Start a Business
Turning an idea into an open business takes a lot of steps — but you don't have to take them alone. King George County Economic Development will walk the path with you, from first concept to grand opening.
Take a Deep Breath — We're Here to Help
Starting a new business raises a hundred questions. What do I do first? How do I research whether my idea will work? How do I get properly licensed? What permits do I need? It's a lot — and that's exactly why we built this page.
Below you'll find a clear, step-by-step roadmap to opening your doors in King George County, along with the local and state partners ready to help you at every stage. You are not alone. Have a question or want a hand getting started? Reach out to our Business Retention & Expansion Specialist, Trey Henderson, any time.
Your Roadmap to Opening
Eight steps from idea to open, plus the partners ready to help at every stage. Tap a step to read the details.
You have a concept — but is it commercially viable? Understanding your place in the market is the foundation of a profitable business. The U.S. Small Business Administration is a great place to start your market analysis.
Your business plan is your roadmap, and the first thing a lender will ask to see. The UMW Small Business Development Center
can help you write it, line up financing, and build the skills to run your business.
Choose the structure that fits your business — sole proprietor, LLC, corporation, or partnership. The UMW SBDC, an attorney, or a tax professional can help you decide, and the Virginia SCC has resources to compare business types.
Comply before you buy (or lease)! Before committing to a location, confirm it's compatible with your use. Start with King George's commercial zoning permit and meet with King George Community Development.
All businesses must register with King George County, the Commonwealth, and the IRS. Apply for your King George business license; LLCs and corporations also register with the Virginia SCC. Renew your license every year.
Your county license sets up business personal property tax. Register for state taxes with Virginia Tax, get an FEIN from the IRS if you're an LLC, corporation, or partnership, and LLC owners must also file BOI with FinCEN.
Protect your property, assets, and people. Liability, workers' compensation, and unemployment insurance are all worth considering as you prepare to open your doors.
Hiring employees? You'll also need to register for employment and unemployment insurance taxes with the Virginia Employment Commission.
Schedule your ribbon cutting with us! We provide the scissors and the ribbon, and invite our EDA and Board of Supervisors to celebrate the opening with you.
Schedule a Ribbon Cutting
Find Your Space in King George
Every business needs the right place to put down roots. Whether you're looking to lease or buy, our interactive Property Finder lets you search available commercial properties, sites, and buildings across King George County — filtered by size, zoning, and location.
And thanks to where we sit between the Rappahannock and the Potomac, the space you find here connects you to ports, markets, and population centers up and down the East Coast.
Celebrate Your Opening
King George Economic Development offers free ribbon-cutting ceremonies for local businesses — featured on our website and promoted through our channels to help spread the word about your launch.
Ceremonies can happen whenever works best for you around your start date; they don't have to fall on a grand or soft opening. We provide the scissors and the ribbon. We'll invite our EDA and Board of Supervisors, with at least one guaranteed to speak — your local supervisor first, though a state or federal representative can be requested for special circumstances.
Schedule One Now
Scheduling: Ceremonies must be booked at least two weeks in advance. Availability is Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Weekends and after-5 p.m. slots are available only under special circumstances. Submitting a request does not confirm your ceremony — staff will follow up to confirm.
Meet & Strategize With Our Team
We believe the best way to help your business is to build a relationship — so we understand your specific needs and goals. We'll walk through opening your business with you, step by step. Schedule a meeting today with our Business Retention & Expansion Specialist.
*Requesting a time slot does not confirm your meeting. Staff will confirm with you after your requested time.
Additional Resources
Business Incentive Grant
King George EDA's local grant to help new and growing businesses invest here.
Coming soon
Student Organization Scholarship
Support for student-led business and entrepreneurship organizations.
Coming soon
Virginia State Incentives
VEDP's statewide programs, grants, and incentives for Virginia businesses.
UMW Small Business Development Center
Free one-on-one counseling, business-plan help, and training for startups.
Fredericksburg Regional Chamber
The voice of business across the region, including King George.
Fredericksburg Area Builders Association (FABA)
Trade association serving the region's building and construction industry.
Virginia Career Works — Bay Consortium
Regional workforce board for recruiting, hiring support, and training.
Ready to Get Started?
Wherever you are on the roadmap, King George County Economic Development is ready to help you take the next step. Reach out today — let's open your doors together.