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Startup Resources

Arlington, VA and the Commonwealth of Virginia offer several programs and resources to help startups launch, grow and expand in the community. Whether your startup is seeking additional funding or looking to establish partnerships, Arlington Economic Development’s staff is here to assist in navigating the available resources to help make your business a success. 

Incentives and Funding

Arlington County and the Commonwealth of Virginia offer several funding and incentive programs to businesses in innovation sectors. Contact a member of our team to learn more. 

Arlington Incentives and Funding

Arlington Innovation Fund Catalyst Grant Program

The Arlington Innovation Fund Catalyst Grant Program is a tool to help increase funding for early-stage technology startups through technical assistance and non-dilutive, co-investment grants ranging from $25,000 to $50,000, to help companies extend their runway of funding and gain access to larger venture capital rounds to expand their customer base, employment, and operations. 

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Arlington Technology Zone

Arlington is dedicated to building a thriving innovation economy and welcoming tech sector businesses. The Technology Zone incentive is a partial offset of the Business, Professional, Occupational License (BPOL) tax, a local license tax levied on business gross receipts for the prior year. Qualified technology companies receive a 50% reduced BPOL rate – from $0.36 to $0.18 per $100 of gross receipts for 10 years. The BPOL rate continues to decrease as companies grow their employee base. Technology zones are located in Arlington’s premier high-technology business corridors and savings are equivalent to approximately $2.00 to $3.00 per square foot in building occupancy costs annually. 

Contact Us to Discuss Eligibility

Commonwealth of Virginia Incentives and Funding

Virginia Venture Partners  

Formed in 2005, Virginia Venture Partners (VVP) places equity investment in Virginia founders and takes Limited Partner positions in venture capital funds to generate significant economic returns for entrepreneurs, General Partners (GPs), co-investors, and the Commonwealth of Virginia. VVP places equity investments in Virginia’s leading technology, energy, life science and scaleable, non-tech startups through a family of seed and early-stage investment funds. VVP is a program provided through the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC)

Learn More About VVP

Commonwealth Commercialization Fund

The Commonwealth Commercialization Fund (CCF) was launched on July 1, 2020 to foster innovative and collaborative efforts in Virginia. Combining two legacy state programs, the Commonwealth Research Commercialization Fund (CRCF) and the Virginia Research Innovation Fund (VRIF), CCF seeks technologies with a high potential for economic development and job creation that position the Commonwealth as a national leader in science- and technology-based research, development, and commercialization. CCF is a program provided through the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC)

Learn More About CCF

Virginia Jobs Investment Program

The Virginia Jobs Investment Program (VJIP) is a discretionary program that provides funding to companies creating new jobs or experiencing technological change to reduce the human resource development costs for new companies, expanding companies, and companies retraining their employees. VJIP is a program administered through the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP)

Learn More About VJIP

Virginia Talent Accelerator Program

The Virginia Talent Accelerator Program, delivered by Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) in partnership with the Virginia Community College System, provides world-class training and recruitment solutions that are fully customized to a company’s unique operations, equipment, standards, and culture. All program services are provided at no cost to qualified new and expanding companies as an incentive for job creation. 

Learn More About the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program

Refundable R&D Expense Tax Credit  

Effective for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2011, but before January 1, 2025, Virginia allows a refundable individual and corporate income tax credit for incurring Virginia qualified research and development expenses during a taxable year. This is an individual and corporate income tax credit for taxpayers with Virginia qualified research and development expenses under $5 million for a taxable year. 

Learn More About the R&D Tax Credit

 

Coworking Solutions and Accelerators

Whether you’re launching your first startup, looking to expand startup operations or searching for a spot to soft land your company in the U.S., Arlington offers several alternative real estate solutions. With technology accelerators and over 20 coworking offices located throughout our dynamic neighborhoods, Arlington offers the amenities your workforce desires while providing flexibility for hybrid and remote work models.

Coworking Solutions

Arlington offers a variety of coworking options for startups and entrepreneurs to create and collaborate. Coworking options include WeWork, Industrious, VentureX and many more. Use our Coworking Directory to view and sort available coworking spaces in Arlington. 

Explore Arlington's Coworking Solutions

Accelerators

Accelerators support early-stage and startup companies through investment, short-term mentoring and training. Arlington is home to two accelerators – Unstuck Labs and ZEBOX America. 

Unstuck Labs

Unstuck Labs works with early-stage startups and innovation programs to support founders, validate ideas, and accelerate tech startup launches. Unstuck Labs’ startup studio accepts the best founders and most promising startups in a 12-week program that takes you from idea to launch. The team at Unstuck Labs become an extension of your team and work with you hands-on to build your startup by providing expertise and tangible deliverables such as websites, app prototyping, pitch decks and more. 

Learn More About Unstuck Labs

ZEBOX

ZEBOX is a global incubator and accelerator for the supply chain, logistics, mobility and Industry 4.0 sectors. ZEBOX America is based in Arlington's National Landing neighborhood and is in close proximity to Amazon HQ2 and the Pentagon.  

Learn More About ZEBOX

Innovation Ecosystem Resources

Arlington Economic Development is committed to helping our businesses thrive and we understand that it takes resources and guidance to start and grow a company successfully. Arlington is aligned with a variety of local and state partners ready and willing to provide our companies the help they need.

Arlington County Government

From information about taxes and licensing to zoning codes, it is important to understand the regulations involved with doing businesses. The Arlington County Government website walks you through everything you need to know to setup and operate in Arlington. 

Learn More About Operating in Arlington

BizLaunch

Part of Arlington Economic Development, BizLaunch can help you navigate the process of starting and operating a startup. BizLaunch offers free educational workshops and webinars, marketing support and practical business resources. If you need more personalized support, BizLaunch has free small business counselors ready to meet with you.

Learn More About BizLaunch's Services

How to Start a Small Business Checklist

 

SCORE

SCORE, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), offers the nation’s largest network of expert business mentors. SCORE mentoring is a free service offered to any aspiring or established owners of a U.S.-based business. Partnering with you one-on-one, SCORE mentors support your success by providing experienced advice, consulting on best practices, and educating you on small business topics.

Get Matched With a SCORE Mentor

Virginia Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

Innovation Commercialization Assistance Program (ICAP)

The Virginia SBDC's ICAP assists Virginia-based technology and innovation-driven startups on their path to success. Supporting startups from ideation, all the way through seeking Series A level of funding and beyond. ICAP services are offered at no cost to participants and all advising is strictly confidential. Experiential learning programs and one-on-one advising with their experienced team of ICAP Mentors have created a long track record of success. Through ICAP, clients learn how to validate their business model (for themselves and funders), connect with subject matter experts, deeply understand their marketplace and competition, and make industry and funder connections. 

Learn More About ICAP Programs

Innovation Ecosystem Partners

Contact Us

Sumeet Saini

Business Development Manager

Have questions about Arlington Economic Development's startup resources? Don't hesitate to contact Sumeet.

Get In Touch