Starting a Business Guide

Do your research, write a business plan and determine what resources may be available to you.

Research

Check out the business planning resources available at the Fairfax County Public Library.
See the demographic and mapping information that is available through the Economic, Demographic and Statistical Research (EDSR) unit of the Fairfax County Department of Management & Budget and the county's Interactive map gallery.

Write a business plan. See the U.S. Small Business Administration's write a business plan page for a free template.
Meet with free business counselors to review your business plan and to get advice. You can arrange a free meeting with a SCORE Mentor through the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority or the Community Business Partnership.

Economic Development Authority (EDA)

Attend the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority’s (EDA) free Entrepreneurship 101: Starting a Business in Fairfax County workshop, and learn about the services offered by the Economic Development Authority and their partner agencies. The class is free, but pre-registration is required.
The EDA provides reports and publications, including an email digest, newsletter, book, reports and more to help start your business and connect to other local business opportunities.
For an additional overview of the process of starting a business, see the EDA's Small Business Start-Up Guide
Check out the free and low-cost resources at the Community Business Partnership and the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity.

Connect with your local Chambers of Commerce and other business resources: