Doing Business in Frederick County, Virginia

Local Support, Permitting, Workforce, and Business Assistance

Frederick County provides coordinated local and state support for businesses operating in the county. Companies have direct access to local permitting agencies, utility providers, workforce partners, and economic development staff who assist with expansion, operations, and ongoing business needs.

Economic Development Support

The Frederick County Economic Development Authority (EDA) serves as the primary business contact for:

• Site selection and expansion assistance
• Coordination with county and state agencies
• Incentive and financing program guidance
• Workforce and training connections
• Assistance with operational or infrastructure concerns
• Ongoing business retention support

The EDA maintains regular contact with existing employers through structured outreach and serves as a connector to public and private partners.

Development, Permitting, and Site Review

Businesses developing or expanding facilities interact with a coordinated review team that includes:

• Frederick County Department of Planning and Development
• Zoning Administrator
• Frederick County Building Official
• County Engineer
• Frederick County Fire Marshal
• Frederick Water
• Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT)

Businesses typically work through Planning and Development as the central coordinating department.

Utilities and Infrastructure Partners

Businesses in Frederick County coordinate directly with service providers for infrastructure and utilities:

• Frederick Water (water and sewer service)
• Rappahannock Electric Cooperative and Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative (depending on location)
• Internet and fiber providers operating throughout the county
• VDOT for state-maintained road access and improvements
• County Engineering for site infrastructure coordination

These entities are engaged early in project planning to support site feasibility and construction timelines.

Workforce and Training Partners

Employers in Frederick County have direct access to regional workforce development and education partners, including:

• Laurel Ridge Community College (credit and workforce training programs)
• Shenandoah University (credit, certificate, and professional programs)
• Regional Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs
• Virginia Works and workforce system partners
• Employer-led training and apprenticeship partnerships
• Regional hiring and job placement events

These organizations coordinate with employers to align training programs with specific industry needs.

Business Retention and Expansion (Existing Employers)

Existing businesses are supported through ongoing outreach conducted by the EDA. Through regular visits and communication, the county helps companies:

• Navigate regulatory or operational issues
• Identify expansion or reinvestment opportunities
• Connect with workforce and training resources
• Coordinate with infrastructure and utility providers
• Access incentive and support programs when applicable

This outreach ensures businesses have a direct point of contact for problem-solving and growth planning.

Zoning and Land Use Support

Businesses work with the Department of Planning and Development for land use and zoning guidance, including:

• Zoning verification for new or existing uses
• Review of permitted uses and site constraints
• Interpretation of zoning ordinance requirements
• Access to zoning maps and property information
• Guidance on rezoning or special use processes when required

Zoning staff assist with early-stage site feasibility discussions and development planning.

Incentives and State Support Programs

Incentive programs are administered through coordination between Frederick County and the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Available tools may include:

• Local performance-based incentives
• Virginia economic development incentive programs
• Workforce training support
• Financing tools such as Industrial Revenue Bonds

Projects are evaluated based on job creation, capital investment, wage levels, and industry alignment.

Ongoing Business Communication

Frederick County maintains structured engagement with the business community to understand operational needs and industry conditions. Information gathered through business outreach is used to:

• Coordinate inter-agency responses
• Identify workforce or infrastructure gaps
• Support long-term business retention strategies
• Improve responsiveness to employer needs

Businesses are encouraged to maintain direct communication with the EDA for ongoing support.

Contact for Business Support

Businesses operating in Frederick County, or evaluating a location here, can contact the Frederick County Economic Development Authority as the central point of coordination for permitting, workforce, incentives, and operational support.