You Have Questions - We Have Answers

While we haven't heard it all, we do hear a number of frequently asked questions. If you don't see your question here, contact us and we will personally help you.

1. How can I get a listing of businesses in Loudoun County?
    
2. Does Loudoun County provide any assistance for small businesses?
    
3. What programs are available for businesses inside the towns and villages of Loudoun County?
    
4. Where can I find information on the tax structure in Loudoun County?
    
5. Is there any financial assistance available if I need to add employees to my company?
    
6. What should I do if I’m interested in starting a business?
    

1. How can I get a listing of businesses in Loudoun County?
   
   We are not able to supply a complete listing of businesses due to confidentiality requirements, but the Department does produce a  major employers list and the Commissioner of the Revenue's office makes a list of the names of newly-licensed businesses available for viewing in their office. Loudoun County residents with a library card may also obtain information from Reference USA, an online business database made accessible for free from the Loudoun County Library’s website. Users can search listings by company name, type of business, geographical area, SIC code, and other criteria.
   
   Those without a library card or needing more extensive inforamation can purchase marketing lists, business background reports, and other business research from companies like Dun & Bradstreet.
   
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2. Does Loudoun County provide any assistance for small business?
   
   The Department of Economic Development provides services to all businesses located in the county. We want our companies to think of us first for information. In some instances, we will be able to send you to our partners for more specific assistance.
   
   For example, the Loudoun County Small Business Development Center offers beginning and experienced small businesses free, confidential counseling services in the following areas:
   
   • Making pre-startup decisions
   • Business/strategic planning
   • Marketing
   • Business location and relocation
   • Sources of business financing
   • Preparing bank presentations
   • Establishing an accounting and record keeping system
   • Controlling and reducing costs
   • Improving cash management practices
   • Developing an effective budgeting system
   • Facility construction or expansion
   • Business resource library
   • Specialized training workshops
   Contact the SBDC for additional information at 703-430-7222.
   
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3. What programs are available for businesses inside the towns and villages of Loudoun County?
   
   Our Community Development Manager, Philip Denino, is currently working on a new set of initiatives with each town and village within Loudoun to help make them, as he describes, "as cool as they can be." For some communities, this means working to help increase their business districts and ensure the success of their entrepreneurs. For others, it's helping them with historic preservation initiatives. If you're interested in finding out more about Philip's mission, or how the Department can help you with your town- or village-based business, contact him at 703-777-0585.
   
   Many communities also feature local business associations that feature seminars, training and networking. Some towns also have Kiwanis, Rotary, Lions, Ruritan and other community organizations where business networking is common.
   
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4. Where can I find information on the tax structure in Loudoun County?
   
   Loudoun County strives to keep its tax structure among the lowest in Northern Virginia, which can result in substantial tax savings. For very specific inquiries, contact the Loudoun County Commissioner of Revenue.
   
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5. Is there any financial assistance available if I need to add employees to my company?
   
   There is assistance available for new jobs created in the county, mostly through the Commonwealth of Virginia. One of the programs is the Virginia Department of Business Assistance’s Virginia Jobs Investment Program (VJIP). VJIP is an economic development incentive supporting the creation of new jobs throughout the Commonwealth. Qualifying businesses are provided customized training and recruiting programs through consulting, delivered services, and funding to reduce the upfront costs of recruiting and training. This 41-year old program continues with strong support from the governor and the Virginia General Assembly, which demonstrates Virginia’s commitment to economic growth and enhancing job opportunities for its citizens. Please contact Beth Hain or Buddy Rizer in our office for more information.
   
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6. What should I do if I’m interested in starting a business?
   
   A great place to start is our Guide to Starting a Business in Loudoun. If you don't find everything you need there, try contacting the Loudoun County Small Business Development Center. They will help you through the early steps, including preparing a business plan and obtaining financing.
   
   Depending on the type of business, you will need to talk to different county agencies, such as the health department, planning, zoning or others. The Department of Economic Development can help you with this process, contact us to get you started.
   
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