The story of 2021 was still the story of COVID-19 and how it affected residents, businesses, and the local economy. At Prince William County Department of Economic Development (PWCDED), our top five most viewed stories show not only how businesses learned to adapt and thrive during these new circumstances, but also how this department continues to work with prospective clients and the community to build the County’s future.
#5
Our People Are Our Advantage
The 2020 U.S. Census revealed quite a bit of information about what is going on in our county. In this blog post, PWCDED Executive Director Christina Winn introduced the county’s data dashboard. Using this dashboard, corporations and businesses of all sizes can make their decisions based on the advantages of our people and the authenticity, affordability, and accessibility in our workforce.
#4
Moving Health Care Data Faster with Fewer Errors
Less time spent on categorizing, codifying, and customizing healthcare data from providers to healthcare system to patients—yes, please! Cyret Technologies uses Robotic Process Automation (RPA) to make it happen. This Manassas-based business was one of the first businesses to receive an IGNITE program grant and are looking for other businesses within Prince William County in needs of process automation and digital transformation.
#3
Rooted in the Community
Opening their yoga studio during a pandemic certainly presented challenges for Niecia and AJ Bullock, but they are especially proud that they didn’t let COVID-19 stop them. Their dream has been to have Rooted Yoga in Belmont Bay reflect the diversity of our world. The team just celebrated their first anniversary, and they want to make yoga accessible to all bodies, everywhere.
#2
The Hub of a Multi-Orbit Constellation of Satellites
SES operates the world’s only multi-orbit constellation of satellites with the unique combination of global coverage and high performance. PWCDED competed to get SES to establish its U.S. technology and operations hub to Gainesville. Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Prince William County to secure the project for Virginia, including Governor Ralph Northam approving a $500,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist Prince William County with the project. SES will create more than 200 new jobs and a $17 million investment from SES to expand its operations to continue providing services in a post-pandemic world.
#1
Support, Shop, and Sustain Small Businesses
Spending your money at local businesses improves the local economy. Many small businesses are still just recovering from the economic hardships created during the COVID-19 pandemic, and they could use your support. Supporting small businesses also supports your community too. Make this list of things to do on Small Business Saturday come alive 365 days of the year. When it’s time to make a purchase, shop your local area first.
Bonus:
The Building Momentum Channel
One of the most visited pages on the PWCDED website in 2021, this award-winning video channel tells the story behind the Prince William County Capital Investment and Innovation Grant program, which provided funding up to $200,000 per business during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
