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. 

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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). 

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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). 

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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). 

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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.

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How to Start a Small Business Checklist

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.

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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. 

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