We
Know
Small

business consultation hours

local jobs protected

business starts

million distributed to local businesses

Start, Manage, and Grow Your Business

AEDP provides free-to-you services to help you start and scale your business. If you’re in the City of Alexandria, we can help. Get started by requesting a counseling session today.

Schedule a Counseling Session

Solicitar Una sesión gratuita de asesoría

Get Help, Customized to YOUR Business Needs

Your business is unique. That’s why we offer custom, one-on-one counseling. We’ll match you with an experienced coach who can help you navigate your specific challenges. (Remember, it’s free.)

Request a Counseling Session

AEDP offers a variety of workshops designed to support and empower small businesses. Whether you’re just starting or looking to grow your business, our workshops are tailored to meet your specific needs and fuel your entrepreneurial journey.

Events Calendar

Join the Alexandria Business Ecosystem

Alexandria, Virginia, is home to some of the best, most-successful small businesses in the world. Network and share knowledge with your fellow entrepreneurs by joining a local Business Association.

Find a Business Association

Celebrate the start of your business with an AEDP Ribbon Cutting! Whether you’re opening a new store or moving locations, hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony is a great way to introduce your business to Alexandria.

Request a Ribbon Cutting

ALX Open Rewards

Love where you live. Support local.

AEDP Small Business is sponsoring a new rewards program to encourage people to spend money at your Alexandria small business. Customers use the ALX Open Rewards app to earn 3% back on their purchases at locally owned brick-and-mortar shops and restaurants—money they can then redeem on future purchases at ALX businesses—all at no cost to businesses.

Learn More

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Learn How to Legally Set Up Your Business

The first step to starting any business is getting set up with the federal, Virginia, and Alexandria governments. We made a video to help you navigate each system. Watch and learn and reach out to us if you have any questions!

Get Started

Visit the links below to begin setting up your business in Alexandria.

The information provided in these documents is accurate and up to date to the best of our knowledge. However, business regulations, licensing requirements, and related policies are subject to change. We strongly recommend verifying all steps and requirements with the appropriate local, state, or federal agencies before proceeding. AEDP is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or changes in information that may affect your business. Use of this material is at your own discretion and risk. N\thing in these documents constitutes legal advice.