Health Insurance for New Businesses: The CORE Blog outlines essential health insurance strategies for new businesses, offering guidance on balancing budgets, choosing scalable plans, and navigating multi-state compliance.
## Program & Business Updates
Home Business Rules: A new Virginia law effective July 1, 2026, allows home-based food businesses to expand their reach by selling online, ordering by phone, and shipping products statewide.
The Commons Annex: Fairfax County is actively seeking businesses to lease premier, flexible commercial spaces opening in early 2027 at The Commons in Alexandria.
Talent Up NOVA: Northern Virginia organizations can evaluate displaced federal workers and contractors risk-free for six to eight weeks, with all trial-period wages fully covered by the program.
Leadership Fairfax: Applications are now open for the 2026–2027 signature professional development programs designed to strengthen regional leadership and community impact.
Emergency Declaration: Fairfax County small businesses and nonprofits that suffered financial losses from the April 2026 freeze can apply for low-interest SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans until February 16, 2027.
Mid-Year Tax Compliance: Small businesses face critical backend administrative deadlines by July 31, including Q2 Form 941 reconciliations, Form 5500 retirement plan filings, and FUTA tax deposits.
Grants: Six funding opportunities are available in July for small businesses, covering food entrepreneurship, women's sports venues, community impact, women veterans, early-stage startups, and tourism marketing.
Calendar: Upcoming webinars in late July and early August will focus on credit management, small business financing, customer data protection, and transitioning into franchise or business ownership.
