Loudoun County Department of Economic Development

Free advising and launch support for Loudoun County entrepreneurs

Government AgencyNorthern Virginia

About Loudoun County Department of Economic Development

What it is

The Loudoun County Department of Economic Development, known as Loudoun Economic Development, is the county government office responsible for recruiting new businesses, growing existing industries and improving Loudoun's business climate. It is based at 43777 Central Station Drive in Ashburn, Virginia. The department holds the International Economic Development Council's Accredited Economic Development Organization designation, and its executive director is Buddy Rizer.

What it offers founders

Most entrepreneur support sits under Launch Loudoun, which the department describes as experiences and services for entrepreneurs across the life of a small business. Through Launch Loudoun and the Loudoun Small Biz pages you can find:

A startup guide called Pathway to Possible for planning next steps.
Funding and competitions, including the Loudoun Innovation Challenge and information on other grants, loans and financing.
Classes and events, such as Foundations of Finance sessions on QuickBooks, a Simple Business Plan Bootcamp and the Business @ Breakfast networking event.
Real estate options, including incubators, coworking spaces and office space.
Ecosystem partners, including the Loudoun Small Business Development Center, a grant-funded program of Mason Enterprise Center Loudoun that offers no-cost advising and training.

For companies further along, the department also covers site selection, the development and fast-track approval processes, incentives, taxes and fees, workforce training and Opportunity Zone investment.

Who it is for

Launch Loudoun serves small business owners and entrepreneurs in the county. The department also runs sector programs for aerospace and defense, cybersecurity, data centers, federal contracting, health innovation technology, ICT, agriculture and international companies. The Loudoun Resilience Initiative offers resources for federal workers and contractors.

How to engage or apply

Start with the Launch Loudoun and Loudoun Small Biz pages, sign up for the business newsletter and check the events calendar. For one-on-one advising, contact the Loudoun SBDC. The office can be reached at (703) 777-0426. Federal employees and contractors exploring a startup can look at the Loudoun Resilience Initiative.

Why it matters in the DMV ecosystem

Loudoun is a major Northern Virginia business center with a large data center, defense and federal contracting base. For a founder, the department is a single place to find county programs, pitch competitions, real estate and partner organizations, and to get connected to free SBDC advising.

Programs

Launch Loudoun
Loudoun Economic Development's entrepreneur program, offering a startup guide, funding and competition information, classes, real estate options and connections to ecosystem partners.
Loudoun Innovation Challenge
A pitch competition presented with the Loudoun Economic Development Authority; the 2024 edition awarded $70,000 in prizes across four categories plus a People's Choice award, with a six-week Growth Program and mentorship for winners.
Loudoun Small Business Development Center
A nonprofit, grant-funded program of Mason Enterprise Center Loudoun, partly funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration, that offers no-cost advising and targeted training.
Loudoun Resilience Initiative
Resources from Loudoun Economic Development for federal workers and contractors.
Loudoun Small Biz
The department's hub of small business resources, including the Pathway to Possible startup guide, funding information and real estate options.

Who it serves

Entrepreneurs, small businesses and growing or relocating companies in Loudoun County, Virginia, including firms in data centers, cybersecurity, aerospace and defense, and federal contracting.

Frequently asked questions

Does it cost anything to get help?

The department's pages do not list fees for its services. Advising through the Loudoun Small Business Development Center, a partner program, is described as no-cost.

Where do early-stage founders start?

Start with Launch Loudoun, which includes the Pathway to Possible startup guide, information on funding and competitions, classes and connections to partners such as the SBDC.

Is there a pitch competition?

Yes. The Loudoun Innovation Challenge is presented by the department and the Loudoun Economic Development Authority. The 2024 edition used video pitches and awarded $70,000 in total prizes; check the website for current cycles.

Where is the office and how do I reach it?

Loudoun Economic Development is at 43777 Central Station Drive, Suite 300, Ashburn, VA 20147. The phone number is (703) 777-0426.

Is there support for federal workers starting a business?

Yes. The Loudoun Resilience Initiative provides resources for federal workers and contractors.