Stafford Economic Development & Tourism
What's Next | November 2022 |
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Stafford County is known for its rich American and military history. Civil war soldiers camped out in northern Stafford, George Washington grew up in southern Stafford, and many prominent historical figures made their way through the community. With our proximity to Washington, DC and Quantico in our backyard, 13% of Stafford’s population is made up of veterans. Many of our veterans are also entrepreneurs and business owners, and the County is proud to serve them. Check out our recent blog which highlights access to education, veteran specific events, and state and national programs available to veterans.
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Stafford is proud to be home to a number of active service members and veterans. Government contracting is a major component of our local economy and job base. First and foremost, let me say “thank you” to all that serve or have served. And of course to those that gave the greatest sacrifice to our Nation.
The Stafford EDA has continued its partnership with UMW in the delivery of the Veterans’ Business Bootcamp (VBB). The VBB plays an expanded role in our ongoing efforts to foster and encourage existing business growth, startups, and generally what we call entrepreneurship. We are also working with our partners in the region, state, and Quantico to develop and implement additional programs to provide a “pipeline” for veterans into our existing business workforce.
Many of our local, small businesses are veteran-owned or veteran-partner/spouse owned. In addition to all other locally-owned businesses, we encourage you to shop local in Stafford.
During this holiday season, and as you're traveling along I-95 to visit family or friends, consider stopping in Stafford to unwind, stretch your legs, and take in our beautiful community. Check out our recent Tour Stafford blog, which provides a guide to stopping in Stafford for a few hours or a few nights. Share with your friends and family from around the region and nation as the holiday travel season begins.
Allow me to close, again, by thanking our veterans and active military citizens for their service.
Sincerely, John Holden, Director
Economic Development & Tourism |
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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: Marketing to the Government | November 16, 2022 | 12:00 PM | Virtual
The Federal Government buys over $600 billion per year on goods and services, 23% of that spend is allocated for small business. This is a huge opportunity for small firms to grow their business and become part of the challenging world of Government Contracting. Before entering into this arena you must first know how to market yourself to government. This presentation will help you prepare your firm to get noticed by government and prime buyers by developing a proper marketing plan and strategy.
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First Thursdays with the SBA | December 1, 2022 | 12:00 PM | Virtual
The federal government aims to award at least 3% of all federal contracting dollars to Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB) each year. Joining the SDVOSB program makes your business eligible to compete for the program’s set-aside contracts. You can still compete for contract awards under other socio-economic programs you qualify for. |
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How to Use Data to Drive Business Growth | December 6, 2022 | 5:30 PM | Testbed
Every business is collecting information that they can use to help them grow. Do you have a website? Do you use social media? Join a panel of experts as they discuss how to find and use the data you are already collecting in your business to help it grow. Learn how to find where how to access Google Analytics and your social media data, the importance of this information, and how it can help you to better understand your customers and grow your business.
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Stafford business awarded SBDC Veteran of the Year Award |
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Congratulations to Stafford Business, P Cubed Consulting! At the EDA's Fall 2022 Veteran's Business Bootcamp, the Virginia Small Business Development Center awarded the Veteran of the Year Award to Sharon Mack Kelley of P Cubed Consulting. She is an entrepreneur, business strategist, human experience consultant, author, inspirational speaker, and facilitator.
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Stop in Stafford during your holiday road trip |
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When you're traveling up or down I-95 to visit friends and family this holiday season, consider stopping in Stafford County to take a break from a long drive. Located right off I-95 and halfway between Richmond and Washington DC, Stafford is a convenient stop along the way, whether you choose to unwind here for a few hours or a long weekend! Check out what Stafford has to offer to busy travelers in our most recent blog story!
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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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