What it is
The Alexandria Economic Development Partnership (AEDP) is the economic development organization for the City of Alexandria, Virginia. It describes itself as a 501(c)6 public-private partnership whose job is to promote Alexandria as a location for businesses, with the goals of growing the city's tax revenue and creating jobs. Its office is at 1940 Duke Street in Alexandria, and its board oversees the organization's annual budget.
What it offers founders
AEDP says it provides free-to-you services to help people start and scale a business in the city. Its small business page lists the main options:
- One-on-one counseling: AEDP matches you with an experienced coach for your specific challenges, at no cost. A Spanish-language request form is also available.
- Business Mentorship Program: a free program that pairs established business owners with experienced mentors for a one-on-one session on growth and strategy.
- Workshops and webinars: sessions on topics such as SWaM certification, eVA registration for state contracting, business credit, bookkeeping, pricing and SBA lending, with several offered in languages including Spanish, Amharic and Dari.
- Accelerate ALX: an 18-week hybrid accelerator for Alexandria tech founders, run by AEDP and powered by FedTech, offered at no cost and with no equity taken.
- Startup checklist: a downloadable Start Your Business Checklist with links for state registration, an IRS EIN, city tax forms and the business license application.
AEDP also covers real estate and site search, local and state incentives, tax-exempt bond financing through the Alexandria Industrial Development Authority, a local business directory and the ALX Open Rewards customer rewards app.
Who it is for
Services are aimed at businesses located in, or moving to, the City of Alexandria. That includes first-time founders still shaping an idea, established small business owners, high-growth tech startups (Accelerate ALX targets areas such as AI and machine learning, cybersecurity, defense, quantum, energy, aerospace and robotics) and larger companies looking for a headquarters site.
How to engage or apply
If you are still developing an idea, AEDP suggests requesting a one-on-one counseling session. If you already run a business, fill out the mentee form on the mentorship page; AEDP arranges the first introduction and later meetings are set up between you and your mentor. Grant programs open and close, so check the grants page for current status. General questions go to info@alexandriaecon.org or the contact form.
Why it matters in the DMV ecosystem
For a founder deciding where to base a company in Northern Virginia, AEDP is the city's front door: it connects new businesses to free coaching, city and state incentive information, real estate options and an accelerator for tech startups, all focused on Alexandria specifically.
