OPEN FOR
BUSINESS
Financing
Industrial Development Bond (IDB) Program
Creditworthy companies seeking to finance the acquisition, construction and equipping of industrial and commercial facilities can obtain long-term financing at favorable interest rates and terms through the Virginia Small Business Financing Authority’s (VSBFA) Industrial Development Bond Programs.
Taxable and Tax-Exempt Industrial Development Bonds are available to assist borrowers with securing favorable interest rates through this program, which are often more attractive than found through conventional financing.
Loan Guaranty Program
The Virginia Small Business Financing Authority’s (VSBFA) Loan Guaranty Program is designed to help Virginia's small businesses obtain the funds to start, enhance, or expand their operations and thereby creates new jobs for citizens of the Commonwealth. The VSBFA guaranty reduces the bank’s credit risk and helps the business qualify for financing that would not otherwise be available.
Virginia Capital Access Program
The Virginia Small Business Financing Authority's (VSBFA) Virginia Capital Access Program (VCAP) provides access to capital for Virginia businesses by helping banks in Virginia to make loans to businesses that may have difficulty obtaining a conventional loan without a credit enhancement. Unlike typical government guaranty programs, which provide a guaranty of a specific loan, VCAP utilizes an insurance concept on a portfolio of loans.
VSBFA establishes a loan loss reserve at each participating bank, which is funded by enrollment fees paid by the borrower/bank and matching fees paid by the VSBFA. Because the participating bank determines what loans to enroll without VSBFA’s involvement, VCAP is a flexible, non-bureaucratic tool to assist banks in meeting the financing needs of Virginia’s businesses.
Environmental Compliance Assistance Fund
The Environmental Compliance Assistance Fund is a direct loan from the VSBFA to a business that seeks to finance equipment that will have quantifiably less impact on the environment or the business is seeking to implement voluntary agricultural best management practices (BMPs). Bank participation is not required.
Economic Development Loan Fund (EDLF)
The Virginia Economic Development Loan Fund was established to facilitate capital investment in eligible Virginia communities (as established by the Economic Development Administration) by providing qualifying borrowers direct loans which fill the gap needed to meet equity or conventional financing. The Virginia Small Business Financing Authority can finance up to 40% of the project cost or a maximum of $1,000,000.
Child Care Financing Program
The Virginia Small Business Financing Authority's Child Care Financing Program (CCFP) is designed to assist Virginia child care providers in obtaining financing for fixed asset needs and educational materials. The Virginia Small Business Financing Authority offers direct low-interest rate loans to regulated child care providers for quality enhancement projects or to meet or maintain childcare standards.
Incentives
Qualifications
On a case-by-case basis, Gloucester County considers incentives for qualified projects. The value of these incentives depends upon the total investment (land, building, equipment), tax revenue generation, and new job creation numbers estimated for the project.
Proposal
After considering the project scope, Gloucester County will customize an incentive proposal for a new or expanding business. The County will also assist with obtaining participation from the Commonwealth of Virginia, which can often further assist the company in areas such as workforce training, site improvement, construction of industrial roads, or railroad access.
Forms of Incentives
Typically, Gloucester County incentives come in the form of direct grants to the company or public infrastructure improvements, as may be necessary for a particular project or site. Most incentive offerings are based on the performance of the company and are solidified by performance agreements memorializing the commitment of both parties. Examples on a case-by-case basis can include:
Public Private Partnership Fund
Site Acquisition Assistance
Site Preparation Assistance
Utility Extension / Connection Fee Consideration
Local Funds
Using established guidelines based on capital investment and job creation, local funds are available to offset direct site and building expenditures required by a proposed project that meet certain minimum criteria. Grants can include an amount up to 36 months of qualified local tax revenue.
Specifically, Gloucester County targets light manufacturing, information technology, and service industries with above-average wage rates. The program is administered by the Gloucester County Economic Development department.
Labor Profile
Right-to-Work State
Virginia has one of the lowest average net costs for workers’ compensation in the country as well as one of the lowest unemployment insurance rates.
Commute
Typical commute to work is 30 to 40 minutes.
Unemployment Rate (April 2023)
County of Gloucester - 2.3%
Virginia - 2.5%
United States - 3.4%
Exceptional Sources of Labor
College Students: More than 90,000 students attending area colleges and universities are available for full or part-time employment opportunities.
Exiting Military: Each year more than 13,000 military personnel retire or are discharged from area military bases and seek employment.
Military Spouses: More than 30,000 military spouses residing in the area seek full or part-time employment opportunities.
Seasonal Workers: The region’s tourism industry creates more than 10,000 seasonal jobs during the summer months. These seasonal workers provide an additional labor pool to companies with personnel peaks at other times of the year.
Employment Resources
The Gloucester County Department of Economic Development provides support services to businesses and access to employment opportunities for citizens. The agencies and businesses listed represent a resource database for current job postings by employers and placement services for job seekers.
Job Database, Recruitment, Staffing & Placement Services
Permitting & Licensing
Permitting
Building Permits should be obtained from the Building Inspections department and are required prior to beginning any of the following activities:
Alteration
Construction
Conversion or demolition of a building or structure
Reconstruction
Repair
This includes the installation or altering of any equipment regulated by the USBC.
When there is a change of occupancy of an existing structure and a new certificate is required by the USBC, removing or disturbing any asbestos containing materials, or movement of a lot line that can affect the safety of an existing structure.
Licensing
New businesses locating in Gloucester County must obtain a business license within 30 days of the day it begins business operations in the County. A business license can be obtained from the Commissioner of the Revenue’s office who is responsible for assessing the Business Professional Occupational License (BPOL) tax on businesses operating in Gloucester County. The BPOL tax is levied on gross receipts from a business and does not apply to manufacturers.
Development Review Process
Gloucester County has a comprehensive development review and construction process.
Site Plan Review
Site Plan Review includes a team approach with all departments involved in reviewing and approving plans including:
Building Plan Review
The Building Plan Review includes the same team approach with fire/safety, building construction, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical.
Customized site and building inspections including structural, plumbing, mechanical and electrical, and erosion and sediment control
Certificate of Occupancy issued at the conclusion of the project
Additional Services
As a value added service to the project, we will assign a project manager, as well as coordinate multiple design conferences with your architecture and engineering firms throughout the design phase to ensure codes, regulations, materials and specs meet our ordinances. Our goal is to help eliminate your risks!
Additional Information
For more see Site Plan Development Process.
Start a Business
Business License
Register
Prior to applying for a business license you must obtain zoning approval, register your business with the Circuit Court Clerk or State Corporation Commission and obtain a Federal and State Identification Number. In addition, if you will be selling food or beverages you must obtain approval from the Gloucester County Health Department.
Renew
In accordance with the Virginia Code and Gloucester County Code, all businesses must renew their license and remit payment on or before March 1 of each year.
Business Location
Zoning Approval
All persons seeking to operate a business in Gloucester County, including home-based businesses, must obtain zoning approval from the Office of Planning and Zoning prior to applying for a business license.
For further information, please call 804-693-1224 or visit the Planning and Zoning department.
Business Plan
Your Business Plan should tell the story of your business. In short it is the who, what, when, where, why and how of your business.
The following components should be part of your Business Plan:
Title Page
Your company name, and Business Plan Date
Business Description & Vision
Business goals and objectives
Company vision
History of business
Key company principals
Mission statement
Target Market
Describe how your business has a critical need in the current market
Describe your business industry
Identify your target market
Who are your potential clients
Products & Services
Describe your products and services
Explain how you are competitive
What do they sell for
Organization
Describe your key managers
Describe your legal structure
Provide an organizational chart with an organizational description
What types of permits do you operate on
Who are your lenders
Marketing
Describe your sales strategy, including pricing and promotion
How do you distribute your product
Identify who your customers are and the demand for your product
Financial Management
New Businesses
Estimate your start-up costs
Provide projected balance sheets, income statements and cash flow statements (one year forward)
Existing Businesses
Provide balance sheets and income statements (last three years)
Provide cash flow statements (last 12 months)
Appendices
All business equipment
Company brochures
Contract
Demographics to support growth of industry
Key employee resumes
Lease
Pictures of business and products
Press articles and advertisements
Executive Summary
Should be written last
Should provide a snapshot of your business by explain who you are, what you do and why you do it, should be less than two pages.
Business Type
Choose Your Business Structure
Sole Proprietor
A Sole Proprietorship is the simplest and most common structure. It is owned and run by only one individual. As the owner, you are entitled to all profits and are responsible for all your business’s debts, losses and liabilities.
Partnership
A Partnership exists between two or more persons who join together to carry on a trade or a business. Each individual contributes money, property, labor or skill and expects to share in the profits and losses of the business.
Corporations
Corporations handle the responsibilities of the business. The corporate structure is more complex than other business structures. It requires complying with more regulations and tax requirements and usually requires more tax preparation services than either a sole proprietorship or partnership. Articles of Incorporation must be filed with the State Corporation Commission and fees must be paid to register the corporation.
Limited Liability Companies (LLC)
Limited Liability Company owners, known as members, have "limited liability," meaning that under most circumstances they are not personally liable for the debts and liabilities of the LLC. To form an LLC, a member must file Articles of Organization with the State Corporation Commission.
Business Assistance & Resources
Business Services
The Gloucester County Department of Economic Development is committed to helping you succeed, whether you are considering opening a new business here or thinking of expanding your existing business. Gloucester County offers a desirable combination of low cost of living, high quality of life, a labor force that is unsurpassed, top quality education, and affordable housing opportunities.
In addition, the staff of the Gloucester County Department of Economic Development work hard to bring these benefits to new and existing businesses.
Business Incentives
During the initial four years of this program, we approved and awarded 149 grants in the amount of $245,617. Private investment totals $6,213,747 from new and expanding businesses. The Gloucester County Economic Development Authority offers the following business incentives:
Property improvement
Facade improvement
Advertising
Website design
EDA Small Business Incentive Program Description and Application (PDF)
Facade & Interior Grants
The Main Street Preservation Trust offers grants to help qualified small businesses to offset costs of facade and interior improvements. The program supports Main Street businesses and property owners. It is an annually funded matching grant. Application deadlines are typically in March. For guidelines visit the Gloucester Village Grants.
Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG)
USDA offers grants to help support technical assistance and training leading to development or expansion of small private businesses in rural areas. Funding ranges from $10,000 to $500,000 with applications excepted on a continuous basis. For more information visit the USDA website.
Small Business Jobs Grant Fund (SBJGF)
The Small Business Jobs Grant Fund Provides funding to offset costs of hiring five or more new employees. Funding ranges from $500 to $2,000 and is issued 90 days after employees are placed on payroll. There is no application deadline. Contact Duc Truong at 804-786-1648 or email Duc Truong.
Free Business Consulting
The Executive Director of HRSBDC councils the small business community in the area to help them thrive. She is available every month by appointment for individual consultation. Meetings are free and held via Zoom. Contact the Economic Development department to schedule an appointment.
Free Business Consulting Appointments
The Small Business Development Center of Hampton Roads, Inc. (HRSBDC) is part of a statewide network that is directed by The Mason Enterprise Center at George Mason University. It is hosted locally by the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce and supported by Thomas Nelson Community College, Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce, Franklin-Southampton Area Chamber of Commerce, the Isle of Wight-Smithfield-Windsor Chamber of Commerce, and EDAs from across Hampton Roads, including Gloucester County.
The mission of the organization is to contribute to the growth and development of the economy by providing management, technical and other assistance and information to the region's small business community.