Doing Business in Greater Washington

Local County & City Economic Development Websites


Throughout the region, there is extensive information and resources to help small businesses get establish and grow. Each economic development agency has specific details regarding:

-          Tax incentives
-          City/ county services
-          Available real estate
-          License and permits required

Several jurisdictions have also developed guides and/or small business centers to assist small companies. Many jurisdictions also offer periodic educational seminars for small firms.

To learn more, visit the following economic development offices:

Office
Alexandria Economic Development Partnership
Anne Arundel County Economic Development Corporation
Arlington County Department of Economic Development

BizLaunch, Arlington's Small Business Assistance Network provides research, education, information and counseling, bringing together entrepreneurs, business owners, experts and service providers to help your small business succeed. For more information, visit or website or call 703-228-0853.

Calvert County Department of Economic Development
Charles County Economic Development Commission
The Charles County Economic Development Commission provides small business support services, with a special emphasis on non-retail Charles County companies. Programs include marketing assistance, revolving loan and loan guarantees, site selection, public relations, permit expediting, and networking.  For more information, contact info@ccbiz.org or 301-934-7632.
City of Bowie Dept. of Planning & Economic Development
 The Prince George 's Financial Services Corporation is a Maryland SBA intermediary lender to small and minority-owned business entrepreneurs who seek financing assistance to expand their growth companies through the acquisition of land, buildings and machinery & equipment by utilizing the SBA 504 Fixed-Asset Financing Program.
City of Fairfax Economic Development Office
City of Falls Church Economic Development Authority
City of Manassas Department of Community & Economic Development
District of Columbia Department of Planning & Economic Development
Washington, DC Marketing Center
Fairfax County Economic Development Authority

The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA) offers a program that links small, minority-owned and woman-owned companies with government resources and potential partners. The FCEDA holds a monthly workshop called "Starting a Business in Fairfax County" and publishes the quarterly Business Ventures newsletter to address issues of importance to small businesses.

Fauquier County Department of Economic Development
Frederick County Office of Economic Development
Howard County Economic Development Authority
Loudoun County Department of Economic Development
Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development
Montgomery County Department of Economic Development
Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation
Prince William County Dept. of Economic Development
Spotsylvania County Office of Economic Development
St. Mary’s County Dept. of Economic & Community Development
The Small Business Development Center offers courses on writing business plans and securing financing. SBDC counselors work closely with small businesses ranging from retail to government contractors to personal services.
Stafford County Dept. of Economic Development
Vint Hill, Virginia
Virginia Economic Development Partnership


GWI Services

Contact GWI

Greater Washington Initiative
(202) 857-5999