SPOTLIGHT | UPDATES | OPPORTUNITES | EDUCATION | EVENTS

HIGHLIGHTS


  • Meet the Owner: Smith's Florist



  • Featured Properties: Former Page Property



  • Have You Heard?


  • Apply for Small Business Incentives


  • Business Directory


  • Job Listings


  • Available Buildings and Sites

Attention Gloucester businesses!


The Commissioner of the Revenue's office mailed out business license renewal forms to its current business account holders. Those forms, and Business Personal Property forms, are due back on March 1.


Please call the COR office with any questions at 804.693.1318

If you would like your business to be considered for the monthly e-newsletter In the Spotlight feature, please send photos and a short article to Amanda Wermter. We'd also love to share your testimonial of why Gloucester is the perfect place for your business!

FEATURED PROPERTIES


Former Page Property Available for Purchase


Contact Sherry Spring for more information on this 28 acre property!

VIEW DETAILS ON THIS PROPERTY
HAVE YOU HEARD??

Congratulations to GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys on 10 years!


Singleton and Gibson joined forces in 2013 to create a personal injury firm based in Gloucester, but serving all of Virginia.

For 10 years they have been serving people who were hurt in an accident and have also worked hard to prevent accidents from happening through community outreach.




Goodman's Interiors & Antiques announces the Grand Opening of their newest location in Gloucester Point!


View full Press Release HERE

OTHER NEWS

Gloucester Restaurant Week will be held February 26- March 3!


Gloucester Economic Development and Visit Gloucester are happy to present the highly anticipated Restaurant Week. Restaurants are encouraged to offer a special menu during the week.


If your restaurant is interested in participating, please register HERE!


View the Restaurant Week Webpage

Governor Glenn Youngkin Announces Blue Catfish Processing Grant Award to Gloucester Facility!


View Full Press Release

Are you a restaurant owner?


The new year is your opportunity to start fresh with good habits, and the same goes for your restaurant! These are some of the best practices to implement for you and your team to help grow your business.

 Download guide.


10 Retail Trends for 2024

1. Omnichannel sales:

At the heart of this evolution is the omnichannel approach, a concept that has become indispensable in our shopping lives. 

2. Sustainability: Sustainability, once just a potential option, has now become a standard. As global awareness of environmental issues grows, consumers are increasingly making conscious choices, seeking products that resonate with their eco-friendly values.

3. In-store experiences: The revival of physical stores is another intriguing trend. These spaces are no longer just transactional hubs but are transforming into realms offering unique, immersive experiences.

4. Personalization: Personalization is reaching new heights, thanks to the advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning. 

5. Direct-to-consumer: The rise of direct-to-consumer brands marks a significant shift in the retail industry. 

6. Payment methods: Payment methods in retail are also diversifying.

7. Upgraded logistics: In the realm of logistics, enhanced delivery and return services are becoming the new norm. 

8. Community: Community building is another place retailers are focusing their efforts.

9. Security and privacy: Data security and privacy have taken center stage in the digital age of retail. 

10. Augmented and virtual reality: Lastly, the integration of augmented reality and virtual reality in retail is bridging the gap between the digital and physical worlds.

Sentara takes sole ownership of Velocity Urgent Care. Read full article HERE


7 Ways to Find Small Business Grant Opportunities


Small business grants provide free money for startups and businesses, but the competition for funding can be steep. Click here for seven excellent ways to find small business grants.

TRAINING/WEBINARS & EVENTS

GHS Career EXPO

This is a great opportunity for you to share your business with students of the school and possibly find potential employees of the future. It's a wonderful opportunity to collaborate with one another to support students who are looking for work and to provide you with some amazing young people to be your future work force!


Expo is February 13, from 8:00-3:00 in the main gym at Gloucester High School.


If your business would like to participate, sign up here.




Website-Full Calendar of Events

The Hampton Roads Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides professional business advising, training, and business resources to Gloucester County businesses.


SBDC professionals assist with business planning, marketing, financial analysis, access to capital, business start-up and other specialized services as requested.


Appointments can be requested HERE.

SMALL BUSINESS INCENTIVES AND OTHER ASSISTANCE

The purpose of the Gloucester County Economic Development Incentives is to promote and encourage the recruitment of new small businesses and expanding by aiding property and or business owners for interior and exterior improvements, advertising and website design work.


The Gloucester County Economic Development Authority (EDA) administers these programs. The incentive programs were designed to assist those businesses that will provide a return on investment to Gloucester County. The EDA will review all applications for consideration of financial incentives.

Property Improvement: Projects covered in this incentive include new floors, ceiling tiles, windows, doors, painting and other interior improvements that will not be removed if vacated.


Facade Improvement: This program is designed to aid property owners or business owners of commercial properties for exterior façade improvements, new signage, awnings, painting and/or landscaping, etc., for enhanced curb appeal for the front of businesses facing streets or highways.


Co-op Advertising Grant: This program supports advertising and promotional activities.


E-Commerce Matching Grant Program: Offers aid with new website design and development.


If you are considering applying for an incentive, please contact our office to confirm that the project is eligible before applying.

All businesses applying for Economic Development Incentives will need to submit a completed and signed IRS form W9.

Read More on our Incentives
Click Here for Application

The Gloucester Revolving Loan Fund provides loans to encourage viability and sustainability of businesses in Gloucester County, with an emphasis on the Main Street area. 

 

Program loans shall be available to eligible applicants for the following activities: 

 

1. Fixed asset loans for acquisition, expansion, improvement and/or rehabilitation of an existing business, land, building, inventory and equipment, to include, without limitation, sites of historical significance to Gloucester Village.

 

2. Working capital.

 

To learn more about the Gloucester Revolving Loan Fund, please visit www.gloucesterloanfund.org or contact Ashley Gilmartin Weast at [email protected]

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE REBATES HERE
BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Let us know if you would like to be listed in the Business Directory. Please send information to Amanda Wermter

SEARCH FOR EMPLOYMENT

DECEMBER 2023 UNEMPLOYMENT FIGURES FOR GLOUCESTER

View available Buildings and Sites
NEW BUSINESS LICENSES

HOME- BASED


  • L W ROAD GRADING             
  • SH MEDIA                                
  • 804 GRAPHIX & CUSTOM APPAREL LLC
  • PATRIOT GUN WORKS                    


Source: The Commissioner of the Revenue office

COMMERCIAL


  • MARIPOSA MEDICAL SPA PLLC        
  • ALAN'S WORLD               


Board of Supervisors | Economic Development Authority | Economic Development Department

Economic Development Department | 6489 Main Street | 804.693.1415 | [email protected]


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