Dear Readers:

Entrepreneurial spirit is a big part of what makes Virginia’s economy so vibrant. In the pages of Virginia Business’ fifth annual Guide to Doing Business in Virginia, you will find just about everything you need to know to start or expand your business. Returning again as distribution partners for this year’s guide are the Virginia Department of Business Assistance and the Virginia Small Business Development Centers.  Each year, these two groups help thousands of businesses in all parts of our state point themselves toward a more successful future.

We’ve added a new section on franchising because many small businesses are finding it quicker to enter the market as a franchisee and many mid-size businesses are using the
franchise model to expand.  This year’s guide is also easier to navigate.  We’ve added more section heads for ready reference, created more bullet points for easier reading
and added more resources to the work-force section.

Our editorial department has done an excellent job of producing an independent and comprehensive guide for your business needs. As publisher, I’d also like to thank the advertisers in this year’s guide — and we do have a record number of them. Companies of all sorts recognize that opportunities are created by the growth of small business in Virginia.  As you use this guide, please consider each advertiser as a potential partner to help take your business ideas from concept to reality.

Let us know if this guide helps you or if there is additional content you’d like to see in next year’s version. Virginia Business wants to do its best to help you be successful.

If you have ideas or feedback, you can contact me directly at .

As always, Virginia Business cares about your business!

Bernie Niemeier
Publisher