Small Businesses, Entrepreneurs & Startups

Fairfax NOVA makes conditions ideal for you to make your future. That starts with our thriving ecosystem of small business incubators, including the Mason Enterprise Center (MEC) at George Mason University. MEC offers entrepreneurs the advantage of affordable small office spaces and shared-office services, lowering the initial overhead for startups. Businesses also find invaluable support in the form of counseling, mentorships, workshops and classes, along with greater connection to the region’s ecosystem of talent. Startups in Fairfax NOVA can also apply to the Fairfax Founders Fund, which offers grants of up to $50,000 in capital for early-stage ventures with high-growth potential.

• George Mason University Mason Enterprise Center
• Business Diversity Services

Expect fresh pathways to accelerate growth in Fairfax NOVA, home to the highest concentration of minority-, woman- and veteran-owned businesses in Virginia and the Washington, D.C. area. The region’s proximity to the nation’s capital provides unparalleled access to federal agencies and their procurement opportunities. Small businesses can also pursue government contracts with valuable bidding assistance through institutions like George Mason University Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC), Community Business Partnership and the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity.

The Commonwealth of Virginia, along with local and federal government agencies, nonprofit organizations and various funding sources, has initiated several grant programs to support small business owners and entrepreneurs.

The Virginia Small Business Financing Authority (VSBFA), in partnership with the Small Business Administration (SBA), has been at the forefront of these efforts. They offer small business grants and loan programs designed to foster entrepreneurship, boost resiliency, and fuel economic development in the region. These grant programs, often in conjunction with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and the local Chamber of Commerce, have proven instrumental in helping entrepreneurs across Virginia.

Eligibility for small business grants in Virginia may vary depending on the specific program, but many of these grants are available to both for-profit and nonprofit organizations. This inclusivity ensures that a wide range of small business owners can access the financial assistance they need to thrive.

To complement these grant programs, Virginia’s government has established a loan fund to help bridge the financial gaps faced by small business owners. This fund, in coordination with local lenders, microloan providers and federal grants, offers small business owners access to capital when traditional financing may not be readily available.