What it is

The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA) helps businesses start, expand or relocate in Fairfax County, which it markets as Fairfax NOVA. It is chartered by the Commonwealth of Virginia, funded by Fairfax County government and governed by the FCEDA Commission, a board of county business leaders. Its headquarters is in Tysons, and it has representatives in India, Europe, the United Kingdom, California and Korea. FCEDA states that it offers free and confidential services and resources to companies of all sizes.

What it offers founders

  • Small business and startup support: counseling, resources and referrals through its Business Diversity and Entrepreneurship team, including a Six Steps worksheet for starting a business.
  • Business mentoring: free one-on-one counseling with SCORE mentors, available virtually on Wednesdays and Thursdays by appointment or in person at the FCEDA office.
  • Capital and incentives: guidance on state incentives such as the Virginia Jobs Investment Program, the FCEDA Capital Attraction Program, which connects entrepreneurs with investors and venture firms, and referrals to sources such as the Fairfax Founders Fund and VIPC.
  • Office space and talent: help finding flexible coworking space and a Talent Attraction and Retention Program.
  • Soft landing services: free and confidential help for international companies entering, relocating or expanding in the U.S. market.

Who it is for

FCEDA works with companies of every size, from first-time founders and small businesses to corporate headquarters and international firms opening a U.S. office. Its industry focus includes cybersecurity, information technology, aerospace, defense, financial services, health and life sciences and emerging technologies. Early-stage, product-focused tech startups based in Fairfax County may also qualify for the county's Fairfax Founders Fund, which offers grants of up to $50,000 and requires matching funds of at least 50% of the request.

How to engage

Begin with the Small Business, Entrepreneurs and Startups page to see resources and partner referrals. To meet a mentor, see Business Mentoring or call 703-790-0600. For relocation, expansion or funding questions, submit the form on the contact page. The office is at 8270 Greensboro Drive, Suite 850, Tysons, Virginia 22102.

Why it matters in the DMV ecosystem

Fairfax County is home to many major employers, federal agencies and contractors, and FCEDA is the county's official point of contact for companies setting up or growing there. For founders, it is most useful as a connector: it routes companies to partners such as the Mason Enterprise Center, the Procurement Technical Assistance Center at George Mason University, SCORE, Virginia SBSD and VIPC, and to state and county incentives, rather than providing direct investment itself.