Grow Your Business in Staunton’s Enterprise Zone

Best for: Manufacturing and larger businesses making significant capital investments

What You Get:

• 3-year graduated tax rebate on machinery, tools, and business personal property
  • Year 1: 50% rebate on increased tax
  • Year 2: 40% rebate on increased tax
  • Year 3: 30% rebate on increased tax
• Two additional years (20% each) available for investments over $5 million

Requirements:

• Investment of $750,000+ in machinery/tools OR $400,000+ in business personal property
• Creation of 10+ new full-time jobs paying at least 300% of federal minimum wage
• 5-year operation commitment in the Enterprise Zone

This incentive addresses: Capital investment barriers, equipment modernization needs, manufacturing competitiveness, and job creation for larger employers.

Best for: Retail, restaurants, and commercial properties seeking to improve their space

What You Get:

• Up to $10,000 (33% of eligible improvement costs)
• Interior renovations eligible (up to 30% of total grant amount)
• Support for both exterior aesthetics and functional improvements

Requirements:

• Property located within the Enterprise Zone
• Commercial, industrial, or mixed-use property
• Pre-approval required before work begins
• Minimum investment of $5,000 ($2,500 for fast-track projects)
• Compliance with building codes and design guidelines
• Project completion within 12 months of approval

This incentive addresses: Business appearance and functionality, customer experience improvements, storefront vacancy issues, and downtown revitalization.

Best for: Small and medium businesses in need of modernized operations

What You Get:

• Up to $5,000 for technology improvements
• Employee technology training included (up to 25% of grant)
• Support for hardware, software, and digital tools

Requirements:

• Business located within the Enterprise Zone
• Fewer than 50 employees
• Minimum $2,500 technology investment
• Commitment to remain in zone for 2+ years
• 25% match required for businesses with 10+ employees

This incentive addresses: Digital transformation needs, workforce skill development, and operational efficiency.

Best for: Growing businesses adding employees

What You Get:

• $500 base payment per new full-time position
• $250 skills training bonus (when applicable)
• $250 retention bonus after 18+ months
• Positions must pay at least 300% of federal minimum wage
• Partnership with workforce development resources

Requirements:

• Business located within the Enterprise Zone
• Net new full-time positions (35+ hours per week)
• Positions maintained for at least 11 months
• Health benefits offered to employees
• Positions not previously qualifying for other grants
• Annual verification of continued employment

This incentive addresses: Employment growth, workforce quality and retention, training needs, and competitive wage challenges.

Best for: New businesses or existing businesses undertaking expansions

What You Get:

• Up to $2,500 for marketing activities
• 50% reimbursement (standard rate)
• 100% reimbursement when using Staunton-based marketing providers
• Supports both digital and traditional marketing

Requirements:

• Business located within the Enterprise Zone
• Must be either a new business OR an existing business undertaking expansion or launching new products/services
• Pre-approval required before marketing expenses are incurred
• Project completion within 12 months of approval

This incentive addresses: Market presence establishment, customer acquisition, business-to-business relationships, local economic ecosystem building, and capital cost assistance for marketing.

Check the Enterprise Zone map on our website, or contact Jessica Blythe at blythejm@ci.staunton.va.us to confirm your property’s status.

Yes! Many businesses qualify for multiple programs. For example, you might use the Façade Grant for building improvements and the Job Creation Grant for new hires.

Yes, most incentives require pre-approval. Review each incentive’s specific requirements, but plan to apply before incurring expenses or beginning work.

Processing times vary by incentive and completeness of application. We aim to review and respond to complete applications within 30 days. Contact our office for specific timelines.

New businesses often benefit from the Marketing Support Grant, Façade & Renovation Grant (for physical improvements), and Job Creation Performance Grant (if hiring). Contact us for a consultation to discuss your specific plans.

State incentives (Real Property Investment Grants and Job Creation Grants) are administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development and have their own eligibility criteria. Local incentives are administered by the City of Staunton. You may qualify for both state and local programs.

Visit the Virginia DHCD Enterprise Zone or contact our office for guidance on state programs.

Eligible expenses include computers, software, point-of-sale systems, cybersecurity improvements, website development, and employee training on technology systems. Contact us for a full list or to discuss your specific needs.

 Yes! Interior renovations are eligible for up to 30% of the grant amount. This might include improvements to customer-facing spaces, accessibility upgrades, or functional renovations.

A new position must be at least 35 hours per week, not previously exist at your business, pay at least 300% of federal minimum wage, and include health benefits. The position must be maintained for at least 11 months to qualify for the base grant.

Yes! Digital marketing, including social media advertising, website development, SEO services, and online advertising are all eligible. Remember, you receive 100% reimbursement when using Staunton-based marketing providers and 50% for others.