog at https://www.sbsd.virginia.gov/about-us/news/. ### What is the department's legal or administrative foundation? It was established under Executive Order 20, signed on July 22, 2014, which outlines its mission and responsibilities in promoting supplier diversity and small business development. ## Why It Matters The Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity plays a critical role in advancing economic equity and inclusive growth in Virginia. By certifying and supporting underrepresented business enterprises, it ensures that small businesses have fair access to state contracting opportunities. This not only strengthens local economies but also diversifies the state’s supplier base, enhancing resilience and innovation in public procurement. Its work directly contributes to job creation, community development, and the long-term economic health of the Commonwealth. ## Notable For - Administering certification programs for small, minority-, women-, and veteran-owned businesses. - Facilitating access to state procurement opportunities for certified businesses. - Operating under Executive Order 20 (2014), which formalized its mission and structure. - Maintaining a centralized online presence with news, resources, and contact information. - Serving as both a government agency and an accrediting body for business diversity initiatives. ## Body ### Organizational Structure and Governance The Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity (SBSD) is a component of the executive branch of the government of Virginia. It was formally established under Executive Order 20, signed on July 22, 2014, which outlines its responsibilities in promoting supplier diversity and supporting small businesses. As a government agency, it operates with the authority to certify businesses and facilitate their participation in state contracting. ### Headquarters and Contact Information SBSD is headquartered at 101 N. 14th Street, 11th Floor, Richmond, VA 23219, United States. The department can be reached via phone at +1-804-786-6585, fax at +1-804-786-9736, or email at mailto:sbsd@sbsd.virginia.gov. These contact details are published on its official website, which is maintained in English. ### Official Website and News The department’s official website is https://www.sbsd.virginia.gov/, which serves as a central hub for information, resources, and updates. The site includes a dedicated news section at https://www.sbsd.virginia.gov/about-us/news/, where stakeholders can access official announcements, program updates, and policy changes. ### Certification and Accreditation Role SBSD functions as both a government agency and an accrediting body. It certifies businesses that meet specific criteria for small, minority-, women-, and veteran-owned status. These certifications are essential for businesses seeking to participate in state procurement programs and gain visibility among state agencies and prime contractors. ### Short Names and Aliases The department is commonly referred to by its short names: - "SBSD" (preferred, as of April 10, 2021) - "DSBSD" (used in Executive Order 20 of 2014) These names are used interchangeably in official documents and communications. ### Legal Foundation Executive Order 20, issued on July 22, 2014, serves as the foundational document for SBSD’s operations. This order outlines the department’s mission to promote supplier diversity and support small business development in Virginia. It also establishes the legal framework for its certification and procurement facilitation activities. ### Public Services and Impact SBSD’s core services include: - Certification of small, minority-, women-, and veteran-owned businesses - Advocacy and technical assistance for certified businesses - Facilitation of access to state contracting opportunities - Promotion of inclusive procurement practices across state agencies These services contribute to economic development, job creation, and the diversification of Virginia’s supplier base. ### Digital Presence and Accessibility The department maintains a strong digital presence through its website and blog. All content is provided in English, ensuring accessibility to a broad audience. The website also serves as a repository for official documents, program guidelines, and contact information. ### Related Entities and Context As part of the government of Virginia, SBSD collaborates with other state agencies to implement procurement policies and promote economic development. Its work intersects with broader initiatives in economic equity, workforce development, and inclusive growth. It also plays a role in aligning Virginia’s procurement practices with national standards for supplier diversity. ## References 1. [Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity](https://www.sbsd.virginia.gov/) 2. [Executive Order 20 (2014),. 2014](https://www.sbsd.virginia.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/SWaM-EO20_2014.pdf)