At Rose x Trowel, we believe that the best marketing does not come from a boardroom; it comes from the trenches. That is why we are so proud to share some official news: Rose x Trowel, under our legal entity Carlene Can, LLC, has officially been re-certified as a SWaM business in the Commonwealth of Virginia through 2031.
Specifically, we have been re-approved for the following designations:
- Small Business
- Micro Business
- Women-Owned Business
- Minority-Owned Business
While these titles help us navigate state procurement and diversity requirements, they mean something much deeper for the clients we serve every day.

We are Not Just a Marketing Agency, We are Your Peers
In the world of marketing, there is no shortage of big box agencies that apply cookie-cutter strategies to every client. However, small businesses do not have cookie-cutter needs. They have limited budgets, lean teams, and a need for every single marketing dollar to work twice as hard.
As a certified Micro and Small business ourselves, we understand the stakes. We know what it is like to balance high-level growth strategy with the day-to-day realities of running an operation. When we provide marketing support, we are not just looking at data. We are looking through the lens of a fellow entrepreneur who understands the why behind your work.
The Power of Shared Small Business Marketing Experience
Our re-certification is a reminder that we are part of the same ecosystem as the businesses we support. We have navigated the same certification hurdles, managed the same growth pains, and celebrated the same milestones.
This perspective allows us to offer:
- Hyper-Relevant Strategies: We do not recommend fluff. We focus on high-impact marketing that moves the needle for smaller operations.
- Authentic Storytelling: We know how to help you find your voice because we have had to find ours in a competitive landscape.
- Strategic Advantage: For our partners who need to meet diversity spending goals or seek state-level contracts, our SWaM status provides a seamless way to collaborate while fulfilling those requirements.
Looking Ahead to 2031
This re-certification is valid for the next five years, and we plan to spend every one of those years advocating for the growth of small, women-owned, and minority-owned businesses across Virginia.
Marketing should not be a mystery, and it should not be out of reach for small businesses. Whether you are looking for long-term support or a specific project to get your brand off the ground, we are here to help you grow from one small business to another.
Want to see how our perspective can help your brand? Schedule a free 30-minute consultation using coupon code ADVICE.