Ryan Touhill at Technomics Announcement

Incentives & Services

Targeted Business Services and Incentives

When it comes to assisting businesses, we don’t believe in a “one size fits all” approach. We offer a variety of business services and tailor those efforts to suit your specific business needs. We also offer several targeted incentive programs to assist businesses that choose to locate in Arlington. We consider these incentives a mutual commitment to the economic success of our community. 

Business Investment

Start and Grow Your Company in Arlington

Arlington Economic Development's Business Investment Group (BIG) works with companies interested in starting, expanding or relocating their business in Arlington, VA. Whether you have just begun considering where to establish your business or you've already set up shop in Arlington, we would love to connect with you.

Services we offer include: 

  • Providing industry and market data 
  • Assisting companies that are looking for office real estate
  • Navigating state and local incentives and benefits available to your company
  • Supporting companies through County processes to initiate business operations
  • Aiding international companies in establishing a U.S. presence 
  • Making introductions to County and community contacts

Most recently, BIG created a special Grant program exclusively for Arlington businesses. The Arlington Innovation Fund is a unique program that helps local entrepreneurs extend the life of early-stage capital and develop a homegrown pipeline of tech companies that will then create jobs, become office tenants and grow into thriving members of Arlington’s business community. 

 

Workforce Connections

Access the Employees You Need

We understand that employees are the lifeblood of your company and hiring the right employee for the job is crucial to your success. As a new or existing company in Arlington we would be pleased to make introductions to local university contacts to discuss recruitment or internship opportunities and the Arlington Employment Center, where companies can take advantage of no-cost services, such as:

  • Pre-screened candidates
  • Assistance marketing positions
  • Recruitment and hiring events
  • Interviewing and meeting space
  • Labor market information

Promotion

Let Us Celebrate Your Arrival

Arlington believes in celebrating our businesses and ensuring that new employees feel welcome and part of their new community. Arlington can assist with grand openings for companies and their employees, introducing them to local attractions and various County offerings and services. We will also work with you to take advantage of key press and media exposure opportunities, circulate major announcements and feature news about your company.

 

Transit Assistance

Employee Transportation Benefits

In Arlington your employees have access to many different modes of transportation. Let us connect you to Arlington Transportation Partners (ATP), who can help you gain and retain the best employees through transportation programs and benefits. ATP offers services such as Personalized Transportation Option Portfolios for each employee, commuter benefit consulting and employee transit surveys, all available at no cost to your business.

 

Incentives to Help Your Business Grow

We offer strategic, targeted incentives specifically designed to assist your company as it locates and grows. From performance-based grants to tax offsets for fast-growing technology companies, our approach is to get to know your business, understand your needs and find unique solutions that will help you grow and succeed in Arlington.  

Virginia Financial Incentives

Discretionary Grants

Commonwealth Opportunity Fund (COF)

COF is a discretionary incentive to secure a business location or expansion project. Grants are awarded to localities on a local matching basis. COF requires that a company make a capital investment of at least $5 million and create 50 new jobs. COF incentives are only used when Virginia faces active and realistic competition with another state for a business attraction or expansion project. 

Virginia Economic Development Incentive Grant (VEDIG)

VEDIG is a discretionary cash grant to assist and encourage companies to locate significant headquarters, administrative or service sector operations in Virginia. VEDIG requires an investment of at least $5 million (or $6,500 per job) plus job creation thresholds ranging between 300-400 jobs depending on wage. 

Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development (AFID) Fund

The Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development (AFID) Fund is a discretionary, performance-based economic development incentive specifically for agriculture and forestry value-added or processing projects, including urban agriculture projects. The grant amount and terms are determined by the Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry and approved by the Governor.

Hiring Reimbursements/Workforce Services 

Virginia Jobs Investment Program Assistance (VJIP) 

VJIP provides cash reimbursements per job, plus a variety of free recruiting and training services for new and growing companies. Requirements include new job and investment minimums: 

  • Small Business New Jobs Program (companies with 250 or less people): At least a $100,000 investment and five new positions 
  • Virginia New Job Program (companies with more than 250 people): At least a $1,000,000 investment and 25 new positions. 

VJIP also provides support for Virginia companies that are upgrading the skills of their existing workforce. Requirements include: 

  • Companies with 250 employees or less: Retraining five full-time employees and making a capital investment of at least $50,000 
  • Companies with more than 250 employees: Retraining 10 full-time employees and making a capital investment of at least $500,000 

Tax Incentives

Major Business Facility Job Tax Credit

The Major Business Facility Job Tax Credit is a $1,000 corporate income tax credit per job over a 50-job threshold; job threshold must be met within a 12-month period and taken in equal installments over a two-year period (i.e., $500 per job per year).

Major R&D Expenses Tax Credit

Businesses with qualified research and development expenses in excess of $5 million for the taxable year may claim a tax credit equal to:

  • 10% of the difference of the taxable year’s qualified research and development expenses; and;
  • 50% of the average of the previous three years of expenses.

Visit Virginia Economic Development Partnership for additional incentive details

Arlington Financial Incentives

Discretionary Grants 

Industrial Development Authority (IDA) Performance Incentives

Arlington County offers IDA Performance Grants for priority economic development projects, including fast-growing technology companies, large office users and significant research and nonprofit organizations. IDA Performance Grants are typically used in conjunction with the Commonwealth Opportunity Fund. Award amounts for IDA Performance Grants are determined by the project’s estimated fiscal benefit to Arlington County based on the company’s industry, square footage, capital investment and number and salary of jobs. IDA Performance Grants are awarded starting in year two and are paid out over a customized performance period based on lease length. IDA Performance Grants are only used when Arlington faces active and realistic competition with another jurisdiction for a business attraction or expansion project. 

Tax Incentives

Technology Zone 

Arlington County 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. 

Rehabilitation Tax Exemption

Arlington provides a ten-year tax exemption on the increased assessment of rehabilitated commercial structures for qualified redevelopments. 

Financing 

Industrial Revenue Bond Financing

Arlington can help qualified tax-exempt organizations finance new or expanded facilities at reduced rates through the tax-exempt Revenue Bond Program.

 

Download Incentive Summary

Contact Us

Michael Stiefvater

Director, Business Investment

Michael oversees Arlington’s business attraction and retention programs and is available to help you find the precise tools and strategies needed for a seamless relocation or expansion for your business.

Get In Touch