Southwest Virginia’s e-Region

Why Should You Choose Southwest Virginia’s e-Region for Your Business?

Strategically located in the eastern U.S., the region offers an ideal location to serve markets in the East, Mid-America and the world. Our region offers a qualified workforce, a pro-business environment, plus low tax rates, sites and buildings with infrastructure in place, unique incentive programs, and excellent quality of life for employers and their employees.

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Prepared Workforce

Locating here, your company has access to tailored workforce training such as fast track software programming, IT help desk or advanced manufacturing technology. The region offers training in mechatronics, robotics, 3D printing, drone technology, cyber security, environmental technologies as well as software engineering.

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Pro Business and Exceptional Living

Low taxes and cost of living, a pro business environment, plus outstanding scenery and unique amenities make locating and living in our corner of Virginia a good decision. Having virtual employees, teleworking, or sharing co-working spaces are also options in our region.

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Unique Incentive Programs

The Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority offers several unique incentive and financing programs designed to bring jobs and economic diversification to Southwest Virginia’s e-Region. Aggressive financing packages can be offered, including one for companies new to Virginia.

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Enhancing Our Region's Economy

Total annual economic impact of VCEDA is estimated to be $6.9 billion in 2018 supporting 37,311 jobs in Southwest Virginia, according to a December 2018 study by Chmura Economics & Analytics. The study also illustrates efforts by VCEDA “have greatly accelerated diversification in the region.”  View and download the Chmura study.

In existence for more than 30 years, the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority–VCEDA–offers incentive and financing programs designed to enhance and diversify the region’s economy and assist in creating new jobs. VCEDA also aggressively markets and promotes Southwest Virginia’s e-Region as a great location for businesses to locate and to expand.

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Seeding Entrepreneurs to Grow

The VCEDA Seed Capital Matching Fund, designed to assist small businesses less than one year old with less than 10 employees, has resulted in more than 80 new small businesses in the region, more than 500 jobs and $4.8 million in private investment. Businesses must plan to operate in the VCEDA region in southwestern Virginia that includes Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Tazewell, and Wise counties and the City of Norton.

VCEDA’s Seed Capital Matching Grant Program

VCEDA region for-profit businesses one year and under with less than 10 full-time employees are eligible to apply for dollar-for-dollar matching grants up to $10,000. Applicants work with the Small Business Development Centers at Mountain Empire and Southwest Virginia community colleges to prepare the applications to VCEDA.

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Seed Capital Fund Helped Start Variety of Small Businesses

A variety of new small businesses have been created in the e-Region, as a result of the seed capital matching fund. Restaurants, coffee shops, lawn care, breweries, boutiques, an art gallery, and drone-related businesses are among the new endeavors. Read about The Bloom Farm greenhouse business.

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Drone Businesses Created with Seed Capital Matching Funds

Southwest Virginia’s e-Region has numerous applications for drone use, including agriculture. One drone-related business created through the seed capital matching program is providing agricultural spraying services for controlling plant and brush vegetation, as well as drone services for plant fertilization and soil analysis. Read about Remote Agri Drone.

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