Business Assistance & Resources

Business Services

The Gloucester County Department of Economic Development is committed to helping you succeed, whether you’re 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 $245,617.00. Private investment totals $6,213,747.00 from new and expanding businesses. The Gloucester County Economic Development Authority offers the following business incentives:

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 5 or more new employees. Funding ranges from $500 to $2,000 and is issued 90 days after employees placed on payroll. There is no application deadline.
Contact Duc Truong at 804-786-1648 or email Duc Truong 


Free Business ConsultingJim Carroll

Jim Carroll is the executive director of HRSBDC and councils the small business community in the area to help them thrive. He is available  every month by appointment. for individual consultation. Meetings are free and held via Zoom.  Contact Economic Development to schedule an appointment.

Free Business Consulting Appointments
by appointment

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.

Gloucester County Chamber of Commerce Guide

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