Plant a flag where the decision-makers are.
From site selection to incentive packages and entitlement support, we help large employers and headquarters-stage companies move from "we're considering Alexandria" to "we're open."
Whether you’re an enterprise planning your next campus, a founder building from a kitchen table or a global brand entering the U.S., Alexandria gives you the runway, the partners and the proximity to make it happen.
Find your path
Built for Every Stage of Growth
Where founders find altitude.
Plug into Alexandria's accelerator network, the National Innovation Quarter, and a deep bench of operators who've taken companies from seed to scale across tech, defense, and life sciences.
Built for the long haul.
Whether you're naming your LLC this week or hiring your fifteenth team member, AEDP has stage-specific resources for every step — get started, launch, and grow.
Your gateway to the U.S. market.
Expand your global reach from Alexandria — minutes from federal decision-makers, embassies, and a pipeline of tech talent. Start with a virtual address, scale into a full U.S. operation.
Industrial Development Authority
Grow bigger. Borrow smarter.
The Industrial Development Authority is one of the City's most flexible tools for advancing economic development — financing, partnership, and property support for projects that move Alexandria forward.
01 — How it works
A flexible economic development tool.
Established by Alexandria's City Council and authorized by the Code of Virginia, the IDA helps businesses and institutions bring projects to life through creative financing, strategic partnerships, or property support.
02 — Authority
Seven members. Wide-ranging powers.
This seven-member body, appointed by City Council, can own, lease, or finance property and infrastructure — and tailor its services to support the specific needs of a project.
03 — Reach
From nonprofits to major development.
From helping a nonprofit expand its facilities to supporting major development through tax-exempt bonds, the IDA adapts to drive growth across every type of project.
IDA in action
Recent projects the IDA helped move forward.
Inova Alexandria Hospital at Landmark
To unlock redevelopment of the former Landmark Mall, the IDA purchased the land and entered a 95-year, $1-per-year ground lease with Inova — jump-starting a $1 billion hospital and the WestEnd Alexandria urban village.
Read the story arrow_outwardHotel Heron
AEDP shepherded Alexandria's first use of Virginia's Tourism Development Financing Program, helping Hotel Heron's developers close a $6 million gap to restore the historic George Mason Hotel in Old Town.
Read the story arrow_outwardOld Town North Arts District
The IDA helped relocate and expand The Art League's headquarters — kickstarting the Old Town North Arts District and anchoring a growing creative corridor.
Read the story arrow_outward
Events, workshops & training
Fuel your entrepreneurial journey.
Elevate your business with expert-led training designed for Alexandria's forward-thinking entrepreneurs. From strategic planning to branding for the big leagues, our interactive sessions provide the tools and the network to scale faster.
14May 2026
Brand strategy for founders
A working session on positioning, naming, and getting your messaging tight before your next funding round.
Register arrow_forward22May 2026
Networking: Alexandria business mixer
Connect with founders, operators, and AEDP advisors over coffee — an informal evening to grow your local network.
Register arrow_forwardStay tuned for upcoming events
New workshops, networking, and training are added regularly. Sign up and we'll email you the moment registration opens.
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Fundamentals of Commercial Leasing
A practical walkthrough of lease terms, build-outs, and negotiation basics for Alexandria small businesses.
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Filing & Paying Business Taxes Electronically
Step-by-step guidance on filing and paying your business taxes online with the City of Alexandria.
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How to Start a Business in Alexandria
Everything you need to register, license, and launch your business in the city — start to finish.
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Business associations
Plug into the network.
Alexandria's business community is held together by a web of associations, BIDs, and chambers — find the rooms where your peers and customers actually are.
Alexandria Chamber of Commerce
About
The city-wide chamber connecting members across every sector — events, advocacy, and member resources.
Old Town Business Association
About
For retailers, restaurateurs, and service businesses operating in Alexandria's historic Old Town district.
Del Ray Business Association
About
The neighborhood-driven group for businesses anchoring Alexandria's most-walkable commercial corridor.
Potomac Yard BID
About
Business improvement district representing tenants and developers around the new VT Metro station.
Mentorship program
Shorten the Learning Curve
Get matched with a vetted Alexandria operator, investor, or executive who can help you move faster and avoid common missteps. This cohort-based program is free for matched mentees and designed to deliver real introductions—and real outcomes.
120+
Mentor pool
4
Cohorts / year
96%
Match satisfaction
Not sure where you fit?
Alex Cooley, Director of Business Development, will point you to the right resource, program, or person.