Arlington Economic Development

Meet Arlington Economic Development

Arlington Economic Development’s mission is to cultivate a sustainable, inclusive economy that supports innovation, entrepreneurship and long-term growth. AED delivers value by connecting businesses with the resources, talent and infrastructure they need to thrive — fueling Arlington’s position as a premier hub for tech and forward-thinking industries.

Over the years, AED has played a pivotal role in transforming Arlington into a thriving hub for technology and innovation by leveraging its strategic proximity to Washington, D.C., fostering partnerships with federal agencies, attracting Amazon’s HQ2 and supporting initiatives like the Arlington Innovation Fund. Through a combination of top-tier talent from institutions like Virginia Tech, vibrant business districts and forward-thinking programs that reduce barriers for startups, AED has cultivated an environment where entrepreneurs, investors and established tech firms can collaborate and grow.

AED serves as a pivotal resource in the tech and startup ecosystem, offering programs like the Arlington Innovation Fund (AIF), which supports initiatives to bolster the local tech landscape. Additionally, AED’s BizLaunch program delivers comprehensive support to small businesses through personalized counseling, marketing assistance, and educational workshops.

Technical.ly readers can engage with AED through various avenues:

Key tech events: We host and sponsor a wide variety of tech events from DC Startup & Tech Week to female founders’ series.
Innovation Ecosystem Newsletter: Sign up for periodic announcements of news and events tailored to startup founders, resource partners and those interested in Arlington’s innovation ecosystem.
AIF Sponsorships: If you’re working on an event that could add value to the regional innovation ecosystem, we invite you to connect with us.