BUSINESS OWNER RESOURCES
As a downtown Fredericksburg business owner, you are the backbone of our community. Among the many priorities you manage on a daily basis, you proudly provide an unparalleled customer experience that is a highlight of our downtown district. Keeping your business running while providing unique community offerings is all consuming. FVMS understands the time and energy it takes to run your business and is committed to developing resources, identifying opportunities and offering solutions that are specific to you and your business.
COVID-19 RESOURCES
DATA COLLECTION
As a Main Street Community, we track data. Data collection helps FVMS make better decisions on the programs, projects and initiatives. Collection of data includes number of employees, rental information, dollars invested, volunteer hours, etc. plus basic contact information to keep you in the loop of what’s happening Downtown. We also collect sales and qualitative information for specific programs.
WEBSITES
fredericksburgdowntown.org
FVMS maintains the FredericksburgDowntown.org website. It’s a website dedicated to Downtown concentrating on the Main Street district. If you desire to have your businesses on the website, a completed data Form AND the Mapify Form are required. Your business will be identified with one of the six assets – Create, Honor, Navigate, Peruse, Reflect, or Savor. There are numerous tags that can be used to identify your business. If you desire to edit your tags, use the Mapify Form. There are no limits on number of tags for your business.
visitfred.com
VisitFred.com is the regional tourism web site which includes the counties of Stafford and Spotsylvania and the City of Fredericksburg. It’s another FREE place to promote your business and events.
virginia.org
Virgina.org is the State’s Tourism website. Another great opportunity to showcase your business and events that is FREE!
How to instructions to place your business on both the Regional and State’s Tourism sites.
OPPORTUNITIES
Downtown Gift Cards
The ongoing Downtown gift card program helps keep the dollars Downtown. There are no fees to the businesses and it’s another great way to show that you are all about Downtown. You must register your business to start accepting the cards.
FAQ/downtown-gift-cards-program-faq/
Registration: Download PDF
Experience Fredericksburg Gift Cards – FAQ on the old program
Open Late Campaign
Join us in reminding everyone that Downtown comes alive after five. The Open Late Initiative provides flags as a visual reminder that the Downtown is here for them after work and encourages foot traffic to your shopfront throughout the evening. The flags are colored coded to the six branding assets. Your initial flag is free with a $10 charge if FVMS supplies the pole.
Ribbon Cuttings
FVMS will organize a ribbon cutting for a special anniversary (5, 10, 15, or more years), an expansion and for our new businesses. The ribbon cutting is a public event involving neighbors, city officials and FVMS. The event creates attention for both local news and social media interest. Complete the form and so we can start planning your ribbon cutting!
Zero Interest Loan Program
Fredericksburg Virginia Main Street received a Virginia Main Street’s Downtown Investment Grant in the amount of $25,000 and a match of $25,000 from the Fredericksburg Economic Development Authority for the exclusive purpose of funding a revolving loan fund to offer financial incentives and capital to entrepreneurs and/or property owners for building restoration, preservation and rehabilitation and community revitalization in the Fredericksburg’s Main Street District. Awards are limited to a maximum of $5,000. Applications are reviewed monthly on the first Thursday of the month. Please submit your application the Monday prior. For more info, please reach out to [email protected]. See Program Guidelines and Application for specifics.
FVMS Zero Interest Loan Guidelines
FVMS Zero Interest Loan Award Criteria
Downtown Logo Usage
Fredericksburg VA Main Street encourages the usage of the Downtown logo! As a Downtown business, you are able to use Downtown logo free of charge in your marketing and promotional materials. This will help solidify that there is an active commercial historic district in Downtown Fredericksburg. Please contact FVMS to obtain style guide and authorization.
RESOURCES
City Incentives
The City of Fredericksburg has created 3 designated zones within the city limits in an effort to attract more investment into areas prioritized in the JumpStart! Plan and the City’s Comprehensive Plan. Qualified new or expanding businesses that are interested in locating in the zones may be eligible for incentives.
Arts and Cultural District Incentive
Economic Development Authority Grants
The Economic Development Authority has the power to provide financial grants or incentives to assist new and existing businesses in the City of Fredericksburg in order to foster and stimulate development. Grant deadlines are March 1, June 1, September 1, December1.
Grant opportunities included:
E Commence Business Assistance Matching Grant
Website Conversion Business Assistance Matching Grant
University of Mary Washington Center for Economic Development
The UMW Center for Economic Development, which includes the University’s Small Business Development Center is a free service to assist you in your business. The University of Mary Washington Small Business Development Center (UMW-SBDC) is one of the best local resources for accessing business development information through educational classes or on a one-on-one basis at no cost. Services provided include business and strategic planning, business structure considerations (sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, etc), marketing, personnel concerns (hiring employees, policies and procedures, etc.), purchase or sale of a small business, cash flow analysis, financial forecasting and loan proposal preparation
