Business Resources

Start, Expand, or Relocate Your Business in Fredericksburg

The City of Fredericksburg has worked hard to make opening a business as smooth as possible. While there are several steps, our team is committed to guiding you through each one.

Step 1: Build Your Business Plan

A strong business plan helps you maximize financing opportunities and map out sustainable growth.

Define your products/services and target customers
Outline startup costs and cash flow
Identify staffing, marketing, and operations needs

Need Help? The University of Mary Washington's Small Business Development Center (UMW SBDC)offers free assistance and online courses. UMW SBDC also provides information on Small, Women-owned, and Minority-owned businesses (SWaM), Minority-owned businesses and veteran owned businesses.

Step 2: Register and Secure Permits & Licenses

As you finalize your plan, complete required registrations and filings.

Choose a legal structure (LLC, corporation, sole proprietorship, etc.)
Obtain federal EIN and Virginia state registration
File applicable tax documents
Begin local permits and business license process

Step 3: Choose the Right Location

Location matters—for customers, employees, logistics, and cost.

Evaluate zoning and permitted uses for your business type
Consider access, parking, utilities, and signage
Compare lease terms and fit-out requirements

We can help. Contact us for specialized assistance or visit our Property Search Center.

Step 4: Complete Local Approvals

Before opening, finalize your local approvals.

Zoning Approval (confirm use and site compliance) Questions? Contact the Planning Department at planning@fredericksburgva.gov or call 540-372-1179 with questions.
Occupancy Permit (building and safety approvals) Questions? Contact the Building Services Division at building@fredericksnurgva.gov ot call 540-372-1080.
Business License (City license to operate) Questions? Contact the Commissioner of the Revenue at 540-372-1004.
Register for Business Personal Property Taxes Questions? Contact the Commissioner of the Revenue at 540-372-1004.

Following these steps will help in your success in opening a business in Fredericksburg.

The New Business Checklist offers more detailed information.

Our office is here to help you with site selection and the development process. Your investment in our city is a key factor to overall economic development.

Helpful links:

Other Resources:

Business One Stop provides resources to aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners to plan, develop and expand their businesses. Their goal is to provide aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners in Virginia one place for resources for their business with useful links to other state and federal agencies.

The Virginia Handbook for Success offers Small Businesses, Startups, Entrepreneurs, & Innovators an Opportunity Guide. The key contents include: Virginia: Open for Business; Getting ready for Success; State Regional, & Local Resources | Accessing Capital; State, Regional & Local Resources | Programs, Connections, & Support; Federal Resources; Your Business is Growing - Now What?

The U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) National Resource Guide is a comprehensive tool designed to help entrepreneurs start, grow, and manage their businesses successfully. Available both online and in print, the guide offers valuable information on SBA programs, funding options, business planning, government contracting, disaster recovery, and more. It also highlights local SBA partners—including Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), Women’s Business Centers, and SCORE mentors—that provide personalized support and training. Whether you're launching a startup or scaling an existing enterprise, the National Resource Guide serves as a reliable roadmap to navigate the small business landscape.