If you’re running a small business in Loudoun County and haven’t tapped into the Department of Economic Development’s resources, you may be missing out on significant opportunities.

That was the message from Alberto Fernandez, Business Development Manager for Minority-Owned Businesses, during his presentation to the Immigrant Business Women Circle (IBWC) on September 25, 2025.

The session opened with remarks from IBWC founder Beatriz McNelly, who shared the group’s origin story. Born in Argentina, McNelly founded IBWC during the pandemic after recognizing persistent inequities in the business world.

“I was a business owner for many years and realized that half of the time, even though I was a C-level executive, my male partner, was always the person that everybody addressed,” Beatriz explained. “I noticed that, and figured, if I’m having that problem, I speak English perfectly, and I don’t really look different from anybody else, imagine what it is like if you are a woman entrepreneur with an accent or different skin color, maybe wearing different type of clothing.”

What began as a networking group has evolved into something more meaningful. “This group is not only for business networking, but it’s a group of women that have become like sisters,” Beatriz said. She currently also serves as Executive Director of the Loudoun Literacy Council and is opening a gym in Loudoun County called “We Rock the Spectrum” with her daughter, Eileen Markis, designed for children of all abilities with a focus on their sensory needs.

Fernandez outlined the department’s dual mission: attracting investment to Loudoun and diversifying the tax base. The result has been a property tax rate reduced for 14 consecutive years, down 48 cents since the trend began.

“If it feels like you’re still paying more, that’s because your assets have gained value,” he said.

With a staff of 30, the department provides no-cost support to businesses already in Loudoun.

The department’s flagship small business program, Launch Loudoun, serves as a hub for resources, education, and events. Its signature offering is the annual Small Business Summit, held each spring.

“Register as soon as you see the announcement,” Fernandez advised. “The event sells out within weeks.”

The 2025 summit featured bestselling author Rohit Bhargava and former Disney Institute professor Louie Gravance. The event draws about 220 attendees, along with state leaders and local businesses.

For tech entrepreneurs, the department also hosts Distilled Intelligence (DI), a four-day competition that connects 100 early-stage startups with several hundred vetted investors. The 2025 event includes a $1 million prize.

Fernandez emphasized that support isn’t limited to established businesses. The team works with entrepreneurs to develop concepts into detailed business plans, including licensing, permitting, and financial projections.

“We can start from scratch and build with you,” he said.

The department also offers weekly office hours across the county and flexible one-on-one consultations.

Monthly workshops cover topics such as government contracting and state certifications for small, women-owned, and minority-owned businesses. Quarterly sessions guide owners through certification applications.

Another networking program, One Million Cups, takes place twice a month. Rather than focusing on sales, it emphasizes connections. Each session features two companies presenting challenges to a room of about 50 entrepreneurs.

“In a relaxed environment, business happens,” Fernandez said.

Businesses seeking locations can access customized real estate reports produced in-house at no cost. The department also assists with outreach to property owners and rental cost research.

In addition, the department’s data analyst produces demographic and market reports to guide business strategy. “We can show you who your likely customers are and help refine pricing,” Fernandez explained.

Through its “Ombudsman” service, the department maps out licensing and permitting requirements and connects businesses with county departments.

It also helps offset costs of professional development by providing access to high-value events and conferences through chamber partnerships.

Fernandez closed with a clear message:

“Your business is our priority.”

For small business owners in Loudoun County—especially immigrant-owned businesses—the Department of Economic Development offers a comprehensive support system, from startup planning to expansion, from compliance to strategy, and from networking to site selection.

The only requirement is reaching out.

Date: October 30, 2025

Time: 9:00 AM

Location: You’ve Got Maids offices, Sterling, VA

Keynote Speaker: Natasha Magrath