Fairfax CORE Newsletter May 2025

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River Sea Chocolates, Chantilly, VA

Opportunities

It’s Small Business Week!

Make the most of YOUR week. Here’s a few tips to get you started:

Create engaging social media posts showcasing your unique offerings and use #FairfaxSmallBizWeek to reach a wider audience. (Find classes on social media on Fairfax Core!)
Join the Small Business Administration’s FREE virtual summit. The National Small Business Week 2-day virtual summit is happening Tuesday, May 6 and Wednesday, May 7, 2025. This year’s event includes educational presentations by experts, exhibit booths, free business resources, multiple peer-to-peer networking rooms, and expert business advice from SCORE mentors. The event is free to view for both established and aspiring business owners. Registration is required.
Check out the Fairfax CORE’s Entrepreneurial Help Desk opportunities at Refraction and WISH Center
Cross Promote! Coordinate with neighboring businesses – for example, if you sell kids clothes, partner with a cookie shop and offer discounts with a copy of the receipt. It will increase your visibility and sales! Check out FFX Core’s calendar to register for webinars and networking events to gain valuable insights and connections.

Fairfax CORE Entrepreneur Help Desk

In celebration of our business community, Fairfax CORE is giving back. Now you can receive personalized guidance for your business through our Entrepreneur Help Desk.

Ready to take your small business to the next level? Fairfax County’s Department of Economic Initiatives is offering in-person sessions for aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners with the Director of Small Business Development. Participants will receive guidance on available resources to help them reach their individual goals. This will include start-up guides, connection to business education or development events, county assistance, and more. SOLD OUT - but look for more opportunities coming soon!

REFRACTION in Mclean, VA on May 6th (10:00a-12 noon) | RSVP
WISH Center in Alexandria, VA on May 7th (11:00a - 1:00p) | RSVP

Cox Nonprofit Grant

Looking for funding to fuel your community-focused project? Explore the diverse grant opportunities available through the Cox Communications Charitable Giving and see how your organization can make a bigger impact.

Learn more

H&R Block's Fund Her Future program will award six women-owned businesses up to $100,000 in grants and business services to support their community impact, with applications due May 30.
The BOTOX Cosmetic Confidence Project will award $20,000 grants to 20 small-business owners who participate in a 12-week entrepreneurial program, with applications due May 9.
Jobber is offering $10,000 grants to up to 15 home-services businesses in the US and Canada through their 2025 Jobber Grants program, with applications due June 11.
The Creative Business Boost Initiative will provide 100 creative-economy entrepreneurs with $5,000 grants and a coaching program, with applications due May 9.

News

Navigating Trade Changes: Help for Virginia Businesses

These are tough times, and many companies are wondering how new tariffs (taxes on imports) will affect their businesses.

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) – International Trade group is keeping a close eye on these new rules. They're ready to help and share information that can guide you through any tariff changes.

To determine how these tariffs might affect your business, talk to your shipping company or customs expert. They can explain how the tariffs might directly change your costs.

If you need legal advice or ways to lower the risks from these tariff rules, VEDP recommends speaking with someone who specializes in international trade laws.

VEDP's Resources to Help:
Tariff Toolkit: VEDP publishes "Strategies to Mitigate Increased Tariffs". It gives you different ways to handle higher tariffs on imported goods.
VEDP Policy Updates and Webinar: VEDP also posts policy updates from STR on their website quarterly. And look for a webinar coming soon to give you the latest on the tariff situation.