Attendance Increases 56%
The Workhouse Arts Campus has announced a record-breaking year, with visitor numbers reaching an all-time high of approximately 166,000 in 2024 – a 56% increase over the previous year. This surge in visitation is attributed to the Workhouse's expanding offerings, including new attractions and ongoing programming that continues to draw diverse audiences from the region and beyond.
A key highlight was the opening of Bunnyman Brewing Café at the Workhouse, which has become a popular destination and has contributed to boosted campus visits. The brewery joins a wide array of attractions and events that make the Workhouse Campus a vibrant cultural hub.
The Workhouse Arts Campus is one of the largest arts centers in the region, spanning 55 acres. It hosts over 800 events, art classes, and activities annually, including more than 300 performances, exhibitions, and community events each year, enriching the cultural fabric of the region. Their resident artists and creators work across various art disciplines, including painting, ceramics, photography, glass, and fiber arts. The Workhouse also offers 10 unique event rental spaces and the art galleries and exhibition spaces, along with the Lorton Prison Museum , featuring the only remaining cell block from the 3,500+ acre Lorton Reformatory complex.
This increase in visitors has a substantial economic impact, supporting regional tourism and local businesses. The Workhouse Arts Campus continues to enrich the cultural fabric of the region, offering accessible arts experiences and fostering engagement for this vibrant Fairfax County community.
Your Chance to Scale Up with $50K
Fairfax County announced the next application round for the Fairfax Founders Fund (FFF), a program designed to fuel innovation and business growth, will be open from March 17 through April 21, 2025 May 5, 2025. ** Deadline Extended** FFF provides selected early-stage startups with up to $50,000 in funding capital to help start-ups develop their business and prepare for later stage investment.
The program seeks early stage, high-growth trajectory companies who can demonstrate their company has innovative technology, a path to commercialization, a clear market opportunity, and development milestones. Recipients will be able to use the resources for prototype or product development, market research, customer acquisition, technology validation, legal costs and/or other approved areas. Importantly, Fairfax County will not take any equity in the companies supported through the fund. Applicants must provide a 50% match, which can be in capital or non-monetary contributions via “sweat equity” and provide progress reports over a 5-year timeframe.
This opportunity is open to Fairfax County startups. Applicants must have raised less than $1 million in startup funding and generated less than $250,000 in gross revenue within the past 12 months. Additionally, applicants must clearly demonstrate a strong understanding of product-market fit and their target market, a compelling and unique value proposition for that target market, and a clear and well-defined path to commercialization. A capable team to execute the vision is also critical.
The FFF is a competitive program, and a limited number of startups will be selected. Underrepresented and diverse founders are encouraged to apply.
The Fairfax Founders Fund is a cornerstone of Fairfax County's commitment to cultivate a thriving startup ecosystem. By investing in local entrepreneurs, the program fuels job creation, accelerates economic growth, and strengthens the county’s position as a primary destination for innovative businesses.
Learn more and apply for the Fairfax Founders Fund by visiting the FFF webpage.
Meet all our awardees.
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The Fairfax County Department of Economic Initiatives leads programs to foster economic development and position Fairfax County to be an economically competitive and prosperous community for all. The Department 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.
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The Fairfax County Council of Economic Opportunity (CEO) convened on February 11th to discuss the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the local economy and workforce. The meeting focused on AI’s potential to reshape job opportunities and how local education, government and business partners are addressing this significant tech evolution. Members discussed a call to action to work collaboratively, build on the county’s strengths, and position Fairfax County to be an AI capital with a ready workforce and thriving business environment.
“AI is not just another tech trend; it's a fundamental shift, much like the internet was,” said Chairman Jeffrey McKay. “Fairfax County has the opportunity to lead the way in preparing our workforce and businesses for this new reality. We must be proactive and collaborative to ensure we are not just adapting to AI but shaping its future.”
The CEO members emphasized the importance of workforce readiness, from educating future generations to re-skilling and educating the current workforce, ensuring they are equipped to embrace Generative AI and capitalize on the career opportunities it offers. Becoming a leader in applying, proving and widely using AI technology was identified as a leadership opportunity for the County.
“This council was created specifically to channel private sector insights and opportunities into supportive public policy,” noted Supervisor Dan Storck. “By fostering partnerships between businesses, educators, and government, we can effectively navigate technological shifts and ensure that Fairfax County remains a vibrant and competitive economic hub.”
The council applauded efforts underway in local educational institutions and emphasized the need for proactive measures to equip the local workforce with the necessary skills for an AI-driven economy. Many local employers are leading efforts to train their employees, develop AI solutions, and prepare for what’s next. The CEO participants discussed the establishment of hubs or centers of excellence to effectively coordinate actions and foster an environment that encourages innovation and technology adoption.
The Fairfax County Department of Economic Initiatives leads programs to foster economic development and position Fairfax County to be an economically competitive and prosperous community for all. The Department 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.
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