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Business Resources

Thank you for choosing to do business in Arlington! We know that figuring out how to open and operate a business in any jurisdiction can be difficult. If you are unsure where to begin, please schedule a meeting with our BizLaunch team. BizLaunch is Arlington County's small business assistance team and they are here to guide you to through the process of doing business in Arlington, regardless of which stage you are at.

Click the + icon to the right of each business stage to explore some of the resources developed for our business community.

Starting a Business in Arlington

Where To Start When Starting A Business

Follow the Checklist

The "How to Start" checklist walks you through the process of starting a business here in Arlington, Virginia.

Meet With An Advisor

Our English and Spanish-speaking business advisors are here
to help you through the process.

Take Advantage of Our Small Business Programs

These programs were developed to help you launch and grow your business.

Get Help Starting A Business

Not Sure Where To Begin?

Meet with BizLaunch. BizLaunch is the team that helps entrepreneurs start and grow their business in Arlington, Virginia.

Acerca de BizLaunch

BizLaunch en Español es el equipo de habla hispana que está aquí para ayudarle a iniciar su negocio en Arlington.

Operating a Business in Arlington

Licenses & Permits

Operating a business in any jurisdiction can be confusing, and it often involves dealing with multiple departments. Please schedule a meeting with one of our business counselors to find out exactly which permits, taxes and requirements apply to you.

[Video] Overview of Requirements

This video walks you through the tax and licensing requirements for a new business in Arlington, VA.

Business Licenses

Anyone who runs or is looking to open a business in Arlington, needs to have a business license. Learn how to get yours.

Use Permits

There are multiple types of special exception use permits, depending on the use type, service/establishment, zoning district and other factors.

Food Establishments

Requirements for new food establishments or whenever there is a change of ownership.

Hotel & Motel Establishments

Requirements for new establishments or whenever there is a change of ownership.

Mobile Food Unit & Vendor Health Licenses

Learn everything you need to know about operating a mobile food truck in Arlington, VA.

Special Events

Requirements for hosting organized outdoor special events that draw a crowd.

Swimming Pools

Requirements for new water recreation facilities or whenever there is a change of ownership.

Operating a Home Business

Accessory uses conducted in or from a residential dwelling or its accessory building by persons whose principal residence is on the premises.

Opening a Child Care Center

Are you interested in opening a Child Care facility? Learn everything you need to know about opening a Child Care Center in Arlington, VA.

Building & Construction

Building Permits

Building permits are required to protect the health, safety and welfare of residents.

Certificate of Occupancy (CO)

Ensures that a building or a proposed use of a building/land complies with all regulations and laws. Occupancy cannot occur before issuance.

Inspections

During the construction process, various inspections must be scheduled to ensure the safety and proper progress of the project.

Development & Site Plans

Significant private and public-private projects limited to specific parcels of land and subject to the site plan review process.

County Codes & Regulations

County Code

Wide variety of regulations enacted by the County Board, including Building Code, Trash, Recycling, Utilities, and more.

Code Enforcement

Enforces multiple codes and ordinances to preserve the quality and value of property in Arlington.

Trash & Recycling

Trash and recycling information for commercial property owners.

Signs

A sign permit is required before any sign or advertising is erected, displayed, replaced, refaced, or its dimensions altered.

Zoning Ordinance

The Zoning Ordinance and the Zoning Boundaries Map regulate the use and development of all land located within the County.

Taxes & Payments

Business Tax Due Dates

Business taxes are handled by the Commissioner of Revenue. Review the various business taxes that might apply to your business.

Business Taxes

Business taxes are handled by the Commissioner of Revenue. Review the various business taxes that might apply to your business.

Operational Resources

Get Help Hiring in Arlington

The Arlington Employment Center can assist with recruiting and screening applicants, and connect your business to valuable resources to attract and retain your talent.

Find a Coworking Space in Arlington

Arlington’s coworking spaces are the perfect place to launch, innovate and grow. Use our directory to find the space that's right for you.

Get Help Doing Business with Arlington County

License & Tax Help

The Commissioner of Revenue’s Office (COR) is your best resource for business license and business tax questions. For help, call 703-228-3033 or schedule an appointment with the Business Tax Division.

Codes, Permits & Construction Help

If you have building code, permits, zoning, inspection or environmental services questions, the Permit Arlington Center is your best resource.

Process & Procedure Help

If you are having a problem with a County business process, please contact Constituent Services. The Business Ombuds position was specifically created to represent your needs and interests.

Selecting Arlington for Your Business

If you are a site selector, business development manager or business in search of the best place to locate your business, these resources - and the County's Economic Development department are here for you.

Why Arlington

World-Class Amenities

Arlington offers great dining and nightlife, unique neighborhoods, excellent schools and a quality of life that's second to none.

Ideal location

Whether you want easy access to the nation’s capital or countries around the world, Arlington, Virginia offers a fantastic location.

Highly-Educated Workforce

Arlington’s skilled, specialized and highly-educated workforce gives your company a competitive advantage.

Good for Business

Solid Infrastructure

With our transit system, urban planning and investment in broadband, Arlington has the infrastructure today's businesses need.

Supportive Business Climate

We have a stable government, solid Triple-AAA bond rating and a statewide corporate income tax rate lower than the national median.

Incentives & Services

Learn about the support and services our Business Investment Group provides as well as the incentives the state and county offer.

Learn More

Meet with BIG

The Business Investment Group (BIG) works with companies interested in starting, expanding or relocating their business to Arlington, VA.

Visit the AED Website

Arlington Economic Development (AED) is the department within the County that works to attract and retain businesses to Arlington.

Emergency Preparedness

Emergencies can happen at any time, and often with little notice. Use Arlington County emergency preparedness resources to prepare yourself, your loved ones, and your business or workplace before a disaster or emergency.