City of Falls Church Economic Development Office

12/22/2020

Fairfax County Health Department

Does your business offer to-go or delivery orders? Consider adding important health and safety informational flyers from the Fairfax County Health Department to your orders. Not only will it help Public Health officials share important COVID-19 related information, but it also shows customers that you're committed to the health and wellbeing of our community. Email them at [email protected] to learn more.

(Fairfax County Health Department is the City of Falls Church's contracted Health Department.)

Chicken Pollo in Annandale includes important health and safety flyers from the Health Department in each of its delivery bags, with tips on mask wearing, hand washing and how people can be safe.

Would your business like to do the same? Email us at [email protected]

12/08/2020

Rare Bird Coffee Grows In Spite of Pandemic

Great news -- Rare Bird Coffee Roasters is expanding!

https://fcnp.com/2020/12/04/rare-bird-coffee-grows-in-spite-of-pandemic/

Rare Bird Coffee Roasters is defying all of the downward economic trends during the coronavirus pandemic by planning to expand its operation into the space next door, albeit with a slight delay in the original timeline.

12/04/2020

Falls Plaza Shopping Center to Undergo Renovations Next Year

Falls Plaza (the shopping center with Giant, Staples, CVS, and more) is getting a makeover!

"Scheduled to start in the spring of 2021 and conclude prior to Thanksgiving, the redesign will include new building façades that fuse 'a modern farmhouse design with industrial elements as well as new decorative lighting and signage..."

"The project will also introduce parking spaces for curbside pick-ups, expand the sidewalks with outdoor dining and gathering space, augment the plaza’s landscaping, and add a fireplace."

https://www.tysonsreporter.com/2020/12/03/falls-plaza-shopping-center-to-undergo-renovations-next-year/

The Falls Plaza Shopping Center in Falls Church is about to get a new look. Property owner Federal Realty Investment Trust announced today (Thursday) that the 144,000 square-foot shopping center will undergo renovations intended to update its physical appearance and enhance amenities next year.

11/13/2020

Essential retail and establishments that serve alcohol -- pay attention to the Governor's new orders! Restrictions start Sunday, November 15 at midnight.

www.fallschurchva.gov/COVID19

PLEASE SHARE :: Governor Northam announces new #COVID19 restrictions, in effect midnight, Sunday, November 15. In short:

--no more than 25 people together inside or outside
--people ages 5 and up must wear masks
--enforcement of masks, social distancing in essential retail
--10pm cutoff for alcohol in bars, restaurants, etc.

More at www.fallschurchva.gov/COVID19

11/07/2020

Learn what permits City businesses and non-profits need to use temporary tents, outdoor heaters, and lighting or how to rent City parks for commercial use.

www.fallschurchva.gov/COVIDPermits

11/06/2020

Did you know that businesses and non-profits can rent sections of City parks for commercial purposes? Dining and food service are restricted; otherwise, the sky is the limit!

www.fallschurchva.gov/COVIDPermits

11/05/2020

Tents can help your business expand and engage with customers through the cold weather. Make sure you have the right permits for tents, heaters, and more.

www.fallschurchva.gov/COVIDPermits

11/04/2020

City businesses can add lights to tents or outdoor areas to help attract customers and create atmosphere. Make sure you have the right permits, and make sure you have it set up safely.

www.fallschurchva.gov/COVIDPermits

11/03/2020

Permits for Businesses during COVID-19: Outdoor Heaters

Does your business want to add outdoor heaters? Make sure you have the right permits, and make sure you have it set up safely.

www.fallschurchva.gov/COVIDPermits

10/30/2020

Does your City business want to expand into a tent for the winter? Or add outdoor lights and heaters? Or, do you want to hold commercial events in City parks? Visit www.fallschurchva.gov/COVIDPermits to see what permits are needed the what process to follow.

10/29/2020

Governor of Virginia

Attention, City businesses and non-profits! Governor of Virginia has expanded the eligibility requirements and cap for #RebuildVA grants!

https://www.governor.virginia.gov/rebuildva/

🏪 BIG NEWS: We are directing an additional $30 million to the #RebuildVA economic recovery fund. With new eligibility criteria, more small businesses and nonprofits can now apply to receive up to $100,000 to help navigate the pandemic.

Learn more: https://www.governor.virginia.gov/newsroom/all-releases/2020/october/headline-861101-en.html

10/16/2020

‘Strangest time I’ve ever been in’: Music venues deal with the new normal

The Washington Post highlighted The State Theatre today in a round up about entertainment venues during the pandemic, with a nod to Clare and Don's Beach Shack. Here's a quick take:

"The State Theatre started hosting outdoor shows over the summer. While some outdoor operations can feel charmingly makeshift, the State’s setup felt like stumbling onto a long-running neighborhood block party. The venue transformed its parking lot into a stage and the audience area offers well-spaced table seating along with full-service food and drink options. ...

"Miss visiting a nearby bar before heading into a show? Seek out a table and an orange crush across the street at the long-running tropical-themed Clare & Don’s Beach Shack, which has its own outdoor stage with an early performance (6 p.m. on weekends) that gives way to State Theatre’s nighttime festivities."

Check out the full article and support our local businesses whenever you can do so safely!

https://www.washingtonpost.com/goingoutguide/music/music-venues-reopen-dc-md-va/2020/10/14/6085adc0-08ac-11eb-859b-f9c27abe638d_story.html

Live concerts are coming back, but they feel a little different due to coronavirus restrictions.

08/12/2020

Storms with flooding are possible today, August 13!

Dangerous flash flooding is possible this afternoon & evening due to heavy rain & slow moving storms. Stay weather aware & have more than 1 way to receive our alerts. Remember, do not cross flooded roads! Visit weather.gov/washington for the latest info. #vawx #mdwx #dcwx #wvwx

08/03/2020

Businesses and residents should take time now to secure outdoor items that could become dangerous projectiles, including tables, chairs, and umbrellas. More preparation tips at www.fallschurchva.gov/Storm

07/30/2020

RebuildVA Small Business Grant

This quick video explains the basics of Governor Northam's new #RebuildVA small business and non-profit grant program. Applications open August 10, so get prepped!

https://youtu.be/ML_GoaOlmvY

07/29/2020

Learn more about Governor Northam's #RebuildVA grant program in one of three webinars:

July 31 at Noon, August 4 at 9 a.m., and August 4 at 5:30 p.m.

These events are hosted by the Governor's office. Registration links are available on our website, www.choosefallschurch.org/Grants.

07/28/2020

Our thoughts are with the family of Council Member Dan Sze. He will be missed.

We are heartbroken at the news of Council Member Dan Sze's passing from esophageal cancer.

“The news of Dan’s passing has hit me hard,” said Mayor David Tarter. “He was a friend who cared deeply about the best interests of our city and its residents and tirelessly advocated for its betterment. He will be sorely missed. On behalf of the City Council, we mourn his passing and send his wife, Elisabeth and family our deepest condolences.”

City Manager Wyatt Shields said, “His staff and Council colleagues will certainly miss his intelligence, his hearty greetings, and the jovial conversations they shared with Dan. He was a one of a kind public servant, and we know his legacy will live on in the many projects he championed.”

We do not have news on a service or memorial. Our thoughts are with the family.

News release: https://us4.campaign-archive.com/?u=6285c81a1416df81ae70592b9&id=e76b215cb7

07/28/2020

Learn more about the newly-announced Rebuild VA Grant Fund, a program to help small businesses and non-profits whose normal operations were disrupted by COVID-19, including restaurants, retail, exercise facilities and personal grooming services: https://www.governor.virginia.gov/rebuildva/

07/24/2020

Turkish Catering Company Opens Gourmet Market in Falls Church

Congratulations to Borekg Catering for a feature in the Tysons Reporter about their brand new storefront! You might already know Borekg from the Falls Church Farmers Market.

https://www.tysonsreporter.com/2020/07/23/turkish-catering-company-opens-gourmet-market-in-falls-church/

A local Turkish catering company recently opened up a new bakery and gourmet market in Falls Church. BorekG officially opened its bakery and market around June 1 at 315 S Maple Ave., but the catering company appeared at the Falls Church Farmers Market prior to the creation of the market. "We

07/23/2020

Wear a mask. Stop the spread of COVID-19.

Remember, masks or face coverings are required inside businesses, and are a good idea anytime you leave your home. Masks are a BIG part of stopping the spread of COVID-19.

People may remove them under a few circumstances, but otherwise should be covering their faces. Learn more at www.fallschurchva.gov/Masks.

07/17/2020

Look what the Economic Development Authority brought to downtown! Huge thanks to Public Works for installing today! Please, everyone, do your part to #StopTheSpread ! Wash your hands often, or if you can't get to soap and water, use hand sanitizer!

If you visit the downtown area this weekend, you'll find three new hand sanitizer stations in three spots: one on W. Broad at Little Falls; one at Mr. Brown's Park (100 block of W. Broad); and one on W. Broad at S. Washington St.

Thanks to the Public Works crew for installing, and thanks, also, to the Economic Development Authority for making it happen!

Let us know what you think about these hand sanitizer stations! Are they helpful? Should we look into getting more?

#StayInPlace #MaintainYourSpace #CoverYourFace

07/13/2020

Take the Business Supplies Survey Now!

City businesses: what do you need to succeed right now? Masks? Sanitizing wipes? Banners? Online forums? Let us know -- the Economic Development Authority wants to help! www.choosefallschurch.org/EDASurvey

07/08/2020

Have you taken the survey yet?

The Economic Development Authority wants to know how they can help businesses stay open safely during the pandemic. Would masks, hand sanitizer, or signage help? City of Falls Church businesses should take the supplies survey and let us know! www.choosefallschurch.org/EDASurvey

07/02/2020

City Business Owners: Show Your Customers You Have Opened Responsibly

To help businesses show customers that they are meeting the Governor’s mandatory guidelines, the EDA created this free printable flyer (www.choosefallschurch.org/poster). Businesses can print it or get a free poster-sized version by visiting the reception desk just inside the City Hall main entrance, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Any business that displays the flyer or poster agrees to abide by all of the Governor’s current and future COVID-19 guidelines.

06/29/2020

Arlington Magazine Profiles the Grand Openings of Solace Outpost and The Toy Nest!

Thanks to Arlington Magazine for featuring the openings of @Solace Outpost and The Toy Nest in The Little City! Grab your face coverings, stay socially distant, and enjoy!

On Solace: "Solace Outpost’s debut, just as Northern Virginia was settling into the second week of its Phase 2 reopening, seems well-timed. 'It’s big, open and airy with plenty of outdoor space, says partner Ian Hilton. 'People feel comfortable and not crowded. I think it’s a good first step back into going out.'"

On the Toy Nest: "Starting a business is hard. Starting a first-of-its-kind business is harder. Starting a first-of-its-kind business during a pandemic—now that’s a challenge. Somehow, Lisa Bourven managed to do it. Nearly two months after her intended grand opening, the Falls Church resident and mother of two was finally able to open the physical location of The Toy Nest, a membership-based 'toy library' at 98 N. Washington St. (next to Thompson Italian), where parents can rent baby gear, games, ride-on toys and more."

https://www.arlingtonmagazine.com/solace-outpost-is-now-open

https://www.arlingtonmagazine.com/a-toy-library-opens-in-falls-church

06/19/2020

Closing Monday, June 22: EDA Grant Applications

CLOSING MONDAY, JUNE 22 :: Applications for the second round of small business and non-profit grants close this Monday night. Please help us spread the word! www.choosefallschurch.org/EDAGrant

06/14/2020

COVID-19 Emergency Grant for Small Businesses & Non-Profits

The EDA Grant application was offline today, but it is back up! Please try again if you would like to apply -- remember, this time, small businesses and non-profits are eligible! See the details at the link. www.choosefallschurch.org/EDAGrant

Small businesses and non-profits in the City of Falls Church, Virginia, that meet eligibility requirements can apply for a grant from the EDA. This application closes on Friday, June 12 at 11:30 p.m.

06/09/2020

Non-Profits and Small Businesses Can Apply for Round Two of the EDA's Grant Program!

Have you applied for your non-profit or small business to get a $2k grant from the City's Economic Development Authority? The deadline is Monday, June 15. See if you qualify and apply today! www.choosefallschurch.org/EDAGrant.

06/05/2020

GOOD NEWS: Both small businesses AND non-profits can apply for the second round of the EDA's emergency grant! The recipients will receive $2,000 to help with urgent expenses.

The deadline to apply is Monday, June 15 at 11:30 p.m. Find eligibility requirements and more at www.choosefallschurch.org/EDAGrant.

What’s New for Round Two:
This the the second round of funding from the EDA. New for this round:

--Non-profits might be eligible if they meet certain requirements (read below)

--Small businesses may have gross receipts from $50,000 to $700,000; last round, the maximum was $500,000

--The 84 businesses who received the grant from the first round in May are not eligible for the second round

05/27/2020

Is your business reopening for Phase One this Friday, May 29? We've compiled resources and information at www.choosefallschurch.org/PhaseOne, and a printable flyer at www.choosefallschurch.org/PhaseOneFlyer.

Don't forget that masks will be required inside public buildings (like shops and salons) on Friday, as well! #stopthespread

Falls Church Chamber of Commerce

05/22/2020

Falls Church City EDO

Information for City Restaurants and Businesses that Want to Reopen for Phase One!

--Phase One *could* start as early as Friday, May 29, if the data supports it.

--All businesses should look at Governor Northam’s requirements and best practices for businesses reopening: https://www.virginia.gov/coronavirus/forwardvirginia/

--City restaurants can find details on tents and outdoor seating here: www.choosefallschurch.org/PhaseOneRestaurants

--City businesses are encouraged to subscribe to the Economic Development Office's updates! www.choosefallschurch.org/subscribe

Phase One Reopening Information for City Restaurants

05/20/2020

84 Small Businesses Awarded Grants from the City of Falls Church Economic Development Authority

Great news: the EDA has funded all 84 qualified applications for the Small Business COVID-19 Emergency Grant! Each business will receive $2,000 for urgent expenses. See the full list of businesses here: https://mailchi.mp/fallschurchva/eda-grant-recipients-may19

Stay tuned here for announcements on future EDA grants!

05/12/2020

Share our local business bingo with your customers and encourage them to play with their neighbors in The Little City! Download the card here: https://choosefallschurch.org/DocumentCenter/View/644/Bingo-Card-May-2020

05/12/2020

BUSINESS ALERT ON MAY 12: Governor Northam's Executive Order 62 was posted this morning. The City of Falls Church and Northern Virginia will delay Phase One of the reopening plan. Businesses in our area will NOT reopen per Phase One plans yet. Details at the link: http://www.choosefallschurch.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=40

05/12/2020

$2,000 Grants for Small Businesses in the City of Falls Church

Small businesses in the City of Falls Church can apply for a grant to help with urgent expenses! Hurry -- the application closes this Friday, May 15 at 11:30 p.m. -- www.choosefallschurch.org/EDAGrant