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.
Business Plan
- 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.
Additional Business Resources
Visit these other resources to help you start, open or grow your business:
Economic Development Authority (EDA)
- Attend the EDA's 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 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.
Department of Procurement and Materials Management
- How to Do Business with Fairfax County, and the free workshop for vendors “Selling to Fairfax County” as well as a list of current solicitations.
Community Business Partnership
- houses the Small Business Development Center, the Women’s Business Center, and the Veteran’s Business Outreach Center, which offers educational and support services to small business owners.
Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity
- certification information, finance and capital programs, workshops and trainings to grow your business.
Virginia Small Business Development Center
