Department of Economic Development

Economic Development Services

Marketing Programs

The department attends trade shows where representatives market and promote Chesterfield County as an excellent location to work and do business. Marketing materials are developed and produced which effectively demonstrate the advantages of working and living in Chesterfield County. These include web sites, videos, brochures, and ads which are placed in professional publications.

The department works with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) and is represented on a regional basis by organizations such as the Greater Richmond Partnership, Inc. (GRP), and Virginia's Gateway Region.

Site and Building Searches

When an industry investigates Chesterfield County as a potential site for a new location or relocation or for an expansion, the department assists the company in the site selection process. Site and/or building information is gathered and customized to the prospect's requirements. Working with realtors and landowners, a database is maintained which contains information on nearly 200 specific industrial and commercial locations available for sale or lease.

The department coordinates visits by prospects with real estate representatives, landowners, state and local officials as deemed appropriate.

Small and Minority Business Project Manager

Recognizing the importance and number of smaller sized businesses in the county, the department has initiated small business services directed at this particular segment of our business community. The department's Small and Minority Business Project Manager conducts seminars, acts as an ombudsman for the small businessman in county related matters, and has established a number of resources that are readily available to assist start-up and established small businesses.

Facilitation and Coordination of Meetings with Other Departments

Once an industry has decided to locate within the county, the department will coordinate and facilitate meetings with other county department representatives to assist in the permitting and approval process.

Financing & Incentives

Staff assists the prospect with questions regarding traditional and non-traditional financing and incentive programs. The department also performs administrative functions on behalf of The Industrial Development Authority of Chesterfield County.

Zoning and Rezoning

The department works with the development community, as well as county staff in assessing needs for current and future sites with industrial zoning.

Existing Industry Programs

In an ongoing effort to listen and respond to existing industry and business concerns within the county, the department sponsors eight existing industry breakfasts each year. These informal breakfasts provide a forum at which business and industry representatives are able to voice their concerns, offer suggestions, and discuss matters of importance with county administrative and political leaders.

Staff members are available to speak to civic and community groups on the importance of economic development within the county relative to tax revenue and growth, recent activity related to expansions and new businesses coming into the county, and services offered by the department.

The department also conducts seminars/workshops on topical issues such as environmental regulations and export assistance.

Information Services

INSITES, a bi-monthly newsletter sent to over 17,000 individuals, existing businesses and industries is published by the department. The newsletter communicates recent developments within the county that affect the business community, announces new industry moving into the county, and offers other valuable information for business and industry.

Research and Information Management

Reliable, cohesive information that clearly represents the advantages of Chesterfield County is most important when working with prospects and county citizens. An award-winning brochure, the Chesterfield Statistical Abstract, as well as customized community profiles, directories, and videos are produced and distributed which communicate the benefits of living and working in Chesterfield.

Contact Information

Contact information for the Chesterfield County Department of Economic Development is available here.

Services described on this page are offered by the Chesterfield County
Department of Economic Development at no cost to the user.