In order to EXPAND, my business needs...

...MONEY in the form of financing, loans, or incentives.

• Virginia offers financial assistance through a broad portfolio of options.
• The federal government has additional options and is another good source for funding options.
• It's important to know the facts about government grants.

Check local sources! Often your city, county, or regional economic development office can point you to incentives, tax credits, and other financial programs in your area. A Google search with your location and "economic development" is a good start.

...capable EMPLOYEES to handle additional load.

Find them

• Job Fairs and online posting can help get a wide pool of applicants to choose.
• Highly-skilled workers are available through cost-saving apprenticeships.
• Additionally, The Commonwealth of Virginia offers direct assistance in finding the right employee for the job.

Hire them

There are laws that apply to even the smallest employer! If you're confused, it's better to ask for help. This is one of those places where it's NOT better to apologize later!

• You'll need to set up a withholding and unemployment tax account in the name of each employee you hire.
• If you employ three or more employees, be aware of the requirements for workers' compensation.
• This site offers quick links as a time-savings; go here for the authoritative reference on employment in Virginia.
• At the federal level, make sure you've completed the necessary forms.
• New hires must be reported, this can be done online.

Train them

• You can find localized , flexible, and customized training to meet business needs at Virginia's community colleges.
• Training is available to help convert job experience into entreprenurial skills at numerous locations .
• For companies engaging in capital investment and private job creation, Virginia offers assistance with recruiting and training of new employees

...new LOCATIONS to service other markets.

• Virginia has one of the best site location tools available.
• Help with local, state, or federal environmental issues.

...new CUSTOMERS to broaden existing lines of business.

• For businesses interested in selling to state government, technical assistance is available.
• Similarly, help is availablein completing the required registrations for VA businesses selling to the federal government.
• In order to register for both state and federal contracting opportunities, you must obtain a DUNS Number.
• Virginia has an online database of state vendors. You need to have an account to participate.
• Information Technology Vendors should see what it takes to do business with the commonwealth.
• At the federal level, there is a simliar system, with which you need to register for federal contracts.
• There are state programs to help you tap into foreign markets.
• If you're ready to sell abroad, federal resources are available to help sell internationally<

...something SPECIAL because of the type of company I have.

• I have an agribusiness and have particular needs.
• If your business is small, and owned by a woman or minority, or "SWAM"; or if you're seeking status as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, or "DBE"; look into certification.