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 October 2026 Newsletter
## Blog
- Reclaiming Your Time: The One-Hour AI Test Every Business Owner Should Run: Business owners can test artificial intelligence by dedicating one hour to a repetitive word task, treating the tool like a new hire with proper context and specific instructions to save time.
## Program & Business Updates
Expand Your Team with the InternshipsVA Matching Grant Program: Virginia businesses and non-profits with 150 or fewer employees can receive a 50% wage reimbursement up to $7,500 per intern to support qualifying paid, credit-bearing student internships.
SWaM Certification Explained: Unlocking Opportunity: Holding an official Small, Women-owned, and Minority-owned (SWaM) business designation provides exclusive access to state and local government spending, set-aside contracts, and public vendor directories.
Get Certified, Get Growing: How to Obtain Your SWaM Status: Eligible small businesses meeting baseline criteria can apply online through the Virginia SBSD SWaM Portal to secure a five-year certification that enhances public sector competitiveness.
Reclaiming Your Time: The One-Hour AI Test Every Business Owner Should Run: Business owners can test artificial intelligence by dedicating one hour to a repetitive word task, treating the tool like a new hire with proper context and specific instructions to save time.
Unlocking the Vault to Virginia’s Technology Contracting Marketplace: Regional tech firms can register for a live virtual workshop on November 19, 2026, featuring VITA's Larry White to learn how to navigate state IT procurement and position their companies for public-sector bids.
New Grant Opportunities for Small Businesses and Nonprofits: Eligible organizations can apply for funding programs such as the Visa Foundation's $100,000 to $250,000 grants for nonprofits, Shophand's $5,000 package for small businesses, and the $1,000 Stephen L. Tadlock Veteran Business Grant.
Upcoming Entrepreneur Help Desk Sessions and Classes: Business owners can register for upcoming advisory support and educational events, including the Entrepreneur Help Desk sessions, financial statement training, digital marketing workshops, and business acquisition webinars.
Read past Fairfax CORE newsletters.