Charles City County Economic Development

05/08/2026

✨ SPACES AVAILABLE AT MARKET 5! ✨

Looking to grow your business in a unique, high-visibility location? Market 5 in Charles City is now accepting businesses interested in becoming part of our growing community destination!

Located at 11601 John Tyler Memorial Hwy in Charles City, Market 5 is designed to bring together shopping, community, and experiences in one vibrant location.

We’re looking for:
🛍 Retail & Local Goods
🛒 Specialty & Convenience Concepts
💼 Service & Professional Businesses
🌟 Experience-Driven Concepts

Why Market 5?
✔ High visibility location
✔ Growing community & tourism traffic
✔ Supportive promotions & events
✔ Opportunity to grow alongside other local businesses

📍 11601 John Tyler Memorial Hwy, Charles City, VA 23030
📞 804-652-4708
🌐 visitmarket5.com
📧 [email protected]

Don’t miss this opportunity to bring your vision to life at Market 5!

04/07/2026

Have you signed up for the ride yet? All proceeds benefits the Charles City County Sheriff's Office Motorcycle Unit. Then, after the ride, come chill with us and enjoy the concert at the Social Center. For more information, www.chillinincharlescity.com

04/06/2026

📣 Charles City County Economic Development Authority – Monthly Meeting

Join us for the upcoming EDA Board Meeting as we continue developing our community together!

🗓 Date: Thursday, April 9, 2026
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM
📍 Location: Government Administration Building – Training Room
10900 Courthouse Road, Charles City, VA

📄 View the full agenda here:
https://www.charlescityva.us/AgendaCenter/Economic-Development-Authority-Board-9/? -621

We encourage community members, stakeholders, and partners to stay informed and engaged as we work to support economic growth and opportunity across Charles City County.
For more information, please contact:
Cynthia Boone
Economic Development & Tourism Director
📧 [email protected]
📞 804-652-4708

03/19/2026

🚀 ATTENTION VIRGINIA ENTREPRENEURS! 🚀

Ready to take your business to the next level? We’ve lined up an incredible series of FREE training sessions designed specifically for small businesses across Virginia! 💼✨

From entrepreneurship basics to exporting, tourism marketing, and government contracting, these sessions are packed with expert insights to help you grow, scale, and succeed.

📅 March 23–26
⏰ Sessions begin at 10 AM & 11 AM daily

🔥 What you’ll learn:
✔️ Starting & strengthening your business foundation
✔️ Accessing tourism grants & marketing your business
✔️ Exporting & expanding into global markets 🌎
✔️ Government contracting opportunities
✔️ Supply chain optimization & cost reduction
✔️ Financing solutions & working capital strategies
✔️ Specialized support for veteran-owned businesses

🎯 Featuring experts from:

Veterans Business Outreach Center

Virginia Department of Tourism

International SBDC of Virginia

APEX Accelerator

SBA & VEDP

U.S. Commercial Service

⚠️ Seats are LIMITED, so don’t wait! Secure your spot today and join “those in the know!”

👉 Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1984571807700?aff=oddtdtcreator

We are excited to have the Veterans Business Outreach Center sharing their program information and programs during this event. Join us!

03/19/2026

💼 Business Tip of the Day

Strong businesses don’t just sell—they solve problems.

Take a moment today to ask yourself:
👉 What challenge does my product or service truly fix for my customers?

The clearer your answer, the easier it becomes to market, grow, and retain loyal customers.

✨ Pro Tip: Talk directly with your customers—through quick surveys, social media polls, or simple conversations. Their feedback is your blueprint for success!

03/18/2026

✨ DID YOU KNOW? ✨

You don’t have to travel far to grab a delicious bite — breakfast AND lunch are right here in Charles City County! 🍳🥓🥪

Whether you’re starting your day or grabbing a quick midday meal, our local convenience stores are serving up hot, fresh favorites you’ll love:
📍 Haupts store
📍 Colonial Mart
📍 Breez-In
📍 Adkin’s Store

From hearty breakfast sandwiches to satisfying lunch options, these local spots have you covered! 🙌🏽

👉 Discover more local shopping and dining options:
www.visitcharlescity.org/166/Shopping

03/09/2026

🚲 Exciting News for Charles City County!

The Charles City County Economic Development Authority is proud to award the 2026 Business Growth Grant to Simply Cycle.

This investment will help Simply Cycle grow its public bicycle fleet while improving accessibility for seniors and riders with mobility challenges.

🚴 Grant funds will be used to:
• Replace 14 aging single-gear rental bicycles with modern multi-gear models
• Add 2 electric bicycles designed for senior and accessible riders
• Purchase new bicycle helmets to enhance rider safety

This project supports local small business growth while creating more inclusive and accessible recreation opportunities for residents and visitors alike.

👏 Congratulations to Simply Cycle on this exciting expansion!

🚲

02/27/2026

📣 Join Us for the Charles City Economic Development Authority Monthly Meeting
The Charles City Economic Development Authority invites residents, business owners, and community partners to attend our upcoming Monthly Meeting as we continue Developing Our Community Together.
🗓 Thursday, March 5, 2026
⏰ 6:00 PM
📍 Government Administration Building – Auditorium
10900 Courthouse Road
Charles City, VA 23030
Stay informed about economic development initiatives, upcoming projects, and opportunities that impact our community’s growth and future.
🔗 View the full agenda here:
https://www.charlescityva.us/AgendaCenter/Economic-Development-Authority-Board-9/? -619
We look forward to your engagement and participation as we work to move Charles City forward!

02/26/2026

🚨 VENDORS WANTED – SHOP THE 5! 🚨
Are you ready to grow your business in a vibrant, community-centered marketplace?
Join us every 3rd Saturday (March–October) at Market 5 — starting at 10 AM.
We’re welcoming:
⭐ Youth Entrepreneurs
⭐ Start-Ups & Home-Based Businesses
⭐ Retail & Food Vendors
⭐ Creatives, Makers & Artisans
⭐ Service-Based Businesses
⭐ Nonprofits & Information Booths
Whether you're launching your first product or expanding your brand — all vendors are welcome.
📍 Market 5
11601 John Tyler Memorial Hwy
Charles City, VA 23030
📲 Scan the QR code on the flyer to register today!
Let’s build community and grow together.

02/04/2026

💡 Got an idea but not sure if it’s ready to be a business?
Before you build it, test it.

🚀 Idea Factory, powered by Startup Virginia, is a FREE 7-week program designed to help aspiring and current entrepreneurs validate and refine their business ideas through real customer discovery.

✨ What you’ll get:
✔️ Interactive workshops (in-person & online)
✔️ Real-world assignments
✔️ One-on-one mentoring & cohort support
✔️ Confidence and clarity to move forward

👥 Who should apply?
If you’re in Virginia and:
• Exploring a new business idea
• Expanding an existing business
• Solving a problem with a creative solution

📅 Spring & Fall Cohorts
📝 Applications open January & August

📲 Scan the QR code or visit www.startupvirginia.org
to learn more and apply.

Your idea deserves a strong foundation—start here. 💭➡️🏗️