Message from Executive Director Buddy Rizer:
Small Business Week is always a special time of year in Loudoun. The Supervisor visits to our small businesses, the numerous events and celebrations throughout the County, and for us, the Launch Loudoun Small Business Summit, our staple annual event that brings together small business owners to hear from experts who have faced and overcome similar challenges.
This year’s keynote speaker, Kristen Hadeed, shared invaluable lessons from her business journey and signed copies of her book, Permission to Screw Up, which was gifted to each attendee. The event also featured a high-impact panel discussion titled “Start. Scale. Soar: From Idea to Impact in Loudoun County,” moderated by Jen Polt and featuring local leaders: Becky Harris of Catoctin Creek Distilling Company, Dr. Nandini Selvam of The South Asian Herald, and Dr. Valerie Woo of NOVA Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics. These panelists shared candid insights about the realities of growing a business in Loudoun, overcoming operational hurdles, and the importance of staying rooted in the community even as their companies scale.
The success of these leaders tells exactly why initiatives like our signature program, Launch Loudoun, are so vital. Our small business team's goal is to provide the support that empowers entrepreneurs to find success here in Loudoun County. By connecting founders with mentors and resources, we create a roadmap that helps them navigate the transition from a local startup to a significant market player.
The connection between this support and our county’s economic trajectory is best illustrated by the growing number of Loudoun-based companies appearing on the Inc. 5000 list. In its most recent release, a record-breaking 45 Loudoun County companies were named to the 2025 Inc. 5000 list. When our local businesses make that leap to national recognition, it is proof that this ecosystem works.
These companies are the direct result of a culture that nurtures innovation from day one. When a small business succeeds here, the ripple effect strengthens our local tax base, provides quality jobs for our neighbors, and creates a spirit of mentorship that inspires the next wave of local entrepreneurs.
Loudoun’s small businesses are setting a national standard. I am incredibly proud to be part of an organization that champions these entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey, and look forward to celebrating their ongoing success.
Celebrating small business success,
Buddy
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