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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Alan Fogg
Director of Communications
afogg@fceda.org, 703-790-0600
African American-Owned Businesses Experience Huge Growth in Fairfax County
Fairfax County, Virginia, April 7, 1997 — Ever increasing numbers of African American-owned businesses continue to grow and flourish in Fairfax County, according to U.S. Bureau of the Census figures reported in the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority's (FCEDA) Small and Minority Business Report. The total number of African American-owned firms in Fairfax County increased 71 percent (942 firms), from 1,322 in 1987 to 2,264 in 1992.
The data for the period 1987-1992 is based on figures recently released by the U.S. Bureau of the Census. The total sales/receipts of these companies more than tripled between 1987 to 1992 — from $103.8 million in 1987 to $335.3 million in 1992. Nine percent (209 firms) of the County's African American-owned firms had paid employees in 1992 and reported a total of 9,304 workers, $301.5 million in annual sales/receipts and $96.2 million in annual payroll. The remaining 91 percent were sole proprietorships. The total number of employees and amount of annual payroll for African American-owned firms between 1987 and 1992 represents the largest increase among jurisdictions in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area.
"The overall vibrancy of the County, combined with the high quality of its public services, have proven crucial in the development of my business," says African American business owner, Dr. Robert Wright, president of Dimensions International Inc., in Alexandria, Fairfax County.
In support of minority business owners, Fairfax County is fortunate to have a reputation for supplying a growing consumer and economic base, an impressive pool of highly educated, highly skilled workers and professional programs for minority-owned businesses. The FCEDA publishes a quarterly newsletter, Business Ventures, and conducts workshops on "Doing Business in Fairfax County," which are especially designed for minority-owned businesses.
"Minority-owned businesses continue to demonstrate growth and vibrancy in Fairfax County. Since 1987, the number of firms, sales and employee figures have expanded rapidly, demonstrating that Fairfax County is not only an attractive area for starting businesses, but that it offers the resources and consumer base necessary for growth," said Patricia M. Woolsey, chairman of the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority.
Tools available from the FCEDA for minority entrepreneurs include an on-line database developed by the FCEDA to encourage minority-owned business growth by providing opportunities for small and large business networking and easy-to-use information to potential small business consumers. The database, found on the FCEDA Web site, lists the contacts, addresses and services of more than 7,200 businesses located in Fairfax County. The FCEDA Web page can be found at www.fairfaxcountyeda.org. A copy of the FCEDA Small and Minority Business Report may be obtained by calling the FCEDA at (703) 790-0600 or by visiting the FCEDA Web site.
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