Swimming With The Big Fish: Why Our Virginia SWaM Certification Matters
After months of paperwork, verification, patience, and persistence, we’re excited to share that McAteer Meeting Management is now officially SWaM certified by the Commonwealth of Virginia.
So… what does that actually mean? And why does it matter; not just to us, but to our clients, partners, and fellow small businesses? Let’s break it down.
What Is a SWaM Certification?
SWaM stands for Small, Women-owned, and Minority-owned business. In Virginia, this certification is administered through the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity and verifies that a business is:
Independently owned and operated
Based in Virginia
Actively managed by the qualifying owner(s)
Meeting specific size and operational standards
This isn’t a box you casually check. It’s a formal vetting process that confirms legitimacy, ownership, and capability.
In short: it’s recognition that you’re not just a small business…you’re a qualified one.
Why This Matters (Especially for Small Businesses)
When you’re a small business, you don’t always have the luxury of being the loudest voice in the room. Certifications like SWaM help level the playing field.
They:
Open doors to state and corporate procurement opportunities
Increase visibility with organizations actively seeking diverse suppliers
Provide a layer of credibility and differentiation
Signal that you’re serious about growth, compliance, and accountability
This certification doesn’t change who we are — it amplifies it.
Helping Yourself Swim With The Big Fish
Let’s be honest: small businesses often compete against national firms with bigger teams, deeper pockets, and longer resumes.
SWaM certification is one of the tools that helps you swim in those same waters.
It doesn’t guarantee a contract; but it earns you a seat at the table.
And once you’re there? Your experience, relationships, and results do the rest.
Differentiation Matters More Than Ever
In a crowded marketplace, doing good work isn’t always enough. You also have to be seen, understood, and trusted.
Certifications, acknowledgements, and third-party validations:
Reduce risk for clients
Demonstrate professionalism
Show long-term commitment to your business
Create confidence before the first conversation even happens
For us, SWaM is one more way we demonstrate that McAteer Meeting Management is built to support complex programs, diverse stakeholders, and high expectations—without losing the personal, hands-on approach that defines us.
What This Means for Our Clients & Partners
Our SWaM certification allows us to:
Support organizations with supplier diversity goals
Participate in state and local government opportunities
Strengthen partnerships with corporations that value inclusive sourcing
Continue growing—strategically and sustainably
Most importantly, it reinforces something we’ve always believed:
Small doesn’t mean limited. It means agile, intentional, and deeply invested.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a small business owner wondering whether certifications are “worth it,” this is your nudge.
They take time.
They require effort.
They ask you to think bigger than today.
But they also help you grow into the business you’re building toward—one opportunity at a time.
We’re proud of this milestone, grateful for the journey, and excited for what’s ahead.
Here’s to swimming confidently - with the big fish.
Cheers,
Bethany