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Contact: Alan Fogg, Director, Communications, afogg@fceda.org,
703-790-0600 (o) or 571-213-5065 (m)
McLean resident is 1,000th Fairfax County business workshop attendee
“Starting a Business in Fairfax County” sessions highlight local, state, federal resources
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| From left: SBA Business Development Specialist Joyce Mears, Jill Olsen, FCEDA President/CEO Gerald Gordon and FCEDA Small and Minority Business Development Director Karen Smaw. |
Fairfax County, Virginia, June 7, 2006 -- Jill Olsen, a McLean resident who hopes to start an e-commerce Web site, has been recognized as the 1,000 th person to attend an “Entrepreneurship 101: Starting a Business in Fairfax County” workshop since the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA) began hosting the sessions in 2003.
Ms. Olsen, who previously worked for a global human resources consulting firm and is exploring options for a second career, participated in the June 6 “Starting a Business” workshop. She received a framed certificate from the FCEDA, the Virginia Department of Business Assistance (DBA) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) recognizing her as the 1,000 th attendee. “I am delighted to be part of this program,” she said. “I am researching what I need to know to get a business started, and I found this session to be extremely valuable.”
At each workshop the FCEDA, DBA and SBA present an overview of start-up basics (licenses and permits); DBA workforce service and training programs; and SBA financing and certification resources.
“These sessions are all about helping business people fulfill the American dream of starting a business and succeeding. I am proud to present this certificate to Ms. Olsen, who like everyone who attends the workshops embodies the American dream,” said Gerald L. Gordon, Ph.D., president and CEO of the FCEDA. “These programs are a good example of how the FCEDA works to make Fairfax County the best place for any business to grow and succeed.”
The workshops generally are held on the first Tuesday of each month at FCEDA headquarters, 8300 Boone Boulevard, Suite 450, in Vienna (Tysons Corner). Sessions begin at 8 AM with refreshments and networking. Sessions are free but pre-registration is required. Interested participants can register on the FCEDA’s Web site at www.FairfaxCountyEDA.org/workshop_form.htm.
Business growth helps Fairfax County, minutes from Washington, D.C., fund public services such as a top-ranked public school system and library, public safety, social services and park systems that improve the quality of life. Fairfax County offers diverse real estate options, access to domestic and international markets through Washington Dulles International Airport, a business community based on technology and professional services, and a well-educated workforce.
The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority ( www.FairfaxCountyEDA.org) promotes Fairfax County as a business and technology center. The FCEDA’s Capital Attraction Program links technology entrepreneurs with potential investors. Another program supports the growth of minority and woman-owned businesses. The FCEDA maintains overseas marketing offices in Bangalore, Frankfurt, London, Seoul and Tel Aviv.
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