Loudoun Economic Development

We are very excited for this partnership and what we can accomplish together!

Loudoun's youth have a great entrepreneurial mindset. Zach Suh, a hobby cook from Aldie, John Champe High School graduate, and rising sophomore at George Mason University (GMU), recently won both the top prize (in general entrepreneurship) and the Mason Choice Award in the Patriot Pitch Competition, a contest led by the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship within the Costello College of Business at GMU. The competition supports early-state business ventures for students and recent alumni who focus on STEM, public engagement, social impact, and general entrepreneurship. Zach developed a pitch for an idea called ElderlyEats, a subscription-based, home-delivery meal service. His project was inspired by his love for his grandmother, for whom he helped prepare nutritious, easy to eat meals, after seeing how she struggled to chew and swallow food while living with Alzheimer's. While ElderlyEats is still a concept, Zach plans to focus on school and hone his cooking skills and revisit the business idea when he is ready. Nearly 90% of all Loudoun businesses are small businesses. Several of them began on a napkin, some as a side hustle, and others as a pitch. It's amazing how innovation can manifest from personal experience and community support and transform into impactful business ventures. #LoudounPossible https://hubs.li/Q02H6kdk0

#TechTalkTuesday The cybersecurity landscape today is more dynamic and challenging than ever before. For industry professionals, it’s imperative to stay ahead of emerging threats and advancements in tech. It’s been a whirlwind of innovation and adaptation in 2024 that will continue to shape the industry’s approach to cybersecurity. Check out this blog post by Loudoun Economic Development Business Development Manager for Cybersecurity Jessica Park, as she dives into key developments and strategies that cyber professionals should all be aware of. https://hubs.li/Q02GZxnl0

Loudoun’s Renee Ventrice recently shared her knowledge and inspirational message at the 2024 Wine + Culture Fest in Washington, DC! Many people in Loudoun know Renee for building Cork and Keg Tours, along with her husband Don. Her efforts to share her positivity during the pandemic gained international attention and though they sold the brand in 2023, Renee continues to be an advocate for community relations and the wine industry in general. #LoudounPossible https://hubs.li/Q02GXNZz0

When business leaders, residents, and entrepreneurial-minded people get together to advocate for economic prosperity, wonderful things can happen. The Leesburg Movement, a grassroots nonprofit dedicated to driving economic growth in downtown Leesburg, recently secured a $15,000 grant from Virginia's Main Street and Community Business Launch program. Announced by Gov. Glenn Youngkin's office last week, these grants aim to revitalize historic commercial districts and foster the creation and expansion of small businesses. The Leesburg Movement will use its grant for the "Lassiter Way Beautification" project. We love to see it! Congratulations on your grant and we look forward to seeing the project prosper! #LoudounPossible https://hubs.li/Q02H4JKD0

Congratulations to the honorees for this year's Loudoun 40 Under 40 awards! A selection committee composed of former honorees has named the 2024 class of Loudoun 40 Under 40. The program, in its 11th year, recognizes “Loudoun’s rising business and community leaders.” The committee received 191 nominations this year. The honorees will be recognized at an awards banquet on Sept. 26 at Bluemont Vineyard and in a special section in the Times-Mirror on Sept. 27. We have several team members who have earned this prestigious honor in past years and look forward to learning more about the 2024 class of professionals! Congratulations again on your #LoudounPossible recognition! https://hubs.li/Q02H4Rk50

Loudoun Economic Development Executive Director Buddy Rizer was recently featured on Aurora Energy's #EnergyUnplugged podcast to talk the evolution of the data center industry, data center demand, and its impact on power systems.

#WorkforceWednesday ECHO, Empowering Individuals for Life, believes that everyone deserves the opportunity to be an active member of their community. Since its establishment in 1974, ECHO has been committed to empowering adults with disabilities through vocational training, community integration, and comprehensive employment services. With its facility based in Leesburg, and outreach programming that serves businesses throughout Northern Virginia, ECHO has been instrumental in providing personalized support and training to help individuals with disabilities achieve their full potential. Read the full story in our blog. #LoudounPossible #WorkInLoudoun https://hubs.li/Q02Gs9j50

Another opportunity for positive economic impact is making daily flights out of Dulles. Aeromexico, in alliance with Delta, now has daily flights to Mexico City, contributing to the thousands of local, airport jobs and generating more than $24M in annual local positive economic impact, according to Paul Bobson, VP for airline business development, Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority. Dulles continues to be a consistent economic driver for the county, directly impacting tourism and business relations, contributing to the increase in spending in lodging, restaurants, recreation, and more. #LoudounPossible https://hubs.li/Q02Gs4Tt0

Don't forget to sign up and join us at tomorrow's Launch Loudoun Lunch and Learn: Bankers' Round Table. We will have several banks reps in attendance who will discuss banking relationships and funding. They will also be answering any questions attendees may have. This event is free so secure your spot today!