Kilmarnock, VirginiaGovernmentEconomic Development

Economic Development

Known historically as the “Broadway of the Northern Neck”, Kilmarnock is the commercial hub of the region with a combination of owner run boutique shops to big box stores.

Steptoe’s District is a pedestrian friendly, walkable downtown with wide sidewalks and small independent merchants. The northern portion of Main Street is the location for chain retailers.

Kilmarnock also has an industrial park just off Harris Drive that is home to several mid-sized light manufacturing businesses. There is additional acreage for development with access to water and sewer utilities.

Ask about how to start your business here!

Enterprise Zone

The Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), assists with business development and expansion in specially targeted areas throughout the state called Enterprise Zones.

Land parcels within Kilmarnock’s boundaries are designated part of the Northern Neck Enterprise Zone and are eligible for economic advantages. See the map of the Enterprise Zone for specific parcels. Contact the Town at 804-435-1552 x 3 for more information about a specific parcel. For more information on the Northern Neck Enterprise Zone go to www.northernneck.us

Virginia Enterprise Zone State Incentives are available to businesses and zone investors who create jobs and invest in real property within the boundaries of enterprise zones.

Qualification for the Job Creation Grant (JCG) is based on permanent full-time job creation over a four job threshold, wage rates of at least 175 percent of the Federal minimum wage (150 percent in HUAs*), and the availability of health benefits. Personal service, retail, food, and beverage positions are not eligible to receive job creation grants. **As of 2010, firms located in High Unemployment Areas (HUAs) may qualify for the JCG at the reduced wage rate threshold of $10.88 (150 percent of the Federal minimum wage). A list of HUAs is provided below in the Helpful Links section of this page.

Eligibility for the Real Property Investment Grant (RPIG) is based on qualified investments made to commercial, industrial, and mixed-use buildings or facilities located within the boundaries of an enterprise zone. To be eligible for the RPIG, an individual or entity must invest at least $100,000 for rehabilitation or expansion projects and at least $500,000 for new construction projects.

For more information about state incentive eligibility criteria and grant awards please reference the Virginia Enterprise Zone Grant Matrix.

Local Incentives

1. Business License fee reductions for new or existing businesses
2. Water and Sewer Rate reductions for new or existing businesses
3. Water and Sewer connection fee reductions for new or existing businesses

Qualification Requirements

New or existing businesses must provide two (2) new full-time equivalent jobs or invest $250,000 in real property.

Must not be one of the following business types:
1. Sexually Oriented Businesses (Town of Kilmarnock Code 14.165-176)
2. Pawn Shops
3. Small Business Loan Offices
4. Nightclubs

Staff

Sharon Phillips Economic Development Coordinator
804-435-1552 X3

Facts 'n Snacks Meeting - August 22, 2023 @ 2PM
Virginia Tourism Corporation
Microbusiness Marketing Leveraging Program
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