Fairfax City Economic Development

09/03/2026

Yesterday, Fairfax City Economic Development hosted Governor Abigail Spanberger, Secretary of Commerce and Trade Carrie Chenery, and Director of Small Business and Supplier Diversity Eric Lin for a conversation with City of Fairfax Government businesses.

Mayor Read welcomed the delegation, and FCED CEO and Director Colleen Kardasz moderated the discussion. The roundtable brought together businesses representing a range of industries, including restaurants, professional services, artificial intelligence and higher education.

The conversation explored some of the key opportunities and challenges facing today’s businesses, including the impact of AI on marketing and operations, workforce challenges, and the rising cost of doing business.

We also appreciate Fairfax.ZaytounaBistro for hosting us and providing a welcoming space for this important conversation with our business community.

Also in attendance were Tina Disch of the Old Town Fairfax Business Association - OTFBA, Jennifer Rose of the Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce, and Patrick Soleymani, Chair of the Economic Development Authority and Associate Dean of George Mason University - Costello College of Business.

09/02/2026

Last Friday, FCED hosted the Japan External Trade Organization at the WillowWood Plaza campus as part of an international business visit coordinated by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership and the Northern Virginia Economic Development Alliance.

The visit showcased Northern Virginia’s business ecosystem and highlighted Fairfax City’s Mason Enterprise Center - Fairfax (MEC) as a landing pad for international companies. FCED CEO and Director Colleen Kardasz shared more about the flexible workspace and resources available to support businesses entering the U.S. market.

The delegation wrapped up with a tour of the MEC, learning about the region’s strong entrepreneurial support network.

We appreciated the opportunity to host the group and look forward to fostering continued international business growth in Northern Virginia!

09/01/2026

🗓️ Friendly Reminder: Join our September EDA meeting at WillowWood Plaza on Wednesday. Everyone is welcome! Look for the signs in the lobby for guidance.

Date: September 2
Time: 6:00 PM
Address: 10306 Eaton Place, Training Room 115AB, Fairfax

To view the agenda, tap the link: https://gofairfaxcity.com/news-center/eda-meetings

08/28/2026

Recently, we celebrated the ribbon-cutting for Castellini Law in Fairfax City! ✂️🎉

Castellini Law is a boutique estates and trusts law firm that helps individuals and families plan for the future with clarity and confidence. The firm provides personalized guidance in estate planning, wills, trusts, estate and trust administration, and more.

Congratulations to Trusts and Estates Attorney Kerri Castellini! Check out these photos from the ribbon-cutting celebration.

📍3900 University Drive, Suite 110, Fairfax, VA

08/27/2026

👋Welcome to the FCED team, Raphaella Henson-Vendrell🥳! Raphaella brings experience in digital media strategy and communications, with four years of expertise in creating social content, newsletter campaigns, graphic designs, and marketing administrative tasks. She is enthusiastic and eager to support the PR and marketing division in implementing impactful marketing campaigns that resonate with our audience.

Raphaella is from Haymarket, VA, and holds a B.A. in law and criminal justice from Hood College and an M.A. in digital media strategy from Bridgewater College. She is also bilingual, fluent in both Spanish and English, and enjoys long-distance running.

Please give a warm welcome to Raphaella, our new marketing associate, in the comments. ⬇️

08/24/2026

FCED has received a Gold Medal Award for the John Cabot University International Business Fellowship 🥇and a Bronze Medal Award for Pub Scholars🥉, both in the Post-Secondary Education category.

These recognitions celebrate our commitment to innovative economic development strategies that connect our community with new ideas, talent, and opportunities.

Pub Scholars is a free, community-focused lecture series hosted by Fairfax City Economic Development in collaboration with George Mason Univeristy's Mason Speakers, bringing thought-provoking conversations and university expertise into the community🍺.

The John Cabot University International Business Fellowship is a four-month program that gives JCU students hands-on experience promoting the City of Fairfax, VA to Italian businesses seeking to expand into the U.S.

We’re grateful to our university partners and everyone who helped bring these programs to life and excited to keep building innovative partnerships that benefit Fairfax City!

08/20/2026

Mayor Read officially proclaimed August 20-30, 2026, as Summer 2026 Fairfax City Restaurant Week! 🥳

With over 20 restaurants participating, from Italian and Korean to Latin American and Middle Eastern, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Each spot is serving up their signature dishes, sharing their stories, and celebrating what makes them unique.

With Restaurant Week 🍽️ kicking off today, dive into the delicious and diverse flavors that make our city a foodie destination in Northern Virginia. Plan your visit and view participating restaurants by visiting the website linked in the comments.

08/17/2026

Last week, we celebrated the ribbon cutting for COZE The Space in Fairfax City! ✂️🎉

Founded by stylists Joanne Chung and Eunice Kim, COZE transformed its new space into an elevated, intimate hair salon where luxury meets warmth. The business was awarded a Facade and Interior Improvement Grant to help offset the total cost of the build-out.

COZE offers haircuts, coloring, and other services in a welcoming environment designed to help every client feel comfortable and cared for.

Congratulations on your opening! Check out these highlights from the ribbon cutting.

📍4002 University Drive, Fairfax, VA

08/14/2026

🍻 Pub Scholars returns on September 16!

In partnership with George Mason University’s Mason Speakers program, join us at The Auld Shebeen for an engaging conversation with Dr. Missy Cummings, professor and director of the Responsible AI program at George Mason University. 🤖

One of the U.S. Navy’s first female fighter pilots, Dr. Cummings is a nationally recognized expert on autonomous systems, AI safety, and human-machine collaboration. She’ll explore the rapidly evolving world of autonomy, including self-driving vehicles, robotics, advanced AI, and military systems.

Whether you’re an AI enthusiast or simply curious about where technology is headed, this accessible conversation will examine the opportunities and challenges of an increasingly autonomous world.

📅 September 16
⏰ 6–8 PM
📍 The Auld Shebeen

Admission is free, but registration is encouraged. Secure your seat and join the conversation by tapping the link in the comments below.

Pub Scholars brings faculty experts into Fairfax to share cutting-edge ideas in tech, science & business - learn, connect & support local!

08/13/2026

You’re invited! Join us as we celebrate Castellini Law with an official ribbon cutting in Fairfax City! ✂️

Castellini Law helps individuals and families protect what matters most through thoughtful, personalized legal guidance.
📜 Estate planning
✍️ Wills and trusts
🤝 Estate and trust administration
💙 Caring, personalized service

📅 Friday, August 21
🕑 2:00 PM
📍 3900 University Drive, Suite 110, Fairfax, VA 22030

Come meet the team and help us celebrate! 🎊