This page contains a collection of small business funding programs offered by our partners and external sources.

Important – We (Mason SBDC) do not manage, have additional information, or issue any of grants/funding listed on this page. Please contact the programs directly for questions and be sure to conduct due diligence prior to committing to the resources.

Financing Programs (Partners)

HUBZone

A portion of the City has been designated a HUBZone by the federal government. This designation helps small businesses gain preferred access to federal procurement opportunities, including competitive and sole-source contracting, as well as a 10 percent price valuation preference. Learn more on the Manassas website. 

Tourism Zone

Tourism is vital to our local economy, and few communities have played such a historic role in U.S. history. To support and grow this industry, Manassas has established two tourism zones: Historic Downtown and Gateway. Businesses that support travel, hospitality, and tourism are eligible for cash grants, fee waivers, and permitting assistance. Learn more on the Manassas website. 

Technology Zone

To encourage technology-based businesses, Manassas has designated the entire City a Technology Zone, giving them the opportunity to support the businesses and industries of tomorrow. Qualifying companies may receive cash grants and fee waivers, and may also be exempted from Business, Professional, and Occupational License (BPOL) taxes. Learn more on the Manassas website. 

Downtown Arts & Tourism District

In this Virginia Main Street Community, the unique character and vitality of Historic Downtown make Manassas a great place to live, work, and play. Charming restaurants and shops support other businesses in the district and citywide. This designation authorizes special incentives targeted to businesses and non-profits that support tourism and artists. This may include exemption of Business, Professional, and Occupational License (BPOL) taxes, cash grants, permitting assistance, and fee waivers. Learn more on the Manassas website. 

Opportunity Zone

Opportunity Zones were established by the Federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 to promote long-term investments in specific community areas. They provide tax benefits to investors who reinvest their unrealized capital gains into these zones.

Through this program, communities, investors, and companies can create Opportunity Funds to direct tax-advantaged investments into the City’s designated Opportunity Zone. Learn more on the Manassas website. 

Economic Opportunity Find

New and expanding businesses may qualify for a cash grant to offset costs like site acquisition, construction or renovations, permitting fees or relocation costs. These grants come with limited restrictions and are designed to allow you to apply them where your business needs them most. To learn more about this fund, visit the Manassas website.

Fast Track Permitting

New and existing businesses may qualify for an expedited review of required permits or plans when locating or expanding in the City of Manassas. Contact the City of Manassas Economic Development Department to determine eligibility. Learn more on the Manassas website.

Mason Consulting Group Support

Fairfax City Economic Development has partnered with George Mason University’s Costello College of Business to provide Fairfax City businesses with free, student-led consulting services. Selected businesses will work with a team of five trained student consultants to receive guidance in areas such as social media strategy and competitive analysis. The program will run from September through November 2026. Applications are due August 2, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Learn more on the Fairfax City website.

Fairfax Innovation for Research, Science, and Technology Program

The Fairfax Innovation for Research, Science, and Technology Program, also known as FIRST, supports early-stage organizations developing or applying emerging technologies. The program provides participants with a physical business address for funding applications while reducing the financial burden of leasing office space before substantial funding is received. Acceptance and office space at MEC Fairfax depend on eligibility, space needs, and availability. Learn more on the Fairfax City website.

Upskill Fairfax City

Upskill Fairfax City provides eligible Fairfax City residents and employees of Fairfax City businesses with tuition assistance for select, high-demand Northern Virginia Community College FastForward programs. The program helps participants develop new skills, advance in their current careers, or prepare to enter a new field at no cost. Learn more on the Fairfax City website.

Technology Zone

Fairfax City has designated all commercial areas of the City as a Technology Zone. New or substantially expanding businesses primarily involved in technology-based products, processes, or services may qualify for special Business, Professional, and Occupational License tax exemptions. Qualified businesses may receive exemptions for up to five years, beginning with 100 percent in Year One and decreasing by 20 percent each following year. Learn more on the Fairfax City website.

Virginia Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy Financing

Fairfax City participates in Virginia’s Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy, or CPACE, program. Eligible commercial, nonprofit, and multifamily property owners may access long-term, fixed-rate financing for qualifying energy and water sustainability improvements without substantial upfront costs. Financing is repaid over time through a property tax assessment, and future energy savings may help offset project costs. Learn more on the Fairfax City website.

Virginia Grants & Incentives

Fairfax City Economic Development can connect qualifying businesses with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership to explore statewide grants, tax credits, workforce training programs, and other incentives. Programs may support job creation, employee training, research and development, intellectual property, international trade, and clean energy employment. Learn more on the Fairfax City website.

Fairfax County Department of Economic Initiatives (DEI)

The Fairfax Founders Fund (“FFF”) is a grant and technical assistance that provides promising, early-stage startups in Fairfax County with up to $50,000 in funding to fuel their growth. The awardees are innovative companies poised to disrupt industries and create new jobs. To learn more, visit the website. 

Loudoun County Tourism Grants

Nonprofits, municipalities and businesses in Loudoun County are invited to apply for funding annually for projects to attract regional and national visitors to Loudoun County. To learn more about what kinds of grants are offered, visit their website. 

Alexandria Economic Development Partnership (AEDP) Grant Page

View grants offered by the AEDP at their grant page. 

Economic Development Opportunity Fund

Prince William County may provide financial assistance to qualifying businesses in targeted industries. Funds may support infrastructure improvements, site preparation, workforce services, or capital equipment purchases. A performance agreement is required. Learn more on the Prince William County website.

Expedited Permitting

Qualifying businesses in targeted industries may receive faster permit reviews, reduced site-permitting fees, and assistance from a dedicated project manager. Learn more on the Prince William County website.

Water and Sewer Fee Credits

Qualifying business projects may receive credits that reduce certain one-time water and sewer connection fees. This program is especially useful for large water or sewer users, including life sciences and advanced manufacturing businesses. Learn more on the Prince William County website.

Industrial Revenue Bonds

Qualifying manufacturing, commercial, medical, nonprofit, and other eligible projects may receive lower-cost financing through Industrial Revenue Bonds. Eligibility depends on the type and size of the project. Learn more on the Prince William County website.

HUBZones

Prince William County contains federally designated HUBZones. Qualifying small businesses located in these areas may receive preferred access to certain federal contracting opportunities. Learn more on the Prince William County website.

Opportunity Zones

Prince William County contains federally designated Opportunity Zones that may provide tax benefits for qualifying investments. This is a tax incentive and not a direct business grant. Learn more on the Prince William County website.