Stafford Economic Development & Tourism
What's Next | September 2022 |
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The Virginia Smart Community Testbed: A Gateway to Economic Development
“Smart City” is a term that has become more frequently used in the past decade - but did you know that Stafford County is a smart community? A smart community integrates new technologies to be more efficient and enhance the quality of life for its citizens, businesses, and visitors. Many destinations across the globe understand the vast power of these programs, and like them, Stafford is creating a smart place for innovation.
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The term “cyber” has become one of those words used by many, without knowing what it means. It is simply a term that describes the characteristics of interconnected devices, technologies, and computers. It is how the “gig” and “data” economy works. The most important aspect of the cyber world is security, and there are a variety of jobs and careers in cyber and especially in cyber security. Stafford, Virginia is a hotbed and home for many of those.
We are working with our counterparts and a variety of organizations around our region to encourage and foster education and training in the cyber workforce. Our regional economy is also built upon cyber-based businesses. Most communities and regional economies around the world are built upon a dominant economic sector. Ours is cyber. (It is important too, to diversify a local and regional economy and we have made strides to do so, but that is another story).
One of the innovative programs under development in Stafford is the Cyber 4+ program. Stafford is also home to the Virginia Smart Community Testbed—a statewide program focused on improving the lives of Virginia citizens by deploying “smart” (cyber) technologies. We are proud to host these programs in Stafford and participate in many others that will help us continue to build a smart community.
Sincerely,
John Holden, Director Economic Development & Tourism |
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EDA: A Proud partner of Cyber 4+ |
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The Stafford Economic Development Authority is a proud partner in the Stafford County Public School’s Cyber 4+ Program. Cyber 4+ is a pathway for current high school students in Stafford County to earn 4 CompTIA Certifications upon graduation, and an Associate's Degree within their first year of Higher Education. Currently, the team is recruiting for the second cohort and has three committees working towards developing a more robust and meaningful learning experience for the students in the program. On August 23, the Cyber 4+ hosted a meeting at the Virginia Smart Community Testbed to celebrate the launch and discuss the sustainability of this program. Learn more about the program here.
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Entrepreneurship & Business Events |
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We are leading the way to build a stronger regional entrepreneurial community and “ecosystem” in the Stafford area. We strive to engage business leaders, seek out opportunities for new investments, foster talent development, and, most importantly, support the Stafford regional business community. Check out our upcoming events below, and don't forget to submit your business events to our events calendar here.
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| GovCon 101 | September 21, 2022 | 12:00 PM
GovCon 101 is an opportunity for small businesses to learn about different opportunities offered through the US government. September's session will be focused on creating a capabilities statement. Event details here. |
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ACES Luncheon | October 5, 2022 | 11:30 AM
These luncheons serve as an opportunity for like-minded individuals to collaborate and network while hearing from industry experts, engaging in insightful conversations and enjoying a local dining experience. Event details here. |
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First Thursdays with SBA | October 6, 2022 | 12:00 PM
Grab your lunch and join virtually for the first Thursday of each month to learn more about SBA programs while networking with other small business owners. October's session will focus on making your business creditworthy. Event details here. |
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Kick off fall in Stafford, Virginia |
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The Fall is upon us, and what better way to soak up the fall weather than with fall festivals, Oktoberfests, races, local art events, history, outdoors, and so much more. To make trip planning easy, we’ve provided a one-stop-shop for inspiration and filling up your fall weekend calendar! Check out our recent blogs: Fall events in Stafford, VA and Everything you need to know about art events this fall in Stafford, VA.
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Stafford County is a pro-business community with an ambitious ecosystem for entrepreneurs, rising cyber and tech investments, and a place with a number of hidden gems to visit. We strive to engage our business leaders, seek out opportunities for new investments, foster talent development - and share our tremendous community, natural, and cultural resources. |
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