Provided by Prince William County
The Department of Development Services‘ Small Business Project Management Program (SBPM) announced that 250 small businesses opened from January through October 2020.
Twenty-six new businesses and three expanding businesses opened their doors in October. The monthly results are consistent with 2019, except for April, May, and June. Those months were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Now more than ever, it is important that customers check in with the SBPM before they begin, to avoid costly mistakes and/or identify critical issues to address, that take them away from the singular goal of opening a business. The goals of the SBPM are to provide a consistent message (eliminating confusion for the owner) and to resolve permit issues in a timely manner, which allows customers to move through the development process as swiftly as possible.
Since the County reopened its buildings in July, SBPM program managers have adapted new methods, increased online communications and are able to provide further support to customers to open their businesses, within an anticipated timeframe.
Prince William County has long recognized the importance of small businesses and the pivotal role they play in the community. In 2019, the County sharpened its focus on small business and entrepreneurs and took steps to ensure that necessary service offerings are in place, administered by an experienced team of program managers, who specialize and provide expertise in land and building development processes, as well as a more integrated network of county and business partner organizations. Ask for advice at DDS@pwcgov.org or 703-792-6930.
