Stay Ahead: Your Guide to Fairfax County Business Resources

Sign up for the Fairfax CORE newsletter today! Each month, the Department of Economic Initiatives delivers timely, relevant information to help your business expand, enhance, and grow.

What Can You Expect?

Our newsletter provides valuable insights on:

• Business and grant opportunities
• Free and low-cost educational options
• Start-up cohorts
• Government programs and more

See What You Missed!

Small Business & Entrepreneurship Highlights from the July 2026 Newsletter

## Blog

• Start Up Insurance: 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.

Read past Fairfax CORE newsletters.