Department of Economic Initiatives (DEI)

CONTACT INFORMATION: Our office is open 8:30AM-4:30PM M-F
703-324-5171 TTY 711
12015 Route 50, Suite 510
Fairfax, VA 22033
Rebecca Moudry
Director
Department of Economic Initiatives Logo

What We Do

Department of Economic Initiatives (DEI) leverages county resources and develops policy recommendations to foster economic development and position Fairfax to be an economically competitive and prosperous community. It also works closely with small, local businesses to advise and guide them as they grow.


March 11, 2024
Platform to Support Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses Connects Owners and Experts Fairfax County announces the launch of Fairfax CORE (Connecting Opportunities and Resources for Entrepreneurs), a new web-based platform designed to connect business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs with the resources they need establish, expand and evolve their businesses in Fairfax County, including the towns of Clifton and Vienna and cities of Fairfax and Falls Church. Fairfax CORE features an online navigator providing access to more than 115 entrepreneur support organizations in and around Fairfax County. This tool offers entrepreneurs quick and easy access to a searchable resource database that connects them to the right experts at the right time. Whether filtering resources based on type of assistance, industry, or stage of business, entrepreneurs can connect to the correct resources to support their journey. Additionally, Fairfax CORE includes comprehensive business guides that provide useful information for entrepreneurs and a robust events calendar promoting low and no cost education and networking events. To further encourage wide participation, and in consideration of the county's population, the website is translatable into 58 languages and many of the resource partners are focused on supporting diverse communities.  93% of employer businesses in Fairfax County are small businesses with fewer than 50 employees.  Two-thirds of all new jobs added nationally in the past 25 years have come from small business. Our local small businesses span emerging economic sectors, serve our communities, and contribute to dynamic and unique experiences.   “As we look toward the future, small businesses will continue to be significant contributors towards job creation, economic mobility and economic resiliency.   Fairfax CORE is a vital tool to offer timely information and resources to support this important community”, noted Fairfax County Department of Economic Initiatives Director Rebecca Moudry.  For more information and to explore the resources provided by Fairfax CORE, visit fairfaxcore.com. About the Fairfax County Department of Economic Initiatives The Fairfax County Department of Economic Initiatives (DEI) leads programs and initiatives to foster economic development and position Fairfax County to be an economically competitive and prosperous community for all. DEI delivers innovative solutions to cultivate a diverse and thriving local business base, facilitate development through public-private partnerships that address strategic priorities, and foster an entrepreneurial and innovative ecosystem within the County and the region, building on competitive economic strengths.  Fairfax CORE is the latest addition to Fairfax County's comprehensive set of programs to bolster small businesses. Since 2020, the county has allocated more than $70 million in funding for local business recovery and support. Initiatives such as the Microloan Program, RISE Small Business Grant Program, PIVOT Recovery Grant Program, THRIVE and the Economic Recovery Framework have been instrumental in the county's ongoing economic recovery efforts.  
March 6, 2024
Fairfax County and George Mason University announce a strategic partnership to establish the Accelerate Breakfast Series, regular events that will bring together entrepreneurs and investors for curated pitch opportunities, to support growth of the local entrepreneurial network.  The program will bolster Fairfax County and the region’s start-up ecosystem to drive investment to local companies. The Accelerate Breakfast Series will build upon and complement the three-year success of the annual Accelerate Investor Conference, (Oct. 23-24, 2024) through continued connection among ecosystem partners and preparing local founders for the flagship Accelerate event.  In addition, the program will serve as a platform to showcase regional investors associated with prominent angel investment groups. The first breakfast event will be held April 12, 2024 and be hosted by MITRE in McLean, Virginia with company submissions due by March 22, 2024.  As the anchor organization for this regional effort, Fairfax County will provide $450,000 in funding over a three-year period to start up the program.  “Fairfax County has always been a destination for business, and by strategically utilizing our economic opportunity funding to sponsor forums like Accelerate we can be a catalyst for startup formation, venture investment, and job creation,” said Chairman Jeffrey C. McKay, Chairman, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.  Arlington and Prince William Counties, as well as many regional business leaders and other local jurisdictions, have also enthusiastically pledged to provide support for this program.   “We are thrilled to expand our services to entrepreneurs in Northern Virginia and are grateful to Fairfax County for their multi-faceted support and trust in Mason Enterprise to help grow the regional economy,” said Paula Sorrell, AVP of Innovation and Economic Development – Mason Enterprise.  Approximately five carefully selected companies seeking seed funding will have the chance to present their business propositions to a diverse group of seasoned investors, fostering connections and paving the way for partnerships. The series will be marketed broadly to ensure availability to a diverse community of founders and investors.  Firms focused on high-growth innovation and technology industries from across Virginia, DC and Maryland will be invited to put forward submissions to participate.  Participating companies will span a wide range of industries, showcasing innovation and talent within the DMV region. Each company will be given a limited time to pitch their ideas, emphasizing crucial aspects of their business, growth potential, and unique value propositions. The Accelerate Breakfast Series welcomes accredited investors, business leaders, entrepreneurs and members of the press who wish to observe the unveiling of this exciting new venture. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with presenting companies, ask questions and explore potential collaborations. For more information and to register visit the Accelerate Breakfast Series website.    Date: April 12, 2024 7:30AM - Networking & Breakfast 8:00AM - Keynote/Welcome Pitches to follow remarks Location: MITRE - 7525 Colshire Dr, McLean, VA 22102 Robb Auditorium - Building 4 Parking is available in the garage underneath MITRE 4.  After parking, please enter through the MITRE 4 Lobby so that you can go through security and are closest to Robb Auditorium. Detailed directions to the MITRE 4 building can be found on page 4 here.
THRIVE Logo
November 30, 2023
Applications Open December 12 FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA —  On December 12, Fairfax County will launch THRIVE a technical assistance program aimed at bolstering the resilience and growth of small businesses in the area. Through this initiative, approximately 600 businesses will receive consulting services valued up to $10,000, helping them reach their business goals and continue their post-pandemic recovery. Eligible small businesses in Fairfax County will benefit from free coaching and consulting services in areas including marketing, financial planning, commercial lease negotiation, web development, human resources and more.  To qualify for the THRIVE program businesses must be located in Fairfax County, have been in operation since 2021 or earlier, employ 49 or fewer individuals, and be able to demonstrate a negative economic impact during the pandemic.  The program will include two open application periods.  The first application for THRIVE opens on December 12 and closes on December 21, 2023.  The second application period is scheduled to be open from January 16 to January 26, 2024. Interested businesses can access the Online Application Portal during these periods. Detailed application instructions and eligibility criteria are available on the official THRIVE page.  In consideration of the county's diverse population, language assistance will be provided to ensure a seamless application process for all eligible business owners. A webinar is scheduled for December 7, offering additional insights for those keen to learn more about the THRIVE program. THRIVE is the latest addition to Fairfax County's comprehensive set of programs to bolster small businesses. Since 2020, the county has allocated more than $70 million in funding for local business recovery and support. Initiatives such as the Microloan Program, RISE Small Business Grant Program, PIVOT Recovery Grant Program, and the Economic Recovery Framework have been instrumental in the county's ongoing economic recovery efforts. Learn more about THRIVE at FairfaxCounty.gov by searching THRIVE, or email questions to ThriveProgram@ledcmetro.com.  

Upcoming Events

Mar
12

9:30AM, EVENT DESCRIPTION The Board of Supervisors Economic Initiatives…
May
14

9:30AM, The Board of Supervisors Economic Advisory Commission is scheduled to…
Jul
23

9:30AM, EVENT DESCRIPTION The Board of Supervisors Economic Initiatives…
Oct
01

9:30AM, The Board of Supervisors Economic Advisory Commission is scheduled to…
Dec
10

11:30AM, EVENT DESCRIPTION The Board of Supervisors Economic Initiatives…
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