Hanover County Economic Development recognizes that significant economic growth is generated by our existing business community. The Business First Hanover program is just one way we nurture this growth along with a variety of programs and services that are focused on assisting existing businesses.
Workshops and Seminars
Through partnerships with other organizations, we offer workshops and seminars on a variety of business topics including the use of social media, developing marketing plans, funding sources, business plan development and hiring resources.
Access to Financing
Accessing capital is essential to growing a business. Through the Virginia Small Business Financing Authority (VSBFA), we offer information on the following direct loan, credit enhancement and bond programs:
- Economic Development Loan Fund
- SWaM Business Loan Fund
- Child Care Financing Program
- VSBFA State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) 2.0 and SSBCI Cash Collateral Programs
- Loan Guaranty Program
- SSBCI Capital Access Program
- Private Activity Bond Issuances for Qualifying Manufacturers & 501(c) (3) Non-Profits
Workforce Assistance
A primary key to business success is a qualified and capable workforce and investing in the same via relevant training. We partner with the Virginia Community College Workforce Development Service, Resource Virginia and the Workforce Investment Board, the Virginia Jobs Investment Program and a host of service providers to connect you with the right staffing and training solutions for your business. Services range from:
- Recruitment and screening services as well as job fairs.
- Funding opportunities to offset training costs for incumbent workers as well as new employees.
- Hanover Center for Trades & Technology business participation partnerships.
Growing Your Business
New Virginia: Scaling for Growth, offered by the Virginia Department of Small Business & Supplier Diversity, is a six-month program designed for Virginia business owners to learn how to scale their business by assessing their business model and becoming more efficient in areas of human resource, finance, social media, procurement and bank terminology.
The Virginia Economic Gardening Program, offered by VEDP, provides qualifying second-stage companies with custom resources to identify and resolve distinct growth challenges that traditional business assistance and incentives do not address. This program provides access to resources, analysts, and tools typically only available and affordable to Fortune 500 companies. Companies accepted into the program begin an engagement period of approximately 6-8 weeks. All costs are covered by VEDP, and offer a quick turnaround time and highly-focused structure.
Need more space for your business? Our office can help with identifying available properties, permitting, review process and inspections assistance and potential grants and tax credits available for capital investment and job creation. Contact Hanover County Economic Development at (804) 365-6464.
Permit Process Guidance
We offer guidance to companies throughout Hanover County’s business & industrial development permitting and commercial construction application processes to help your expansion project proceed smoothly, ensuring that all the required permits are in place when the business is ready to occupy the facility.
International Trade Assistance
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) offers a number of programs and grants to help Virginia companies grow their international sales including:
- Supply Chain Optimization Program
- Trade Show Program
- Global Defense Program
- Virginia Leaders in Export Trade (VALET) Program
- State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) Grant
Grow With Google Partner
Hanover County Economic Development is a Grow With Google Partner offering workshops and individual consultation with business services available through Google My Business and other initiatives.
Other Services
- Business counseling
- Networking with community programs and other businesses
- Site selection assistance
Other Business Resources
- Visit the Business Resources page.
- Click here to view and print the Hanover Tourism Sponsorship Application.
For more information call: (804) 365-6464