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Fairfax City highlights small-business growth, grants and new programs
Summary
Fairfax City promoted a series of economic development initiatives and business spotlights, including the Fairfax City Flex Card, LIFT and FIG grants, façade/interior improvement grants and the Upskill Fairfax City tuition assistance program, alongside testimonials from local business owners and community organizations.
Fairfax City this week showcased several economic development programs and local business testimonials intended to support small businesses and encourage local spending.
City promotional remarks and business owners described the Fairfax City Flex Card, an e-gift card program the city said keeps 100% of gift card sales within city businesses, and direct outreach programs intended to help firms access capital and markets. The city also promoted Upskill Fairfax City, described as free tuition assistance for Fairfax City residents and employees offering certifications in IT, health care and other fields (register at upscalefairfaxcity.com). The presentation repeated that the city offers façade and interior improvement grants and two incentive programs referred to as the LIFT and FIG grants to help recruit and support businesses.
The city framed the Flex Card and grant programs as tools to boost storefront activity and retain retail and dining businesses in the downtown and other commercial corridors. Multiple local business speakers and representatives said the programs helped them relocate, renovate or expand in Fairfax City and emphasized walkability, transit access and proximity to George Mason University and federal contracting opportunities as draws.
Owners and representatives from a range of small businesses — including a bakery (owner Nicole Liberator), a maker space (NOVA Labs), a bank representative for Main Street Bank, and other retailers and service firms — described how the city’s programs, grants and promotional work supported their operations. Nicole Liberator identified herself as owner of Sonna Bakeshop and said the bakery specializes in Italian pastries and cannoli and that being in Fairfax City has helped her business build repeat customers.
City materials and speakers also promoted partnerships with regional organizations, including the Minority Business Development Agency, the Mason Enterprise Center and local nonprofit partners that connect businesses with capital, education and contracting opportunities. The presenters emphasized business support services such as introductions to banks, Small Business Development Center resources and workforce development efforts.
The city urged residents and employers to use the Flex Card and to visit fairfaxcityconnected.com/flex for details, and repeated that Upskill Fairfax City is available to eligible residents and employees.
City officials and business speakers framed the initiative as part of a broader effort to keep retail and services viable in a changing post-pandemic market and to leverage Fairfax City’s central location in the Washington, D.C., metro area to recruit and retain firms.
Looking ahead, the city encouraged continued use of the Flex Card and participation in training and grant programs and said economic development staff will continue outreach to connect businesses with available resources.
