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 Fund

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.

Technology Zone (Business License Tax Abatement Program)

Fairfax City has designated a Technology Zone which includes all commercial areas of the City. This program offers special tax exemptions to Qualified Technology Businesses. This is offered to new or substantially expanding businesses primarily involved in technology-based products, processes, or services. The definition of tech business can be found here.

Qualified Technology Businesses, upon certification by Fairfax City and entering into a performance agreement, can benefit from exemptions for up to five years of Business License (BPOL) taxes. The exemption starts with 100% in Year One, decreasing by 20% each subsequent year until Year Five. Learn more here.

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. 

Arts Grants

Arts Grants are provided through Prince William County Board of County Supervisors each Fiscal Year. All nonprofit organizations in the Greater Prince William, to include Manassas and Manassas Park, are encouraged to apply for support in one of two granting areas.

The New and Emerging Grant is designed to assist newly established art start-up nonprofit arts groups find their footing through providing some assistance within the first three years of their existence.

The General Operating Grant was put in place to ensure that established nonprofit organizations have every opportunity to sustain themselves as they continue to provide rich cultural and art performances to Prince William County residents across the region.

The grant application season begins in April of each year with grant selection which is done by grant panel, announced in late July. Learn more on the Prince William County website.