Fairfax City Economic Development

City of Fairfax economic development office with business incentives and marketing grants

Government AgencyNorthern Virginia

About Fairfax City Economic Development

What it is

Fairfax City Economic Development is the shared brand of two entities: the City of Fairfax Economic Development Department and the Fairfax City Economic Development Authority (EDA). The City Manager appoints the Director of Economic Development, who also serves as the EDA's CEO, and City Council appoints seven EDA Commissioners and funds the EDA each year. The EDA can also contract and award grants to third parties on its own. Its stated aim is to keep Fairfax City competitive in attracting, developing and retaining lasting industries.

What it offers founders

Staff connect businesses with City contacts for permits and licensing, help with real estate selection and relocation, support workforce needs and point companies to partner programs. Local incentives listed on the Incentives and Grants page include:

FIRST (Fairfax Innovation for Research, Science, and Technology): gives early-stage emerging technology companies a physical address at the Mason Enterprise Center Fairfax for funding applications, so they do not need to sign a lease before raising substantial funding.
Technology Zone: certified new or expanding technology businesses can receive Business License (BPOL) tax exemptions for up to five years, starting at 100 percent in year one and dropping 20 percent each year.
Upskill Fairfax City: covers FastForward tuition at Northern Virginia Community College for select certifications for eligible residents and employees of City businesses.
Grants that run in rounds, such as the Facade and Interior Improvement Grant, the Business Marketing Grant and LIFFT lease incentives. Several were paused or closed at the time of review, so check current status before planning around them.

The office can also introduce companies to Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) state incentive programs.

Selling to government

The Do Business with the Government page explains City procurement through eVA and a local microbusiness preference: businesses certified by the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity (no more than 25 employees and no more than $3 million in average annual revenue) can receive City purchases under $25,000 without further competition. The page also points to the APEX Accelerator and SBIR and STTR programs.

Who it is for

Businesses located in, or considering, the City of Fairfax, which has close ties to George Mason University. Most incentives require a City location, and some target specific groups, such as technology firms or tenants of priority office buildings.

How to engage

Start with the Grow Your Business page, which also lists campus partners such as the Virginia SBDC, the Mason Enterprise Center Fairfax and the Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce. Then reach staff through the contact page, by phone at (703) 293-1631 or at contact@fairfaxcityecondev.org. The office is at 10300 Eaton Place, Suite 235, Fairfax, VA 22030.

Programs

FIRST (Fairfax Innovation for Research, Science, and Technology)
Gives early-stage emerging technology companies a physical address at the Mason Enterprise Center Fairfax for funding applications before they commit to a lease. Acceptance depends on eligibility, space needs and availability.
Technology Zone
Certified new or substantially expanding technology businesses can receive BPOL tax exemptions for up to five years, starting at 100 percent and decreasing 20 percent per year.
Upskill Fairfax City
Tuition assistance with Northern Virginia Community College covering FastForward tuition for select high-demand certifications for eligible City residents and employees of City businesses.
Facade and Interior Improvement Grant (FIIG)
Reimburses 50 percent of facade and interior improvement costs up to $20,000 for City businesses, with approval required before work begins. Listed as paused at the time of review.
Fairfax City Business Marketing Grant
A $25,000 pool split across at least five City businesses to pay for professional marketing services. Listed as closed at the time of review.
Local Microbusiness Preference
State-certified local microbusinesses can receive City purchases under $25,000 without further competition when the price is fair and reasonable.

Who it serves

Startups and established businesses located in, or considering a move to, the City of Fairfax, Virginia, including technology companies and local retailers.

Frequently asked questions

Does Fairfax City Economic Development charge for its help?

Its business assistance and incentive programs are offered as City economic development services, and the site lists no fees for meeting with staff. Individual grant programs have their own eligibility rules.

Can a startup without an office use the FIRST program?

Yes, that is its purpose. FIRST gives early-stage emerging technology companies a physical address at the Mason Enterprise Center Fairfax for funding applications so they can avoid signing a lease before raising substantial funding. Guidelines and the application are on gofairfaxcity.com/first.

Are the City grants open now?

Status changes by round. At the time of review the Facade and Interior Improvement Grant was paused and the Business Marketing Grant, LIFFT and WEGO were closed. Check the Incentives and Grants page for current status.

Do I need to be located in the City of Fairfax?

Most local programs, such as the Technology Zone and the grants, require a business located in Fairfax City. Fairfax City and Fairfax County are different jurisdictions, so confirm your address falls within the City.

Where is the office and how do I reach it?

The office is at 10300 Eaton Place, Suite 235, Fairfax, VA 22030. Call (703) 293-1631 or email contact@fairfaxcityecondev.org.