Stafford, VA Economic Development and Tourism

09/04/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Networking Do’s & Don’ts! 🤝

We were excited to bring local professionals together for an afternoon of learning, connecting, and putting new networking skills into practice.

A special thank you to Wendy Zelazny, Senior Vice President of Membership & Strategic Growth at the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce, for sharing practical tips on building meaningful professional relationships, and to 6 Bears & A Goat Brewing Company for hosting us!

Stay tuned for our next event in December!

09/02/2026

Stafford County Economic Development & Tourism has released its FY2026 Year in Review, highlighting a year of economic growth, major investments, business support and continued progress.
The annual impact report provides a look at the first year of Stafford’s Economic Development Strategic Plan and the work underway to strengthen Stafford’s economy and local businesses, as well as highlights the department's goal of balance between businesses that drive commercial tax base and quality of life amenities.
Read the full FY2026 Year in Review:
🔗 https://www.gostaffordva.com/2026/08/stafford-county-releases-fy2026-economic-development-impact-report/

09/02/2026

Community Event Highlight: Workforce Development Resources for Businesses Workshop
Tuesday, September 8th | 9:30 AM | Virginia Career Words - Fredericksburg Center

Business Tour/Networking & Workshop Series

Connect with workforce experts, discover employer resources, and build valuable partnerships with Virginia Career Works and regional workforce partners.

September 8 – Workforce Development Resources for Businesses
Hiring incentives, On-the-Job Training, Incumbent Worker Training, recruitment assistance, and other no-cost business services.

9:30am – 10:00am
Welcome & Virginia Career Works Center Tour
Networking with workforce partners and local employers

10:00am – 10:30am
Featured Employer Workshop
Practical strategies, funding opportunities, hiring resources, and workforce solutions



Learn more >> https://www.gostaffordva.com/calendar-item/workforce-development-resources-for-businesses-business-tour-networking-workshop-series/

09/01/2026

Community Event Highlight: Blue Print Business Plan Workshop
Tuesday, September 8th | 9:00 am | ONLINE | UMW SBDC

This four-hour workshop covers the development of the business plan and financial forecasting of the business plan. Please be prepared to begin working on your business plan during the class. We will start by opening a Microsoft Word or Google Doc for you to add information to as we proceed through the workshop. By the end of the workshop you will have completed a rough draft of a portion of the business plan and have clear direction which areas you need to conduct research and add additional information to in order to complete.


Learn more & register >> https://www.gostaffordva.com/calendar-item/blue-print-business-plan-workshop-7/

08/31/2026

Check out this business success update 🏆

Glamour Beauty and Brows Microblading by Kristal is continuing to grow after being named the Stafford County Economic Development Authority’s 2026 Business of the Year.
Founded by Kristal King, the Stafford-grown business is expanding career training, supporting local entrepreneurs and creating new pathways for professional growth.

As the business looks toward its next chapter, King plans to expand training opportunities and strengthen partnerships across the region.

📖 Read the full release: https://www.gostaffordva.com/2026/08/stafford-business-of-the-year-builds-on-recognition-with-plans-for-continued-growth/

08/28/2026

🚀 Stafford businesses: Looking for new opportunities to grow your supply network?
The U.S. Small Business Administration is hosting the Freedom 250 Supplier Matchmaking Expo on September 18th, bringing together businesses and domestic corporate buyers looking to strengthen U.S. supply chains.
📅 September 18, 2026 | 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
📍 Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center | Washington, DC
The expo offers small businesses the opportunity to:
• Meet directly with potential buyers
• Participate in one-on-one matchmaking meetings
• Build relationships that could lead to future contracts
• Connect with businesses and organizations supporting U.S. manufacturers
Buyer matchmaking registration closes August 31, with intake form due September 1.
Supplier matchmaking registration closes September 4, with the intake form due September 5.
Space is limited, so Stafford County businesses interested in expanding their supplier relationships are encouraged to register today.
👉 Learn more and register: https://sba.connect.space/freedom-250-supplier-matchmaking-expo

08/26/2026

Stafford-based, veteran-owned Barley Naked Brewing Company earned two medals at the 2026 Virginia Craft Beer Cup, hosted by the Virginia Craft Brewers Guild.
🍺 Gold Medal: Irish Prenup Sweet Stout
🍺 Silver Medal: Hung Monk Doppelbock

The 2026 Virginia Craft Beer Cup featured 347 entries from breweries across the Commonwealth.
Barley Naked Brewing Co. is located at 15 Tech Pkwy, Suite 109, Stafford, VA.

Read the full story: https://www.gostaffordva.com/2026/08/barley-naked-brewing-co-takes-home-gold-and-silver-medals-from-the-virginia-craft-beer-cup/

08/25/2026

Community Event Highlight: September Coffee Talk
Tuesday, September 8th | 8:00 am | 718 Venue | Women's Leadership Colloquium at UMW

Save the date for September’s Coffee Talk, which will take place on Tuesday, September 8th, at 718 Venue.

September’s Coffee Talk, led by Dr. Cara Graham Parker, Strategic Planning & Leadership Development Consultant, Owner at C Parker Consulting, Inc., will be a remarkable session on “Affirming Communication Through Difficulty.”

Learn more & register >>

Save the date for September’s Coffee Talk, which will take place on Tuesday, September 8th, at 718 Venue. September’s Coffee Talk, led by Dr. Cara Graham Parker, Strategic Planning & Leadership Development Consultant, Owner at C Parker Consulting, Inc., will be a remarkable session on “Affirmi...

08/20/2026

Wondering why the Stafford County Holiday Market and Tree Lighting should be on your business calendar this season? Let’s talk numbers 📈👇

Our Annual Tree Lighting event draws an estimated 3,000 community members all gathering beneath the winter lights. By joining our Holiday Market, you get:

👥 Built-in Traffic: Direct access to thousands of local families looking for unique gifts
🔌 Amenities: 10' x 10' spaces with power available to keep your setup shining
🛍️ Prime Holiday Shopping: Position your brand as a go-to destination for holiday gift buyers

We pull out all the stops to bring the crowd, you just bring your incredible, holiday craft.

Visit www.staffordcountytreelighting.com to apply by October 21 (spots are filling up FAST, so we encourage you to register as soon as you can)

✨ The Details ✨
📅 Saturday, November 21, 2026
⏰ 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
📍 George L. Gordon Government Center (1300 Courthouse Road, Stafford, Virginia, 22554)
🚨Deadline to Apply: October 21 (or when spots are filled!)🚨

🛒 Who We're Seeking 🛒
• Retail merchandise
• Handcrafted goods
• Unique seasonal products
• Pre-packaged foods