Comments on: Program to Help Locals Launch Businesses

By: alexandriabusinessowner

alexandriabusinessowner — Sat, 02 Feb 2013 21:02:30 +0000

jasca, almost every government entity, especially in Virginia, has taxes on gross income, and collects property tax on equipment. As far as support, I would say that unless you are willing to pay money, it is rare that a governmental enitity will give you support or help. Alexandria has some great ways to market, but they all cost money even when they receive government support. Yes. Alexandria has great schools. enough said.

By: jacsa

jacsa — Sat, 02 Feb 2013 04:05:53 +0000

Ashton Heights thanks for your honest comments. This is the type of information I want to know before starting a business in Arlington.

By: Ashton Heights

Ashton Heights — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 23:56:39 +0000

My experience is probably typical. When I started up my own consulting business some years ago, I was amazed that I had to pay Arlington County tax based on my gross income. In addition, I had to pay property tax on all my business equipment, ignoring depreciation. When I asked what I got in return for all these taxes, the answer was “Arlington County has great schools.” I said, “No. What I mean is, does Arlington County offer any help with marketing, operation issues, etc. etc.?” The answer was “Arlington County has great schools.”
Looks like things haven’t changed.

By: atozwriter

atozwriter — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 23:10:37 +0000

I wonder if this is only for brick-and-mortar businesses. Will they help with an Etsy shop?

By: Jake

Jake — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 21:48:18 +0000

If you business is stagnant in the B-R corridor, you probably should go out of business, because you are underperforming. The free market will replace that stagnant business with a growing one, which will hire more employees, pay more taxes, and enrich the owners.

By: SomeGuy

SomeGuy — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 20:15:32 +0000

The majority of Arlington Economic Development’s programs, many of which are free, are usually open to all. Most are not exclusive to new businesses. And even this particular offering doesn’t appear to be exclusive to startups, despite being more tailored to them.

By: Don

Don — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 19:25:45 +0000

What about EXISTING business? Like those ArlNow reports are going out of business? Two store owners in the B-R Corridor told me they are quitting because business is stagnant and rents keep rising.