About Us

About Us

We help create a vibrant economy, which benefits the city, by attracting new companies, helping existing companies grow, and assisting entrepreneurs with their nascent ideas.

Mission​​​

The Virginia Beach Department of Economic Development drives economic vitality and inclusive prosperity in the city by fostering the attraction and creation of new investment, innovation, and jobs.

The department provides staff support to the City of Virginia Beach Development Authority, the Military Economic Development Advisory Committee, and the Oceana Land Use Conformity Committee.

Specific objectives of the department​​​ include:

  • Recruit national and international business to Virginia Beach
  • Assist local businesses with expansion efforts
  • Attract developers to identify site opportunities
  • Develop and support workforce training programs
  • Help new businesses get established
  • Recruit and assist minority business development
  • Work with Naval Air S​tation Oceana to support compatible business locations

What We Do

The Virginia Beach Department of Economic Development is a single point of contact for real estate information, demographic reports, incentives, and a variety of other research. Site location assistance is provided to domestic and international companies planning new or expanded facilities. ​​​

In addition, the Virginia Beach Department of Economic Development assists the business community by providing management, technical, and other resources. We can act on your behalf as liaisons with other city departments to streamline the planning, permitting, and zoning processes.​

Here are some ways we can assist:

T​​he purpose of the retention, expansion, and assistance program is to promote, retain and expedite the profitable growth of targeted existing businesses. Read more about this program here.

The VBDED promotes Virginia Beach as one of the best business locations through local, national and international events, activities and sponsorships.​ Learn what makes Virginia Beach the best city in the USA to relocate or expand your business.

Strategically located at the midpoint of the United State's East Coast and just three hours from Washington, D.C., Virginia Beach truly is an international gateway to America. In addition to the Virginia Beach location, the Virginia Beach Department of Economic Development has established offices in Germany, Spain, and United Kingdom to offer assistance to companies abroad that are interested in establishing or expanding in Virginia Beach. Learn more here.

​​Through our department and our allies, various programs are available for small and startup firms, as well as women-and minority-owned companies of any size.

For additional information on programs and services provided by this department, call us at (757) 385-6464 or email us at ecdev@vbgov.com.​​


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