Start Your Business
A Strong Foundation for Startups
Manassas offers a collaborative ecosystem ideal for startups and small businesses. Entrepreneurs can leverage George Mason University’s innovation resources and the Mason SBDC’s expert guidance. CenterFuse, a local co-working space, promotes collaboration, while GEMS–Entrepreneur Resource Group (ERG) facilitates networking and idea-sharing with mentors, industry experts, and peers. The City’s fast-track business services simplify permits, licensing, and zoning, ensuring quick business setup. Additionally, the award-winning Manassas Farmers Market serves as a platform for product testing and client base building. This supportive environment makes Manassas an ideal location for starting and growing businesses.
Partners
Mason Small Business Development Center
The City of Manassas offers free premier startup services through the Mason SBDC. Entrepreneurs can access no-cost, one-on-one counseling with expert George Siragusa, covering business strategy, market research, financial modeling, digital marketing, and more, guiding businesses from vision to sustainable success.
Partners
People Incorporated Financial Services
People Inc. serves as the City’s Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), providing flexible financing options and technical assistance to help businesses start, grow, and strengthen their operations. Their team offers one-on-one technical assistance, support with business planning, and guidance to help organizations become loan-ready and access the capital they need.
Service Corps of Retired Executives
Similar to Mason SBDC, SCORE Washington supports Manassas entrepreneurs with personalized mentoring, practical training, and expert guidance. By drawing on the strength of experienced business professionals across the D.C. metro region, SCORE connects local startups with proven expertise—empowering them to launch, grow, and succeed within the City’s dynamic and supportive business ecosystem.
CenterFuse
Whether you’re starting a small business or you’re a solopreneur, there’s a movement in the D.C. area towards co-working. In Historic Downtown Manassas, that space is CenterFuse. Here, we’ve captured the energy of this eclectic City in our unique business accelerator where ideas are as fresh as the Farmers Markets, the passion as fiery as the tacos across the street, and the convenience as distinct as the whistles from nearby Amtrak and VRE trains.
GEMS–Entrepreneur Resource Group
GEMS–Entrepreneur Resource Group was created to be the place entrepreneurs can plug in and move forward. We bring together buildings, operators, creatives, and local experts who believe in sharing what works: practical resources, trusted referrals, real conversations, and accountability.
Manassas Farmers Market
The Manassas Farmers Market, recognized as Virginia’s best by several outlets, offers businesses a prime opportunity to build sales and client networks. Many successful ventures have transitioned from market stalls to popular brick-and-mortar locations, using the market’s exposure and loyal customer base to fuel their growth and local success.