Accredited Economic Development Organization
The Virginia Beach Department of Economic Development is charged with expanding and diversifying the tax base and employment opportunities for the city through business development.
The department provides staff support to the Virginia Beach Development Authority, the Military Economic Development Authority, and the Oceana Land Use Conformity Committee.
In addition, the Virginia Beach Department of Economic Development assists the business community by providing management, technical, and other resources. We can act on your behalf as liaisons with other city departments to streamline the planning, permitting, and zoning processes .
Through our department and our allies, various programs are available for small and startup firms, as well as women-and minority-owned companies of any size. Here are some ways the VBDED can assist:
The VBDED promotes Virginia Beach as one of the best business locations through local, national and international events, activities and sponsorships. We conduct more than 75 outreach marketing events in the United States and around the world each year.
The Virginia Beach Department of Economic Development is a single point of contact for real estate information, demographic reports, incentives, and a variety of other research. Site location assistance is provided to domestic and international companies planning new or expanded facilities.
Global trade is increasingly important to the Virginia Beach economy, with more than 30 international companies operating significant business facilities here - thirteen from Germany alone.
Strategically located at the midpoint of the United State's East Coast and just three hours from Washington, D.C., Virginia Beach truly is an international gateway to America. Nearly two-thirds of the U.S. marketplace and manufacturing base are within 1,200 km of Virginia Beach.