Eligibility Requirements
SOAR Application Process
AED will accept three applications per month from eligible Arlington-based businesses to meet with Revby, with costs underwritten by BizLaunch. Each applicant must designate one representative to be the SOAR participant and point of contact with Revby.
To be eligible for the SOAR Program, you must complete all the following:
- Submit a valid 2025 Arlington County Business License.
- Submit a Business Plan.
- Confirm availability for and, upon acceptance to the program, attend the mandatory SOAR virtual orientation session.
- Sign a Statement of Commitment confirming your dedication to actively participate in the program.
- Have less than 50 full-time employees
The following businesses are not eligible to apply:
- Franchise businesses, except for those franchises which are locally owned and operated
- Businesses that are engaged in illegal activities
- Government entities, including political divisions of the Commonwealth
This program can help you with the following:
SOAR is structured around five essential focus areas. Each pathway is designed to help Arlington businesses strengthen operations, adapt to change and plan for sustainable growth.
- Strategic Planning: Without a clear roadmap, even the strongest ideas can lose momentum. SOAR provides entrepreneurs with expert support to define their business model, identify target markets, establish pricing strategies and create a plan that is both resilient and flexible. Each plan is built to endure uncertainty and position businesses to seize future opportunities.
- Legal Structure: A growing business needs a strong foundation. Through SOAR, participants gain the tools to evaluate and select the right legal structure for their business, maintain required documentation and put internal policies in place to ensure long-term compliance and operational strength.
- Marketing and Branding: An effective brand builds trust, not just visibility. This component of the program helps businesses define a distinct identity and implement marketing strategies that reach the right audience, increase recognition and drive meaningful growth in a competitive marketplace.
- Financial Management: Successful businesses are built on more than passion. SOAR helps entrepreneurs develop realistic budgets, understand profit margins and access the capital needed to grow. Participants are also introduced to digital tools such as point-of-sale systems and accounting software to streamline operations and improve financial performance.
- Workforce Development: People power growth. SOAR supports business owners in recruiting, training and retaining a skilled workforce. The program also helps businesses navigate labor laws, adapt to hybrid work models and build inclusive workplace cultures. Whether hiring your first employee or building a full team, SOAR ensures that you are prepared to lead and grow effectively.
Each pathway is informed by lessons learned over four years of programming and feedback from local businesses.
Whether you are launching a new company or building on existing momentum, SOAR provides direct, practical support from experienced consultants.
Introducing the Business Consultants
Through SOAR, AED provides businesses with free access to consultants at Revby, an experienced provider of small business consulting services that believes in the importance of businesses’ positive impact on the local community. With a passion for empowering small businesses and partnering with economic development agencies, the Revby team has specialized industry knowledge across every small business sector and is determined to help your business SOAR. They work one-on-one with participating businesses to deliver personalized technical assistance and help them move forward with confidence. Learn more about Revby.
Apply Today!