Brittany Jones
PR & Marketing Manager
Fairfax City Economic Development
(571) 459-8626
Brittany.Jones@fairfaxcityecondev.org
FAIRFAX CITY, VA, JULY 23, 2025 – Fairfax City Economic Development (FCED) is excited to offer Fairfax City businesses the opportunity to receive free, student-led consulting services through a new partnership with Mason Consulting Group (MCG), a student-run organization at George Mason University. FCED is covering the cost of student consulting services, allowing Fairfax City businesses to receive strategic support at no charge. This initiative strengthens our longstanding relationship with the Costello College of Business by bridging Mason’s talent and resources directly into the Fairfax City business community. The program aims to support local businesses with valuable insight while also giving students critical hands-on experience and training the next generation of consultants.
Mason Consulting Group members come from a wide range of disciplines, including marketing, management, information systems, accounting, information technology, and more. Additionally, MCG members have competed in high-level case competitions hosted by Deloitte and McKenna & Associates, with over half of MCG participants placing in Deloitte’s competition, demonstrating the strength and competence of their student consultants.
Local businesses are invited to apply to be part of the Fall 2025 pilot cohort, where they will receive tailored recommendations and strategic guidance in areas such as:
The program will run from September through November 2025. Businesses selected for participation will be paired with a team of 5 trained student consultants. Then, engagement begins with a kickoff meeting to discuss goals and set the project scope, followed by regular check-ins, and concludes with a final presentation of strategic recommendations.
Applications for the initiative will open July 23 through August 6. Business owners interested in participating should fill out the Client Interest Form. Once the application period concludes, Professional Development Officer Iman Chaudhry will reach out to begin to continue the process. For any questions or concerns about the program, contact Iman at ichaudh4@gmu.edu.
About Fairfax City Economic Development
Fairfax City Economic Development is a collaboration between the Fairfax City Economic Development Department and the Fairfax City Economic Development Authority, an independent agency administered by a commission appointed by the City Council to promote economic development activity within Fairfax. Fairfax City Economic Development helps attract businesses to the city, encourages and develops programs that foster connections between businesses, residents, and visitors of Fairfax City, and spearheads innovative programs and strategies devoted to positioning Fairfax City as an ideal location to start, grow, and scale a business. It is a founding member of the Northern Virginia Economic Development Alliance. Learn more at gofairfaxcity.com.
