Department of Economic Initiatives (DEI)

Applications for Entrepreneurs Due This Friday, June 14 Fairfax County, VA (June 13, 2024) –Fairfax County Department of Economic Initiatives and George Mason University’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship are pleased to announce the next installment of the Accelerate Breakfast Series, scheduled for Friday, July 19th. This quarterly event series fosters connections between start-ups firms and investors, specifically targeting high-growth technology companies. Showcasing Promising Tech Startups The Accelerate Breakfast Series provides a unique platform for five selected high-growth tech companies to pitch their ventures to a distinguished audience including early-stage investors and industry leaders. This curated environment fosters valuable connections and propels investment opportunities for regional businesses.   Join Us on July 19th Are you a rapidly growing tech company seeking to connect with potential investors? Applications to present at the Accelerate Breakfast Series are open now! Submit your application by Friday, June 14th at 5:00pm. Investors and those interested in the local startup scene must register by Friday, July 12th at 5:00pm. This is a great chance to gain insights into emerging technologies and network with key players. Learn More and Get Involved For more information, application details, and registration, please visit AccelerateDeals.org or contact info@acceleratedeals.org. About the Accelerate Breakfast Series The Accelerate Breakfast Series is a joint initiative between Fairfax County and George Mason University. It aims to strengthen the local entrepreneurial ecosystem by connecting promising startups with investors, driving investment and fostering innovation within the region.  

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, Herndon, 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.