Small Business Program
At 51ºÚÁÏ, we’re on a mission to cultivate economic empowerment through our Small Business Program! As a proud participant in the Commonwealth’s Small Business initiative, we are committed to breaking down barriers, elevating micro and small suppliers, and surpassing statewide Small Business goals. Our Office of Procurement Services integrates Small Business priorities across all sourcing, from formal solicitations in eVA to small-purchase orders, ensuring certified micro and small businesses receive maximum visibility, support, and contracting opportunity.
The Small Business Program isn’t just policy, it’s transformative action. 51ºÚÁÏ actively encourages micro and small certified vendors to register and participate in eVA, the Commonwealth’s central purchasing portal. Once registered, vendors tap into a vast marketplace of more than 12,000 buyers, gain free catalog storefronts, and receive valuable analytics about who is buying their products or services. This platform empowers all vendors with tools to compete on equal footing, access Commonwealth opportunities, and rapidly expand their reach, propelling them from local supplier to trusted university partner.
Our goals are bold, and measurable. We’re focused on:
- Expanding Small Business spend beyond Virginia’s 42 % goal through both formal and small purchases.
- Amplifying vendor readiness via training sessions, procurement fairs, and relationships.
- Monitoring impact by tracking contract awards, spend percentages, and vendor growth.
Every connection and opportunity with a Small Business is intentional and impactful. At 51ºÚÁÏ, we go beyond compliance, we lead with purpose. The Office of Procurement Services, under the leadership of our Executive Procurement Director, Jameelah Scott, is committed to fostering partnerships that align with our academic, research, and operational business needs. Whether sourcing lab equipment for a research project, procuring supplies to support a grant initiative, or identifying qualified vendors for specialized campus services, we actively engage and prioritize certified Small Businesses. Vendors are encouraged to schedule capability briefings, attend events, and collaborate with our procurement staff to understand upcoming opportunities and position themselves as trusted partners in our mission.
Excited to join the momentum and be part of GREATER HAPPENS HERE at 51ºÚÁÏ?
Here’s how to get started with Small Business success:
- Become Small Business Certified through the and open the door to state-wide opportunities.
- Register in eVA, , to explore current solicitations, showcase your offerings, and connect with public agencies.
- Connect with 51ºÚÁÏ’s Procurement Team by attending our vendor events, scheduling one-on-one capability briefings, or requesting tailored vendor support.
- Get involved and increase your visibility at our annual Small Business Vendor Fair and campus sourcing events by reaching out to procurement@vsu.edu or calling (804) 524‑6994.
Small Business Vendor Fairs: Building Partnerships, Driving Progress (2024 & 2025)
Our 2024 and 2025 Small Business Vendor Fairs have served as pivotal platforms where diverse suppliers meet decision-makers in a focused environment designed for meaningful connection and growth. These events brought together procurement professionals, prime contractors, government agencies, and campus leaders to engage in productive dialogues, showcase innovative products and services, and explore collaborative opportunities. From insightful keynote speakers to interactive vendor demonstrations and structured networking sessions, the fairs exemplify 51ºÚÁÏ’s commitment to fostering real partnerships with small companies.
