Stafford, VA Economic Development and Tourism

11/02/2026

Skip the big-box lines. Turn your Saturday stroll into $1,000 during Shop Small Stafford!

On Saturday, November 28, support the local spots that make Stafford County unique and enter to win a $1,000 gift card or one of two $500 gift cards while you’re out!

Whether you're grabbing coffee, visiting your favorite local storefronts, or checking out home-based makers at the Shop Small Market with Long Family Farmers Market, participating is completely free. Just create your FREE Digital Passport so you can see all of the businesses participating and check-in on your phone when you visit the business.

📲 HOW TO PARTICIPATE:
1️⃣ Create your free Shop Small Stafford Digital Passport (see comments for the link!)
2️⃣ Visit any participating spots on Saturday, November 28 (aka Small Business Saturday)
4️⃣ Want to visit your favorite online, mobile, or home-based business? Visit the Shop Small Market at the 610 VDOT Commuter Lot!
3️⃣ Scan to check-in at each stop to collect entries toward the gift card prizes.

🤔 Remember, online purchases will NOT count! You must visit the business at their storefront or at the Shop Small Market in order to scan the QR code.

Who are you taking with you on your Saturday stroll? Tag them below!

Are you a Stafford County based business that wants to participate in the Shop Small Stafford Digital Passport? See the comments for all the details!

10/30/2026

Join us on Friday, November 6 at 10:00 am for our Veterans Day Ceremony.

If you are a Stafford County based business, please join our Legacy Business Recognition Program that honors the businesses that help shape our community and drive local economy.

We celebrate Veteran-Owned, Military Spouse-Owned, Women-Owned, Minority-Owned Businesses, Business Milestones, and Proud Stafford Businesses.

Visit www.gostaffordva.com/stafford-county-legacy-business-program to join.

10/30/2026

Meet Member Shephia Waldon, Aquia District
Shephia Waldon is a Founder, President and CEO with more than 20 years of executive leadership experience in government services, business growth and strategic operations. She leads a government services firm serving federal, state and commercial clients nationwide, with expertise spanning defense, infrastructure, security and professional services. Shephia has led organizations in highly regulated and mission-critical environments, overseeing complex operations, program ex*****on and client delivery.

Representing the Aquia District on the Stafford Economic Development Authority, Shephia brings the perspective of a business owner, employer and experienced government contractor. She is committed to strengthening Stafford County’s competitive position, supporting business growth and attracting investment that expands economic opportunity throughout the community.



Meet more members >> https://staffordeda.com/about-us/

10/30/2026

Community Event Highlight: November 2026 Coffee Talk - Colloquium Reflections and Looking Ahead
Tuesday, November 10th | 8:00 AM | 718 Venue

Join Dr. Rebecca Hamm, Founder & CEO of Women Lead Well, for a thoughtful conversation reflecting on the Women’s Leadership Colloquium. Together, we’ll revisit key takeaways, explore the ideas and connections that have stayed with us, and consider how we can carry those insights into our leadership journeys. This is an opportunity to learn from one another, celebrate our collective growth, and share ideas for the future of the Colloquium. Come ready to reflect, connect, and help shape what’s next.

Networking is one of the most powerful tools for your professional development. At Coffee Talk, you’ll have the chance to share experiences, learn from others, and grow alongside professionals from across the Fredericksburg region.

Learn more & register: https://www.gostaffordva.com/calendar-item/november-2026-coffee-talk/

10/29/2026

We recently celebrated an exciting milestone for GCubed, Inc. with a ribbon cutting recognizing its acquisition of RightDirection Technology Solutions (RDTS). ✂️🎀

Founded in 2014 by Vernon Green Jr., GCubed is a veteran-owned government contracting firm specializing in IT, cybersecurity, and mission support. The acquisition of RDTS expands the company's capabilities and workforce, strengthening its position in the federal contracting industry.

Congratulations to Vernon Green Jr., the GCubed and RDTS teams on this milestone!

10/29/2026

Community Event Highlight: GovCon 101
Wednesday, November 18th | 12:00 pm | ONLINE

Topic: Proposal Development

The Federal Government buys over $600 billion per year on goods and services, 23% of that spend is allocated for Small Business. In order to be successful in government contracting you must know how to respond to a solicitation with a winning proposal. A properly formatted proposal will help you get noticed and differentiate you from your competition and show you are a responsible and responsive bidder.

Learn more & register >> https://www.gostaffordva.com/calendar-item/govcon-proposal-development/

10/28/2026

You know your business needs funding. But where do you even start?
Before you apply for a loan or pursue financing, there are important questions to answer:
• Is your business financially ready?
• What financing options are actually available to you?
• How can you strengthen your credit and loan application?
• Are there state or local programs that could help?
• What should you know before making a major investment?
Get answers at Funding Your Business, a December 1 event from Stafford County Economic Development and the UMW SBDC.
You'll hear from experts on capital readiness, state financing programs, SBA 504 financing, local funding resources and more.
Learn more & register >> https://www.gostaffordva.com/calendar-item/funding-your-business-understanding-the-resources-and-financing-options-available-to-help-your-business-grow

10/28/2026

Every business has a unique perspective—and we want to hear yours.
The Stafford County Business Climate Survey is collecting anonymous feedback from businesses of all sizes to better understand what it's like to start, operate, grow, and remain in Stafford County.
By sharing your experience, you're helping build a stronger business environment.
Take the survey >> https://form.jotform.com/261533577049059

10/15/2026

Community Event Highlight: 2026 Business Acumen Series: AI in HR: Practical, Ethical, and Responsible Use
Wednesday, October 28th | 9:00 AM | UMW - Stafford Campus

Artificial intelligence is changing how we recruit, develop, support, and manage their people. Additionally, AI can also provide a practical way to increase efficiency when HR responsibilities fall to an owner, manager, or employee who wears multiple hats rather than a dedicated HR professional.

This workshop provides a practical introduction to using AI for HR-related tasks, regardless of prior AI experience. Participants will explore applications across recruiting, employee communication, onboarding, development, performance management, and administrative tasks, with an emphasis on saving time and extending organizational capacity. The workshop will also examine ethical considerations including bias, privacy, accuracy, transparency, and human oversight, as well as common pitfalls and inappropriate uses. The workshop emphasizes practical decision-making over technical expertise and provides strategies for using AI efficiently while maintaining professional judgment and a human-centered approach.

Learn more & register >>

Wednesday, October 28, 2026; 9am-3pm Artificial intelligence is changing how we recruit, develop, support, and manage their people. Additionally, AI can also provide a practical way to increase efficiency when HR responsibilities fall to an owner, manager, or employee who wears multiple hats rather....

10/14/2026

⏳ ONE WEEK LEFT TO APPLY ⏳

Don't miss out on the holiday market of the season!

Applications for the Holiday Market and Tree Lighting close in just 7 days (Wednesday, October 21).

If you sell unique retail merchandise, handcrafted goods, specialty prepackaged foods, or maybe something out of the box, this is your chance to showcase your products in front of thousands of local holiday shoppers gathering for our annual event!

🛍️ Why Apply?
• High-traffic, curated market atmosphere
• 10' x 10' space with access to power
• Direct access to ready-to-buy community members

🚨 Deadline: Wednesday, October 21, 2026

Spaces are filling up fast so DO NOT wait until the last minute to apply as a holiday market vendor.

Tap the link below to review guidelines and submit your application today
🔗 www.staffordcountytreelighting.com

(Know a local business owner or maker who still needs to apply? Tag them in the comments or share them this post so they don't miss out!)

⚠️ OFFICIAL NOTICE TO VENDORS: Stafford County Government will never solicit vendor applications, booth space sales, or payments through social media comments, direct messages (DMs), or third-party platforms. The only official way to apply and pay is through our secure, official website via the link above.