Grow Your Business
Fairfax City Economic Development: Your Partner in Business Success
At Fairfax City Economic Development, we understand that starting or expanding your business can be an exciting yet challenging journey. With numerous considerations from strategic planning to daily operations, navigating through permits and business paperwork can often seem overwhelming. That's where we come in. Our team is dedicated to supporting businesses like yours, offering tailored guidance and resources to ensure your venture not only starts off on the right foot but continues to grow and thrive in Fairfax City.Why Partner with Us?
Connections with the Right People: Knowing whom to talk to is often half the battle. Fairfax City Economic Development has established strong relationships with local government agencies and service providers. We can directly connect you with the right people, saving you time and effort in seeking out contacts for permits, licensing, and other business needs.
Comprehensive Business Support: Beyond permits and paperwork, we offer a wide range of services designed to support your business’s growth and success. From real estate selection to workforce development assistance, we’re here to assist with all aspects of your business journey.
A Thriving Business Community: Joining the Fairfax City business community means becoming part of a vibrant and supportive ecosystem. Our city is home to a diverse range of businesses, from innovative startups to established enterprises. By partnering with us, you’ll gain access to networking events, collaborative opportunities, and a community eager to see you succeed.
Let’s Get Started.
Whether you're in the early stages of planning your business or looking to expand your existing operation, Fairfax City Economic Development is here to help. Our approach is centered around your unique needs, offering customized solutions to help you navigate the complexities of business permits, paperwork, and beyond.Take the first step towards realizing your business goals in Fairfax City. Contact us today to discover how we can support your success. Together, we can turn your business aspirations into reality.
Fairfax City Economic Development Campus
Fairfax City is home to a range of free business assistance programs and a university-affiliated incubator, with many resources located within its economic development campus, and others situated nearby, including a university and community college to support workforce needs.
Small Business Development Center (SBDC) – Virginia
No matter your business, the SBDC is here to take you to the next level. Funded by the federal Small Business Administration, SBDC mentors can help you gain the resources you need to succeed.
Innovation Commercialization Assistance Program (ICAP)
ICAP assists Virginia technology and innovation-driven startups from ideation to seeking Series A funding, venture capital, and beyond.
APEX Accelerator
A Department of Defense-funded accelerator for companies in any industry looking to contract with the government. The accelerator offers bid-finding services, tailored counseling, and training.
Mason Enterprise Center Fairfax (MEC)
The largest university-based business incubator in Virginia. Offering furnished office space, essential business support services, free mentoring and business counseling, and international landing assistance.
Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce (CFCC)
The Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce (CFCC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and advancing the business community in the City of Fairfax and its surrounding areas. Established in 1958, the CFCC provides leadership, advocacy, and resources to help businesses of all sizes succeed. Its core values include community building, representing business interests with government, promoting economic growth, facilitating networking opportunities, and offering educational resources to enhance business knowledge.
Old Town Fairfax Business Association (OTFBA)
The Old Town Fairfax Business Association (OTFBA) is a collaborative force dedicated to promoting a thriving local economy that enhances Fairfax City’s quality of life and strengthens member businesses. The OTFBA works to reaffirm and support Old Town as the City’s social, cultural, and economic center.
Workforce and University Access
Fairfax City has several partnerships with George Mason University, Virginia’s largest public research University, and NOVA. From the Costello College of Business to the Quantum Science Center, our relationships with GMU and NOVA allow you to build the workforce and technology you need.
Assistance for Moving Your Business
This is yet another area where FCED sets itself apart—we’ll be your partners in finding the perfect location for your company to grow and succeed. We’ll also help you navigate the legal process of relocation, and we’ll connect you with all of the resources you to need jump-start this exciting next chapter in your company’s evolution.
CITY OF FAIRFAX RESOURCES:
Zoning Map
Future Land Use Map
Business Tax Calculator
Business License Application
STATE RESOURCES:
REGIONAL CHAMBERS & ASSOCIATIONS:
Arab American CoC
Asian American CoC
Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce
Dulles Regional CoC
Greater Washington Hispanic CoC
Latvian CoC
Mid-Atlantic Venture Association
Mid-Atlantic Hispanic CoC
Mount Vernon-Lee CoC
Northern Virginia Black CoC
Northern Virginia CoC
Northern Virginia Community College
South Fairfax CoC
Southeast Fairfax Development Corporation
Vietnamese American CoC & Industry
Virginia Asian CoC
Virginia CoC
Virginia Hispanic CoC
Women’s Business Center of NoVa
Taking an active role in Economic Development
In addition to a vibrant local economy, crossroads location, and one of the lowest overall tax rates in Northern Virginia, Fairfax City is home to more than 4 million square feet of office space and more than 3 million square feet of retail space.The City also takes an aggressive role in redeveloping key economic areas to encourage greater space diversity, improved visual appearance and better organized pedestrian and traffic flows by committing approximately $40 million in public infrastructure improvements to support private development.
