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

Economic Innovation and Strategy

Economic Innovation and Strategy

This division leads economic innovation and strategy to diversify the local economy, foment emerging sectors, and strengthen economic assets. This team focuses on projects that include Smart City Technology, economic mobility, and rebuilding the economic framework of businesses affected by the pandemic. They also serve as the liaison to Fort Belvoir.

Department Resources

Current Projects and Initiatives

Fairfax Founders Fund

Fairfax Founders Fund (FFF) is an entrepreneur’s onramp to making an impact. FFF will provide up to $50K in capital to help early stage, high-growth tech companies seeking investment to develop. Learn more at Fairfax Founders Fund web page.


Smart Cities and Transformational Projects

Fairfax County and George Mason University have established a strategic partnership to fund the Accelerate Breakfast Series, a regularly occurring breakfast event that brings together entrepreneurs and investors for curated pitch opportunities, to support growth of the local entrepreneurial network.  The program, funded by a Fairfax County Board of Supervisors through the Economic Opportunity Reserve, will bolster Fairfax County and the region’s start-up ecosystem to drive investment to local companies.
 

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The Accelerate Smart Cities Challenge matches innovative solutions to urban challenges, then tests them in real metropolitan conditions within VA and DC. It is a six-week innovation competition to make our region smarter, more livable, resilient, and sustainable for everyone.   This challenge is one of a series of innovation challenges Fairfax County and Smart City Works are hosting, to harness the best and brightest ideas to solve today’s (and tomorrow’s) challenges. By partnering and hosting these events, Fairfax County is leading the way to identify growing issues and quickly find and test solutions.

Asoleyo is a Virginia-based innovative start up in the green energy space that is redesigning solar cells to be not only functionally effective and efficient but also aesthetically attractive. They were chosen to pilot their innovative technology solution with Fairfax County after being chosen as a Smart City Challenge award recipient. That event evaluated solutions to housing, transportation, health, energy, public safety, and other civic and social issues.

Asoleyo’ s first Fairfax-supported project will be a public private venture with the county’s Department of Economic Initiatives, and the Reston Community Center.

Economic Mobility and Innovation

Fort Belvoir Liaison Projects

In 2020, Fairfax County dedicated a full-time staff person to work directly with Fort Belvoir and the Garrison Command. The liaison position supports Fort Belvoir as a strategic economic development driver in Fairfax County and drives collaboration for mutually beneficial projects. 

The DEI liaison with Fort Belvoir continues to yield significant results. Increased collaboration, communications and regular meetings have set the stage for projects that will benefit the personnel on the base as well as the surrounding Fairfax County community. 

 

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