Economic Development

Economic Development is a top priority for Town Council as evidenced by the designation of 0.5% of all meals tax receipts collected going to fund economic development initiatives only. Town Council, in collaboration with the Town of Bedford Economic Development Authority, has established a renewed effort to attract new economic development opportunities leveraging various grants and performance-based incentive programs. As part of the Economic Development expansion, Town Council continues to have a major focus on community planning and the level of service required for accommodating growth and providing resources for a sustainable future.  www.betterinbedford.com

Business Advantages

The Town is comprised of nine square miles providing a unique composite of advantages that make Bedford ideally suited for business and industries seeking large city amenities in a small town environment.
  • Power - Local, renewable, reliable and affordable
  • Water - Industry compatible, redundant, abundant supply
  • Internet - 400 Gigabyte "backbone" access
  • Sites - New and existing building options
  • Location - Mid-Atlantic advantage
  • Incentives - Local and State available
  • Work Force - Daily commute to 500,000
  • Low Costs - Utilities and taxes
  • Quality of Life - Schools, recreation, and low crime

Incentives

There are several incentives available in the Enterprise Zone and downtown area for property improvements. Within the Enterprise Zone there are also property incentives from Virginia for property improvement and job creation. For additional information and to see where the rebates apply, see the map below and contact Mary for more information.

The Economic Development Authority adopted its Incentive Policy for all other incentives in May 2019. If you need assistance that doesn't fit the real property or jobs incentives, please let staff know to see if the EDA can help.
Downtown and Enterprise Zone Areas

Guide to Starting A New Business

  1. Starting a Business in Bedford (PDF)
  2. Business License Application 2023

Area, Location, Quality of Life Profiles

  1. County Profile (PDF)
  2. Community Profile (PDF)

Economic Development Authority

The general purpose of the Authority is to promote industry, develop trade, and promote the attraction and retention of businesses located within the Town limits. The Economic Development Authority of the Town of Bedford, Virginia, fulfills all the purposes and intents of the General Assembly of Virginia, in Title 15.2, Chapter 49, of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended, and by any other enactment adopted by the General Assembly. The Authority fulfills all purposes and intents of the Town Council of the Town of Bedford, Virginia and serves at the appointment of Council. The seven member body serves in rotating 4-year terms of appointment.

The EDA has adopted a Strategic Plan to guide its focus and efforts over time. 

EDA Strategic Plan

  1. Town of Bedford EDA Strategic Plan

Contact the Economic Development Authority

  1. Jonathan Buttram

    Email Jonathan Buttram

    Term Expiration: 11/30/2025


  1. David Sensenig

    Email David Sensenig

    Term Expiration: 11/30/2024


  1. Kevin Turner

    Email Kevin Turner
    Term Expiration: 11/30/2023

  1. Lynn Scott

    Email Lynn Scott

    Term Expiration: 11/30/2024


  1. Ryan Kirkpatrick

    Email Ryan Kirkpatrick

    Term Expiration: 11/30/2022


  1. Liz Brown

    Email Liz Brown

    Term Expiration: 11/30/2022


  1. Michelle Crumpacker

    Email Michelle Crumpacker

    Term Expiration: 11/30/2025


WWW.BETTERINBEDFORD.COM