Biz Talk

This article is sponsored by Arlington Economic Development’s Business Investment Group.

Arlington Economic Development (AED) is proud to sponsor Day Two of DC Startup & Tech Week 2024. A full day of programming curated to meet the needs of startups in National Landing on Tuesday, October 22.

This event is the largest gathering of entrepreneurs and startups in the D.C. area, featuring over 100 workshops, networking sessions, pitch competitions and expert-led discussions.

Along with funding from a group of National Landing partners, AED is sponsoring this event with Arlington Innovation Fund Tech Ecosystem Support Funds. The fund’s mission is to foster the growth of Arlington tech startups by enhancing the local ecosystem through unique initiatives and programming. Hosting a day of this widely known conference in National Landing highlights the innovation and collaboration that is happening in Arlington while making the content easily accessible to Arlington startups.

Whether you’re a seasoned founder, an aspiring entrepreneur or part of an innovative startup team, join us for an action-packed day designed to inspire, connect and drive growth within the startup community.

Day Two in Arlington will kick off at the JBG SMITH National Landing Experience Center. There, participants will hear founder stories and fireside chats. Later content tracks will focus on a variety of topics, including:

• The Growth Stage
• Tech for Non-Technical Founders
• AI & Business
• Web3 and Blockchain
• Climate and Sustainability

The day will conclude with a meetup happy hour at National Landing’s Water Bar.

We invite the readers of ARLnow to join us and save 20% on DC Startup & Tech Week registration by using the discount code AED20off.

If you’d like to get more involved, apply to volunteer on Tuesday, October 22, and receive a free ticket to attend the rest of the week’s programming.

This article is sponsored by the Business Investment Group of Arlington Economic Development.

Arlington Economic Development (AED) is excited to be continuing its partnership with Citrine Angels, the largest female-focused angel investing organization in the mid-Atlantic region pledged solely to the support of women-led ventures.

With a shared goal to boost entrepreneurship and startup activity in Arlington, AED and Citrine Angels are hosting two free, educational events designed to tackle challenges facing entrepreneurs today.

The first of the two events will take place TODAY, Wednesday, September 25, and will feature a panel discussion amongst an experienced panel of VCs, entrepreneurs, and fractional/outsourced executives. These experts will discuss what it takes to build the optimal team to make your idea a reality.

We invite you to join us TODAY for Building Your Dream Team in Ballston at 5:30 p.m. Registration is now closed, but walk-ins will be welcomed!

In two weeks, we will also be holding an “ask me anything” event on the topic of turning your idea into a business. Come with questions and a group of experts will be available to share their insights. Experts currently work in the human resources, law, finance and accounting fields.

Learn more and register for our Ask Me Anything: Turning Your Idea into a Business event here to join us on Wednesday, October 9 at 5:30 p.m.

This article is sponsored by Arlington Economic Development, a proud sponsor of the Accelerate Investor Conference.

The Accelerate Investor Conference is back for its fourth year, moving its event to Ballston, October 23-24.

Spurring the region’s innovation and entrepreneurship engagement to a new level, the conference showcases our metropolitan region as a destination for innovation, venture investment, business development, and job creation.

Top venture firms from across North America participate in the Conference to attend top keynotes and industry panels. Eighty venture firms, plus local angel investors, participate as judges.

Attendees can watch 40+ high-growth tech, cyber, defense tech, healthcare, and life science companies pitch for their next round of capital. These cutting-edge startups compete for top prizes and are joined by 25 regional student teams presenting business concepts.

In addition to panels on AI, healthcare investment, VC trends, and defense-tech, this year’s lineup for keynote and fireside chat speakers includes:

• Arun Gupta, CEO of NobleReach and author of the national bestseller “Venture Meets Mission”
• Paul Misener, Former VP for Global Innovation Policy and Communications, Amazon
• Tom Weithman, CIO, VIPC & Managing Director, Virginia Venture Partners

Registration is open at AccelerateDeals.org. Arlington patrons receive $100 off the ticket price before September 23 with the promotion code BIRD$100.

Accelerate sponsors and partners include Arlington Economic Development (AED), the Council for Innovation Promotion, Smart City Works, ManTech, AE Industrial Partners, Go Virginia, Fairfax City, King & Spalding, Fairfax County EDA, George Mason University, MAAN Ventures, NVTC, Prince William County, Sands Capital, Virginia Bio and Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation.

To learn more about Arlington Economic Development, AED’s contributions to growing the region’s tech and innovation ecosystem and locating in Arlington, please visit the AED website.

This article was written by Sindy Yeh, Senior Business Ambassador for Arlington Economic Development.

With over 20 shared offices and coworking spaces, Arlington has become a vibrant hub for innovation and collaboration.

The city’s strong ties to the tech industry and entrepreneurial community make it a natural fit for coworking. This setting, rich with creativity and collaboration, is the perfect launchpad for startups and freelancers alike. 

Take The AAKOMA Project, for example. Founded by Dr. Alfiee Breland-Noble, the nonprofit is dedicated to the mental health of Youth and Young Adults of Color (YYAC). Drawing on her groundbreaking research at Duke and Georgetown Universities, Dr. Breland-Noble empowers YYAC and their caregivers to seek help and manage mental health, advocating for systemic changes to better serve their needs.

As Dr. Alfiee puts it, “The AAKOMA Project grew much faster than I expected. Our shared coworking space in Ballston was a great start, but it soon became clear we needed our own dedicated space. The Arlington Economic Development team and our commercial realtor helped us find a space that accommodates our growing team and aligns with our mental health mission. Staying in Ballston was an easy choice, — it’s an ideal location for us to continue expanding, close to key resources and has a vibrant atmosphere that celebrates diversity.” 

Then there’s Cyberspatial, an emerging defense contractor led by Founder and CEO Lawrence Nunn. Starting in a simple coworking office, the National Landing-based company has since moved to a dedicated office space. Nunn had this to say when reflecting on the company’s choice to stay in Arlington: “Arlington’s vibrant community and strategic location made it the perfect launchpad for our growth, with its robust cyber nexus providing unparalleled access to talent and innovation.” 

As organizations grow, their needs evolve. They may seek a traditional office setting to accommodate expansion, foster company culture and create a dedicated space where employees can thrive. Arlington Economic Development (AED) is here to support businesses at every stage, offering tools and resources to help you find the right space, whether it’s a coworking office or a larger, dedicated footprint. 

If your organization is ready to take the next step, let the Business Investment Group provide the boost you need to flourish.

Get in touch with AED today to explore how you can maximize your potential in Arlington. 

Previous Image 1/3 Next Image

This article is sponsored by Arlington Economic Development.

At the July 22, 2024, regular meeting, the Arlington County Board took action to close the Observation Deck at 1201 Wilson Blvd. in Rosslyn.

The Observation Deck will officially close on July 31, 2024. This closure marks the acceleration of a major reinvestment in Rosslyn Gateway Park during a transformative period for the Rosslyn community.

CoStar Group, a leading global provider of online real estate marketplaces, information, and analytics, purchased 1201 Wilson Blvd., a 560,000-square-foot office building known as Central Place Tower, in February 2024.

CoStar Group Funds Significant Investment in Rosslyn Gateway Park

As part of the economic development deal, CoStar Group will pay Arlington $13,951,900 to significantly expedite the redevelopment of Rosslyn’s Gateway Park, accelerating its completion by nearly a decade. This investment will transform Gateway Park into a vibrant, multifunctional public space and world-class destination that is a central anchor for the Rosslyn community.

The redevelopment of Gateway Park, led by Field Operations, the same group of designers responsible for Met Park, will introduce new amenities, green spaces and recreational opportunities, creating a welcoming environment for all.

A New Outlook for Rosslyn

In the CoStar Group deal, Arlington County recognized a unique and impactful opportunity to marry Rosslyn’s community benefits with significant economic gains. CoStar Group initially considered Arlington due to its prime location and premier trophy building in the heart of Rosslyn.

Throughout the site selection process, CoStar Group discovered more about Rosslyn’s business HQ-friendly environment as well as Arlington’s highly skilled workforce, accessibility to two international airports, strong Metro system, high quality of life and dynamic urban centers — key factors that ultimately influenced the company’s decision to purchase the building.

(more…)

This article is sponsored by Arlington Economic Development.

On Thursday, Arlington Economic Development (AED) was pleased to celebrate the latest recipients of Catalyst Grants from the Arlington Innovation Fund (AIF).

After a thorough review process, four Arlington-based startups were awarded $175,000 in grants. These companies have shown exceptional promise in innovation and potential for significant impact in their respective fields.

The Catalyst Grants from this round represent yet another significant investment in the growing tech-entrepreneur ecosystem of Arlington, further underscoring AED and the County’s commitment to supporting local innovation and fostering economic resilience. Funds awarded through the Catalyst Grant program can be used for any business operation expenses incurred by the startup. They may include adding employees, purchasing equipment, leasing office space, hiring consultants or advisors, etc.

“We are thrilled to support these pioneering companies in their journey to scale and innovate,” said Michael Stiefvater, Director, Business Investment Group. “Their commitment to groundbreaking solutions drives innovation within their industries and propels the economic growth and development of the entire Arlington community. By fostering such innovative enterprises, we are building a robust and resilient ecosystem that benefits all residents and businesses in Arlington.”

AED announced the inaugural group of Catalyst grantees in February. The four grantees from the second round are:

• Data Parrot, AI company, enhances businesses’ understanding of customer data. Their platform transforms raw CRM (Customer Relationship Management) data into actionable insights, driving value through dynamic dashboards and strategic recommendations.
• KnoNap is a health tech company dedicated to combating drink spiking with their innovative beverage drug test kits, drink covers and educational resources. Their comprehensive approach fosters better health and safety outcomes.
• Pryze App, an HR-tech company, aims to increase productivity and retention among deskless workers. Their app incentivizes phone-free time and positive actions at work through automation and gamification.
• SportAI democratizes analytics for fantasy sports and sports betting. Using neural network AI, their mobile app provides in-depth insights to help users make informed decisions without facilitating gambling.

Previous Image 1/3 Next Image

Written by Adriana Bonilla, Assistant Director for Business Development, Arlington Economic Development.

In an exciting move to foster innovation and collaboration, Arlington Economic Development’s (AED) Business Investment Group and BizLaunch, in partnership with the Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC) have officially launched #LaTech, a groundbreaking community dedicated to Latino tech entrepreneurs.

The initiative aims to create a dynamic and vibrant community where talented tech professionals from the Latino community can share knowledge, explore partnerships and connect with other key players in the industry. #LaTech is open to Latino tech entrepreneurs from any location, with activities anchored in Arlington, one of the top tech hubs in the United States.

The vision for #LaTech is to cultivate a space where Latino entrepreneurs can thrive and contribute significantly to Arlington’s economic growth and beyond. The community is designed to attract top tech talent from Latin communities and backgrounds globally, providing a supportive environment for collaboration and impactful partnerships.

This initiative is part of Arlington’s broader strategy to enhance the tech landscape in Arlington and create opportunities for diverse groups to engage and succeed — the latter of which is in direct alignment with Arlington’s RACE and overarching equity initiatives.

The launch event, held on May 30, convened an initial group of Latino tech entrepreneurs. The discussion focused on the needs, successes and opportunities within the tech space and highlighted key challenges and areas for growth.

Given its proximity to Washington, D.C., the presence of tech giants and high-growth companies of all sizes and its diverse international community, Arlington is uniquely positioned as a strategic location for this initiative. Arlington’s deep commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and fostering sustainable business models makes it an ideal home for #LaTech. Participants at the launch event emphasized the importance of networking, access to investor capital and mentorship as crucial factors for their success. The vibrant tech ecosystem in Arlington will undoubtedly provide fertile ground for these entrepreneurs to flourish.

As part of the ongoing efforts to build this community, #LaTech is hosting its next event on July 25, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Hosted by Unstuck Labs and Pryze, the event will take place at 1700 N. Moore Street, 16th Floor, Arlington, VA 22209. Register today to get more information as it is announced.

As #LaTech moves forward, the community is set to become a beacon for Latino tech entrepreneurs in the United States, offering a platform for growth, collaboration and success.

Ready to be part of this innovative community and/or drive your tech venture to new heights?

Contact AED’s Business Investment Group today to learn more about how you can get involved with #LaTech and explore the myriads of opportunities available. Your journey toward tech success and impactful partnerships begins here!

This article was written by Exelaration and sponsored by Arlington Economic Development.

On April 23, 2024, Sydney Hanley received a phone call from her hometown of Arlington that interrupted breakfast at her sister’s Boston apartment. Little did she know that this call marked the end of her long job search. Five years earlier, her journey began with one suggestive question: “Why not try a coding class?”

She tried that and much, much more.

The Arlington Talent Program (ATP)

The Arlington Talent Program was established to address a crucial issue: the reluctance of employers to hire inexperienced candidates for high-demand tech jobs. Partnering with engineering firm Exelaration, Arlington Economic Development created a program to connect tech-savvy residents with paid trainee positions to build real software. This hands-on experience is essential for launching IT careers.

Now in its fourth semester, the ATP has trained and employed 25 residents. “We’ve enrolled an Uber driver, a grocery stock worker, a flight attendant and a veteran, just to name a few,” says Exelaration CEO Steve Cooper. “Clients want employees with real job experience, and Arlington is listening.”

Cybersecurity Focus

This semester, ATP is focusing on cybersecurity. “Arlington businesses need to secure their data, and not all have the infrastructure or knowledge,” says Cooper. The program will offer free cybersecurity checkups to Arlington and Alexandria businesses through July, providing graduates with valuable experience.

Sydney’s Journey

Sydney Hanley’s story illustrates the program’s impact. In 2019, she began her freshman year at the University of San Francisco without a tech background. Following her mom’s advice, she took a computer science class and excelled, becoming a teaching assistant the next semester. However, her path was not smooth. The pandemic disrupted her studies, and her job offer was rescinded just before graduation.

Back in her hometown of Arlington and unemployed, Sydney applied for numerous jobs with little success. Last fall, she discovered an ATP job opening through an ARLnow article and was accepted into the spring 2024 semester. After completing the program, she interviewed for a position at a small education technology company.

“The tech interview matched one of our Exelaration projects almost exactly,” she recalls. Her experience from ATP prepared her well, and she received a job offer six days later.

“I started May 6!” Sydney excitedly shared with the ATP team recently, crediting the program for providing the crucial job experience she needed. “The Arlington Talent Program adds that final critical ingredient — real job experience — to someone who already has everything else,” says Cooper.

Get Involved

Businesses interested in a free cybersecurity checkup can email [email protected]. Services are provided on a first-come, first-served basis.