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- Economic Development Services
Economic Development Services
- Marketing Programs
- Site & Building Searches
- Entrepreneurship & Small Business
- Small Business Permit Process Guidance
- Existing Industry Programs
- Financing & Incentives
- Zoning & Rezoning
- Information Services
- Research & Data
Marketing Programs
The Economic Development department attends trade shows where representatives market and promote Chesterfield County as an excellent location to work and do business. Marketing materials are developed and produced which effectively demonstrate the advantages of working and living in Chesterfield County. These include web sites, videos, brochures, and ads which are placed in professional publications.
The department works with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership and is represented on a regional basis by organizations such as the Greater Richmond Partnership, and Virginia's Gateway Region.
Site & Building Searches
When an industry investigates Chesterfield County as a potential site for a new location or relocation or for an expansion, the department assists the company in the site selection process.
Site and/or building information is gathered and customized to the prospect's requirements. Working with realtors and landowners, a database is maintained which contains information on specific industrial and commercial locations available for sale or lease.
The department coordinates visits by prospects with real estate representatives, landowners, state and local officials as deemed appropriate.
Small Business Assistance
Chesterfield Economic Development is committed to working with our existing, small, entrepreneurial and minority businesses. Our goal to help make each one a prosperous member of our business community.
Start a Business in Chesterfield
“My Business Starts Here” is a program offering Chesterfield residents seamless service and resources for their small business needs. The program is a partnership between Chesterfield Economic Development and the Chesterfield County Public Library.
A web portal, MyBizStartsHere.com, has been developed to direct entrepreneurs to solutions to their business questions. Users will find a step-by-step guide to starting a business, information on sources of capital, how to get a business license in Chesterfield, additional requirements for certain business types and information on how to do business with government.
Users can access the portal from their home computer or any library location, where they can also utilize a host of free tools, free expertise, and free technology.
Small Business Development Assistance
Depending on the project, a small business that is building or up-fitting a facility may be required to obtain numerous permits.
New construction may require rezoning of the property. Existing facilities may require minor site plan approval for certain renovations or expansions. Building modifications or new construction will require a building permit. Even sign installations require a sign permit.
Chesterfield Economic Development offers guidance to small businesses going through the permitting processes. Our Small Business Development Assistant will help identify which approvals are required for a particular project.
Our project manager will go through the entire process with small business owners and their contractors. They will make sure all the required permits are in place when the business is ready to occupy the facility.
Business First Chesterfield
Everyone wins when local businesses are successful! Chesterfield County has joined forces with our regional partners to create the Business First program.
Business First is a team of volunteers who interview local companies throughout the year. These interviews provide the opportunity to discuss successes, obstacles, and needed resources.
The goal of Business First Chesterfield is to grow the local economy by connecting local businesses with the tools needed to thrive.
Outreach and resources are customized to the needs of each business.
The program’s multiple components work together to create a proactive support system that encourages growth, job creation and investment.
Assistance offered through the program is varied but typical services include:
- Expansion support
- Connection to state and local incentive programs
- Facility, utilities and equipment needs
- Exporting and international trade
- Workforce recruiting and training
- Business planning
- Financing
Financing & Incentives
Staff assists the prospect with questions regarding traditional and non-traditional financing and incentive programs.
The department also performs administrative functions on behalf of Economic Development Development Authority of Chesterfield County.
Zoning & Rezoning
The department works with the development community, as well as other county departments and staff in assessing needs for current and future sites with industrial zoning.
Information Services
Chesterfield Business News is an online news publication of Chesterfield Economic Development.
The website communicates recent developments within the county that affect the business community, announces new industry moving into the county, and offers other valuable information for business and industry.
Research & Information Management
Reliable, cohesive information that clearly represents the advantages of Chesterfield County is most important when working with prospects and county citizens.
Chesterfield offers information and research assistance for relocating or expanding companies. These services are provided throughout the site selection and relocation process.